Integrated tool applicable to unfolding state of encircling type SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) antenna

Abstract

The utility model provides an integrated tool suitable for a surrounding type SAR antenna in an unfolded state. The integrated tool comprises an antenna switching frame, an L-shaped connecting beam, a first reinforcing block and a second reinforcing block, wherein the antenna switching frame and the L-shaped connecting beam are connected; the first reinforcing block and the second reinforcing block are connected to the L-shaped connecting beam respectively; two ends of each SAR antenna sub-plate are symmetrically connected with two antenna switching frames, one end of each antenna switching frame is connected with a hoisting hole of the corresponding SAR antenna sub-plate, and the other end of each antenna switching frame is connected with the corresponding L-shaped connecting beam; the first reinforcing block and the second reinforcing block are of a mirror image structure, are perpendicular to the antenna switching frame and the L-shaped connecting beam, and are connected with the two sides of the satellite platform respectively. According to the utility model, the SAR antenna sub-arrays are combined into a large integral plate and are connected with the satellite platform structure at the same time, the connected satellite SAR antenna can move or adjust the attitude at will in an unfolded state, and the SAR antenna sub-arrays do not move relatively, so that the hinge is not deformed due to the influence of stress; the requirement that the satellite SAR antenna can move or adjust the attitude in the unfolding state is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of satellite technology, specifically to an integrated tooling suitable for the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna. Background Technology

[0002] Spaceborne phased array antennas (SAR antennas) are generally thin plate-shaped structures. In order to occupy a small envelope space of the fairing during the launch process, the phased array antenna is usually divided into multiple identical antenna subarrays along the azimuth direction. During the launch, they are in a collapsed state and are deployed to form a coplanar structure after being released in orbit.

[0003] More and more SAR satellites are adopting a wraparound folding antenna configuration, where the central subarray is directly fixed to the satellite's +Z (ground-facing) module, and two deployable subarrays are folded around it from below. In orbit, the two deployable subarrays unfold sequentially around the sides of the central subarray, with the three subarrays forming a coplanar antenna configuration. This configuration offers several advantages: Firstly, the antenna integration with the satellite platform is relatively simple during final assembly. Only the central subarray has a mechanical interface with the platform, and the unfolding and clamping / releasing mechanisms of the two deployable subarrays only have mechanical interfaces with the central subarray. Secondly, because the SAR antenna is folded onto a single module of the satellite platform, the platform height can be significantly reduced, unaffected by the antenna, facilitating multi-satellite deployment and adapting to a wider launch envelope.

[0004] When a satellite SAR antenna is deployed and tested on the ground, it needs to be unloaded by a zero-gravity deployment support and suspension system or an air-float system. At this time, the normal of the antenna's radiating surface is parallel to the horizontal plane, and the rotation axis of the antenna hinge is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. This makes it easy to unload the weight throughout the antenna deployment process. However, the disadvantage is that the SAR antenna cannot be moved during or after deployment. Otherwise, the zero-gravity state that has been adjusted will be lost, causing the antenna hinge to be stressed and damaging the assembly accuracy.

[0005] Zero-gravity deployment supports and suspension systems or air-float systems are only suitable for deployment when the antenna hinge rotation axis is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. However, in some situations, due to space constraints or satellite attitude limitations, it is inconvenient to use zero-gravity deployment support systems or air-float systems to compensate for the gravity during antenna deployment. For example, during the satellite's thermal testing phase, the SAR antenna needs to be deployed in a vacuum chamber with the radiating surface facing down. In this case, the antenna hinge rotation axis is parallel to the horizontal plane, and it is necessary to consider preventing deformation of the deployment hinge during the entire thermal test, which could affect the deployment accuracy.

[0006] During the hot testing phase of SAR satellites, there are several common methods to address the gravity-induced hinge issue on the antenna panel. One approach is to use a pre-existing hinge during the hot testing phase, replacing it with a standard hinge later on the satellite. Another approach is to conduct hot testing without a hinge, requiring a hot testing fixture to assemble multiple antenna panels into a single array. Both methods prevent deformation of the standard SAR antenna hinge under stress, but the problem is that both require reinstalling the hinge and adjusting the antenna deployment accuracy later, increasing the time and steps involved in subsequent satellite assembly.

[0007] The advantage of the wraparound SAR antenna configuration is that the integration of the antenna with the satellite platform is relatively simple. Only the middle subarray has a mechanical interface with the satellite platform, and the hinge mechanisms and clamping / releasing mechanisms of the two deployable subarrays only have mechanical interfaces with the middle subarray. Therefore, the SAR antenna is usually installed and debugged by the developer and delivered to the satellite as a whole, only requiring simple mechanical interfaces for installation on the satellite platform, saving subsequent assembly time. If the SAR satellite adopts the above two methods during the hot testing phase, the problem is that the hinges of the SAR antenna that have already been debugged must be disassembled first, and then reinstalled after the test is completed.

[0008] Therefore, a tooling is needed to address the need for moving or adjusting the attitude of satellite SAR antennas during deployment. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention addresses the need for satellite SAR antennas to be movable or have their attitude adjusted in the deployed state. It provides an integrated fixture suitable for deployed circumferential SAR antennas, which integrates with the three deployed SAR antenna subarrays via pre-reserved external interfaces to form a large, single-piece board. It also includes pre-reserved interfaces for connection to the entire satellite structure. This allows the integrated fixture and antenna board to be connected to the satellite platform structure, enabling the satellite SAR antenna to be moved or have its attitude adjusted freely in the deployed state, without relative movement of the three SAR antenna subarrays that could cause deformation of the hinges due to stress. This solves the problem of allowing for movement or attitude adjustment of the satellite SAR antenna in the deployed state.

[0010] This utility model provides an integrated tooling suitable for the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna, including a connected antenna adapter frame, an L-shaped connecting beam, and a first reinforcing block and a second reinforcing block respectively connected to the L-shaped connecting beam;

[0011] Two antenna adapter frames are symmetrically connected to both ends of each SAR antenna sub-board. One end of the antenna adapter frame is connected to the hoisting hole of the SAR antenna sub-board, and the other end is connected to the L-connecting beam.

[0012] The first and second reinforcing blocks are mirror images of each other, perpendicular to the antenna adapter frame and the L-shaped connecting beam. The first and second reinforcing blocks are respectively connected to the two sides of the satellite platform.

[0013] The antenna adapter frame includes an antenna adapter frame body and a first L-frame connection hole, a second L-frame connection hole, and a hoisting connection hole connected to the antenna adapter frame body. The first L-frame connection hole and the second L-frame connection hole are both threaded holes, and the hoisting connection hole is a through hole. The first L-frame connection hole and the hoisting connection hole are arranged opposite to each other.

[0014] The present invention provides an integrated tooling suitable for the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna. In a preferred embodiment, the L-connecting beam includes a first connecting surface and a second connecting surface that are vertically connected, a first through hole connected to the second connecting surface, and a second through hole connected to the first connecting surface.

[0015] The first through hole has the same number of holes as the first L-frame connection hole, the positions correspond to each other, and they are connected by screws. The second through hole has the same number of holes as the second L-frame connection hole, the positions correspond to each other, and they are connected by screws.

[0016] The present invention provides an integrated tooling suitable for the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna. In a preferred embodiment, the antenna adapter frame body includes an outer frame and a support rib connected inside the outer frame. A first L-frame connecting hole and a hoisting connecting hole are respectively connected to opposite sides of the outer frame. A second L-frame connecting hole is connected above the connection between the outer frame and the support rib, and the opening direction is perpendicular to the opening direction of the first L-frame connecting hole.

[0017] The integrated tooling of the present invention, which is suitable for the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna, preferably has the first L-frame connecting holes and the second L-frame connecting holes being equally spaced.

[0018] The integrated tooling of the present invention, applicable to the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna, preferably includes two supporting ribs, four sets of two longitudinally arranged connecting holes in the first L-frame, and four connecting holes in the second L-frame with the same spacing as the connecting holes in the first L-frame.

[0019] The integrated tooling of the present invention, applicable to the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna, as a preferred embodiment, further includes a third through hole connected to the first connecting surface in the L-shaped connecting beam, with the third through holes arranged in pairs.

[0020] The first reinforcement block includes a first reinforcement block body and a third L-frame connection hole and a first satellite platform mounting hole respectively connected to the first reinforcement block body;

[0021] The second reinforcement block includes a second reinforcement block body and a fourth L-frame connection hole and a second satellite platform mounting hole respectively connected to the second reinforcement block body;

[0022] The first and second reinforcing block bodies are mirror images of each other. The third and fourth L-frame connecting holes are both through holes and are connected to the third through hole by screws and nuts. The first and second satellite platform mounting holes are both through holes and are connected to the satellite platform by screws.

[0023] The integrated tooling of the present invention, which is suitable for the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna, preferably includes two sets of third through holes, each set comprising two through holes.

[0024] The integrated tooling of the present invention, applicable to the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna, preferably includes two mounting holes for both the first and second satellite platforms, which are respectively connected to the two sides of the satellite platform by screws.

[0025] The integrated tooling of the present invention, applicable to the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna, preferably includes two L-shaped connecting beams, two first reinforcing blocks, and two second reinforcing blocks, and the number of antenna adapter frames is twice the number of SAR antenna sub-boards.

[0026] The present invention provides an integrated tooling suitable for the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna. As a preferred embodiment, the antenna adapter frame consists of three sets of two frames each.

[0027] This utility model has the following advantages:

[0028] (1) This utility model provides an integrated tooling suitable for the unfolded state of a ring-type SAR antenna. It is combined with the reserved external interface of the three SAR antenna subarrays after unfolding to form a large integral plate. At the same time, it reserves an interface with the whole satellite structure. The integrated tooling connects the antenna plate and the satellite platform structure, allowing the satellite SAR antenna to move or adjust its attitude arbitrarily in the unfolded state. The three SAR antenna subarrays will not move relative to each other, thus causing the hinge to be deformed due to stress. This solves the need for the satellite SAR antenna to move or adjust its attitude in the unfolded state.

[0029] (2) The present invention has a simple structure and has a large rigidity, which ensures that the integrated structure has a large resistance to deformation and that the SAR antenna subarray will not undergo relative displacement, thereby causing the hinge to deform under stress.

[0030] (3) This utility model simplifies the external interface of the whole satellite. Usually, when the whole satellite is tested, the ground tooling needs to have a connection interface with both the satellite platform and the SAR antenna. The integrated tooling occupies the external hoisting interface of the SAR antenna, so that the ground tooling only needs to have a connection interface with the satellite platform to meet the usage requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated tooling structure suitable for the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna;

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an integrated tooling antenna adapter frame structure suitable for the deployed state of a wraparound SAR antenna.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation state of an integrated tooling antenna adapter frame and a SAR antenna sub-board suitable for the deployed state of a wraparound SAR antenna.

[0034] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an integrated tooling L-shaped connecting beam structure suitable for the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of an integrated tooling L-shaped connecting beam suitable for the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna.

[0036] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the first reinforcing block structure of an integrated tooling suitable for the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna;

[0037] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the second reinforcing block structure of an integrated tooling suitable for the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a front view of an integrated tooling assembly state suitable for a circular SAR antenna in its deployed state.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of an integrated tooling assembly for a circular SAR antenna in its deployed state.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated tooling structure for use in the deployed state of a circular SAR antenna.

[0041] Figure label:

[0042] 1. Antenna adapter frame; 11. Antenna adapter frame body; 111. Outer frame; 112. Support rib; 12. First L-frame connection hole; 13. Second L-frame connection hole; 14. Lifting connection hole; 2. L-connecting beam; 21. First connecting surface; 22. Second connecting surface; 23. First through hole; 24. Second through hole; 25. Third through hole; 3. First reinforcing block; 31. First reinforcing block body; 32. Third L-frame connection hole; 33. First satellite platform mounting hole; 4. Second reinforcing block; 41. Second reinforcing block body; 42. Fourth L-frame connection hole; 43. Second satellite platform mounting hole; 5. SAR antenna sub-board; 6. Satellite platform. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Example 1

[0044] like Figures 1-10 As shown, an integrated tooling suitable for the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna;

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown: The integrated tooling consists of three parts: 6 antenna adapter frames 1, 2 L-shaped connecting beams 2, 2 first reinforcing blocks 3 and 2 second reinforcing blocks 4. All parts need to have high rigidity.

[0046] like Figures 2-3 The diagram shows the configuration of the antenna adapter frame 1. The antenna adapter frame 1 is rectangular with a reinforcing structure in the middle. The antenna adapter frame body 11 includes an outer frame 111 and supporting ribs 112 connected inside the outer frame 111. The antenna adapter frame 1 mainly extends the mounting holes on the SAR antenna sub-board 5 outwards by a certain distance, facilitating the avoidance of protruding structures on the SAR antenna body (such as hinges, clamping and releasing mechanisms, etc.). One side of the antenna adapter frame 1 has four pairs of first L-frame connecting holes 12 (threaded holes) and four second L-frame connecting holes 13 (threaded holes) that mate with the L-connecting beam 2. The first L-frame connecting holes 12 and second L-frame connecting holes 13 are evenly spaced. The other side has two mounting connecting holes 14 that mate with the SAR antenna mounting holes. The positions of the two pairs of mounting connecting holes 14 can be adjusted according to the position of the SAR antenna mounting holes. Two antenna adapter frames 1 are symmetrically installed on each SAR antenna sub-board 5.

[0047] like Figures 4-5The diagram shows the L-shaped connecting beam 2, which connects the three SAR antenna sub-boards 5 into a single structure via the antenna adapter frame 1. The L-shaped connecting beam 2 has an L-beam configuration, including a first connecting surface 21 and a second connecting surface 22 that are vertically connected. Both the first connecting surface 21 and the second connecting surface 22 have mounting interfaces for the antenna adapter frame 1. The L-shaped connecting beam 2 has three sets of interfaces that connect to the three antenna adapter frames 1 respectively. The first through hole 23 is installed with the first L-frame connecting hole 12, and the second through hole 24 is installed with the second L-frame connecting hole 13. The L-shaped configuration of the L-shaped connecting beam 2 provides greater bending stiffness in two directions, ensuring that the integrated structure has greater resistance to deformation.

[0048] like Figures 6-7 The diagram shows the first reinforcing block 3 and the second reinforcing block 4, which are mirror images of each other. The bodies 31 and 41 of the first and second reinforcing blocks are located on opposite sides of the satellite platform 6. One end of each block has a third L-frame connection hole 32 and a fourth L-frame connection hole 42 for connection with the L-connecting beam 2, while the other end has a first satellite platform mounting hole 33 (through hole) and a second satellite platform mounting hole 43 (through hole) for installation with the mounting holes on the satellite platform 6. The first and second reinforcing blocks 3 and 4 further increase the rigidity of the integrated tooling structure, preventing deformation from causing stress on the hinge.

[0049] Figures 8-10 The implementation process of the integrated tooling is as follows: First, the satellite attitude is adjusted so that the SAR antenna array is perpendicular to the horizontal plane and the hinge rotation axis is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The SAR antenna is then deployed using a zero-gravity support and suspension system. After the SAR antenna is deployed, six antenna adapter frames 1 are installed sequentially on the upper and lower edges of the three SAR antenna sub-plates 5. These frames are then connected to the six antenna adapter frames 1 via two L-shaped connecting beams 2, thus combining the three SAR antenna sub-plates 5 into a single large integral plate. Finally, the first reinforcing block 3 and the second reinforcing block 4 are installed to further connect the integrated tooling to the satellite platform 6. At this point, the entire integrated tooling has high bending stiffness in both directions, ensuring that the integrated structure has a high resistance to deformation. This allows the satellite SAR antenna to move or adjust its attitude freely in the deployed state without relative displacement of the three SAR antenna sub-plates 5, thus preventing deformation of the hinge due to stress.

[0050] In this embodiment, the SAR antenna sub-board 5 measures 1.3 meters (length) × 0.78 meters (width) × 0.04 meters (height), and the total length of the three antenna subarrays is 3.9 meters (length) × 0.78 meters (width) × 0.04 meters (height). The antenna adapter frame 1 measures 0.5 meters (length) × 0.15 meters (width) × 0.035 meters (height); the L-connecting beam 2 measures 3 meters (length) × 0.043 meters (width) × 0.045 meters (height); and the envelope dimensions of the first reinforcing block 3 and the second reinforcing block 4 are both 0.126 meters (length) × 0.111 meters (width) × 0.06 meters (height). The antenna adapter frame 1, the L-connecting beam 2, the first reinforcing block 3, and the second reinforcing block 4 are all made of aluminum alloy.

[0051] After the SAR antenna is deployed, it is combined into a large integral plate using integrated tooling, which greatly improves the rigidity and avoids damage to the hinge due to stress, thus improving the deployment accuracy.

[0052] The above is only a preferred specific implementation method of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to this. Any technician familiar with the technical field within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention can make equivalent replacements or changes based on the technical solution and utility model concept of the present invention, which should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated tooling suitable for use with a circular SAR antenna in its deployed state, characterized in that: It includes a connected antenna adapter frame (1), an L-shaped connecting beam (2), and a first reinforcing block (3) and a second reinforcing block (4) respectively connected to the L-shaped connecting beam (2); Two antenna adapter frames (1) are symmetrically connected to both ends of each SAR antenna sub-board (5). One end of the antenna adapter frame (1) is connected to the hoisting hole of the SAR antenna sub-board (5), and the other end is connected to the L connecting beam (2). The first reinforcing block (3) and the second reinforcing block (4) are mirror structures, perpendicular to the antenna adapter frame (1) and the L connecting beam (2), and the first reinforcing block (3) and the second reinforcing block (4) are respectively connected to both sides of the satellite platform (6); The antenna adapter frame (1) includes an antenna adapter frame body (11) and a first L-frame connecting hole (12), a second L-frame connecting hole (13), and a hoisting connecting hole (14) connected to the antenna adapter frame body (11). The first L-frame connecting hole (12) and the second L-frame connecting hole (13) are both threaded holes, and the hoisting connecting hole (14) is a through hole. The first L-frame connecting hole (12) and the hoisting connecting hole (14) are arranged opposite to each other.

2. The integrated tooling for use with a circular SAR antenna in its deployed state according to claim 1, characterized in that: The L-connecting beam (2) includes a first connecting surface (21) and a second connecting surface (22) that are vertically connected, a first through hole (23) connected to the second connecting surface (22) and a second through hole (24) connected to the first connecting surface (21). The first through hole (23) is the same number as the first L-frame connecting hole (12), and their positions correspond to each other and are connected by screws. The second through hole (24) is the same number as the second L-frame connecting hole (13), and their positions correspond to each other and are connected by screws.

3. The integrated tooling for use with a circular SAR antenna in its deployed state according to claim 2, characterized in that: The antenna adapter frame body (11) includes an outer frame (111) and a support rib (112) connected inside the outer frame (111). The first L-frame connecting hole (12) and the hoisting connecting hole (14) are respectively connected to opposite sides of the outer frame (111). The second L-frame connecting hole (13) is connected above the connection between the outer frame (111) and the support rib (112) and the opening direction is perpendicular to the opening direction of the first L-frame connecting hole (12).

4. The integrated tooling for use with a circular SAR antenna in its deployed state according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first L-frame connecting hole (12) and the second L-frame connecting hole (13) are both equally spaced.

5. The integrated tooling for use with a circular SAR antenna in its deployed state according to claim 3, characterized in that: The number of the supporting ribs (112) is 2, the number of the first L-frame connecting holes (12) is 4 groups, two in each group and arranged longitudinally, and the number of the second L-frame connecting holes (13) is 4, with the spacing being the same as the spacing of the first L-frame connecting holes (12).

6. The integrated tooling for use with a circular SAR antenna in its deployed state according to claim 2, characterized in that: The L-connecting beam (2) further includes a third through hole (25) connected to the first connecting surface (21), and the third through holes (25) are arranged in pairs; The first reinforcing block (3) includes a first reinforcing block body (31) and a third L-frame connection hole (32) and a first satellite platform mounting hole (33) respectively connected to the first reinforcing block body (31); The second reinforcement block (4) includes a second reinforcement block body (41) and a fourth L-frame connection hole (42) and a second satellite platform mounting hole (43) respectively connected to the second reinforcement block body (41). The first reinforcing block body (31) and the second reinforcing block body (41) are mirror structures. The third L-frame connecting hole (32) and the fourth L-frame connecting hole (42) are both through holes and are connected to the third through hole (25) by screws and nuts. The first satellite platform mounting hole (33) and the second satellite platform mounting hole (43) are both through holes and are connected to the satellite platform (6) by screws.

7. The integrated tooling for use with a circular SAR antenna in its deployed state according to claim 6, characterized in that: The third through hole (25) consists of two groups, each group including two through holes.

8. An integrated tooling for use with a circular SAR antenna in its deployed state, as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The number of the first satellite platform mounting hole (33) and the second satellite platform mounting hole (43) are both two, and they are respectively connected to the two sides of the satellite platform (6) by screws.

9. An integrated tooling suitable for the deployed state of a ring-shaped SAR antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The number of L-connecting beams (2), the first reinforcing block (3) and the second reinforcing block (4) are all 2, and the number of antenna adapter frames (1) is twice the number of SAR antenna sub-boards (5).

10. An integrated tooling for use with a circular SAR antenna in its deployed state, as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The number of antenna adapter frames (1) is 3 sets, with two frames in each set.

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