Self-repairable radome body structure
By using a self-healing radome with a multi-layered composite material structure, the cross-linking reaction of epoxy resin and curing agent solves the problem of outdoor radomes being easily damaged in complex environments, achieving self-healing and signal stability, reducing maintenance costs and extending service life.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520164791.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-24
AI Technical Summary
Outdoor antenna radomes are easily damaged in complex natural environments, leading to signal attenuation and interruption. Traditional repair methods are dangerous and costly.
It adopts a multi-layer composite material structure, including a first skin layer, a self-healing layer and a polyvinyl fluoride film, and utilizes the cross-linking reaction of epoxy resin and curing agent to achieve self-healing, repairing cracks and holes.
It achieves self-healing of the radome, maintains signal stability, reduces manual maintenance, lowers costs, and extends service life.
Smart Images
Figure CN223898608U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of composite materials and radome technology, specifically relating to a self-healing radome structure. Background Technology
[0002] As the external structure protecting the antenna, the radome directly affects the antenna's signal transmission performance. Outdoor antennas are typically used in critical fields such as communications, broadcasting, and radar, where extremely high accuracy and stability of signals are required.
[0003] Large outdoor radomes are typically installed in complex natural environments such as mountains, coastlines, and deserts. These locations are susceptible to strong winds, heavy rain, sandstorms, salt spray, and other natural factors, causing varying degrees of damage to the radome. If the radome is damaged by the natural environment, such as with cracks or holes, rainwater, dust, and moisture can enter, affecting the antenna's electrical performance and causing signal attenuation, distortion, or even interruption. Traditional maintenance methods for large outdoor radomes require professional personnel to perform high-altitude operations, which is not only highly dangerous but also expensive. Therefore, developing a radome structure with self-healing capabilities is essential. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a self-healing antenna radome structure that can promptly repair cracks, holes, etc. caused by the natural environment.
[0005] Therefore, the technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows:
[0006] A self-healing radome structure includes, from top to bottom, a first skin layer, a first self-healing layer, a second skin layer, a foam core layer, a third skin layer, a second self-healing layer, a fourth skin layer, and a polyvinyl fluoride film. A curing agent is applied between the first skin layer and the second skin layer and the first self-healing layer. A curing agent is also applied between the third skin layer and the fourth skin layer and the second self-healing layer. Both the first self-healing layer and the second self-healing layer are filled with epoxy resin that has been cross-linked and cured with the curing agent.
[0007] Both the first and second self-healing layers are formed by filling room-temperature curing epoxy resin into a plain weave fabric made of hollow glass fibers, with a density of 360±10 g / m³. 2 The hollow glass fiber has a hollowness of 50%.
[0008] The plain weave fabric has a thickness of 0.2-0.25 mm, and the hollow glass fiber has a diameter of 60-65 μm.
[0009] Both the first and fourth skin layers are medium-temperature curing plain-weave glass fiber epoxy resin prepregs, with a thickness of 0.2-0.3 mm and a density of 350±10 g / m³. 2 .
[0010] Both the second and third skin layers are medium-temperature curing plain-weave glass fiber epoxy resin prepregs, with a thickness of 0.1-0.15 mm and a density of 120±10 g / m³. 2 The porosity is 25%.
[0011] The polyvinyl fluoride film has a thickness of 20-30 μm and a density of 40-45 g / m³. 2 .
[0012] The curing agent is an aliphatic amine or polyamide curing agent.
[0013] The density of both the first and second self-healing layers is 360±10 g / m³. 2 The hollow glass fiber has a hollowness of 50%.
[0014] The plain weave fabric has a thickness of 0.2-0.25 mm and the hollow glass fiber has a diameter of 60-65 μm.
[0015] The thickness of both the first and fourth skin layers is 0.2-0.3 mm, and the density is 350±10 g / m³. 2 .
[0016] The second and third skin layers are both 0.1-0.15 mm thick and have a density of 120 ± 10 g / m³. 2 The porosity of all of them is 25%.
[0017] The foam core layer is made of polyurethane foam, polymethacrylamide foam, or polyvinyl chloride foam, with a density of 60-80 kg / m³. 3 .
[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0019] This invention provides a self-healing radome structure comprising, from top to bottom, a first skin layer, a first self-healing layer, a second skin layer, a foam core layer, a third skin layer, a second self-healing layer, a fourth skin layer, and a polyvinyl fluoride film. When the radome structure is damaged in the environment (such as by cracks or holes), pressure differences or material breakage will drive the first and second self-healing layers to release epoxy resin. This epoxy resin then comes into contact with the curing agent of the first, second, third, and fourth skin layers, causing a cross-linking reaction between the epoxy resin and the curing agent, which then cures at room temperature. This timely repair of the damage ensures the antenna always operates in a favorable environment, thereby maintaining stable signal transmission quality. This enhances the radome's ability to adapt to complex natural environments, reduces the frequency of manual maintenance, and extends its service life. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] In the diagram: 1. First skin layer; 2. First self-healing layer; 3. Second skin layer; 4. Foam core layer; 5. Third skin layer; 6. Second self-healing layer; 7. Fourth skin layer; 8. Polyvinyl fluoride film. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification.
[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided to fully and completely disclose the present invention and to fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings is not intended to limit the present invention. In the drawings, the same units / elements are referred to by the same reference numerals.
[0024] Unless otherwise stated, the terms used herein (including technical terms) have their common meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, it is understood that terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be understood to have a meaning consistent with the context of their relevant field, and not to be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning.
[0025] This invention provides a self-healing antenna radome structure, such as... Figure 1As shown, the structure includes, from top to bottom, a first skin layer 1, a first self-healing layer 2, a second skin layer 3, a foam core layer 4, a third skin layer 5, a second self-healing layer 6, a fourth skin layer 7, and a polyvinyl fluoride film 8. A curing agent is applied between the first skin layer 1 and the second skin layer 3 and the first self-healing layer 2. A curing agent is also applied between the third skin layer 5 and the fourth skin layer 7 and the second self-healing layer 6. Both the first self-healing layer 2 and the second self-healing layer 6 are filled with epoxy resin that has been cross-linked and cured with the curing agent.
[0026] Repair principle:
[0027] When the antenna radome structure is damaged in the environment (such as cracks, holes, etc.), the pressure difference or material damage will drive the first self-healing layer 2 and the second self-healing layer 6 to release epoxy resin. After contacting the curing agent of the first skin layer 1, the second skin layer 3, the third skin layer 5 and the fourth skin layer 7, the epoxy resin and the curing agent will undergo a cross-linking reaction and cure at room temperature, thus repairing these damages in a timely manner.
[0028] The self-repairing radome structure provided by this utility model, by sequentially arranging a first skin layer 1, a first self-repairing layer 2, a second skin layer 3, a foam core layer 4, a third skin layer 5, a second self-repairing layer 6, a fourth skin layer 7, and a polyvinyl fluoride film 8 from top to bottom, can achieve self-repair after the radome suffers damage of varying degrees, maintain its structural integrity and performance stability, ensure that the antenna can work normally, reduce signal attenuation and distortion caused by radome damage, and better adapt to harsh natural environments.
[0029] Example 2
[0030] Based on Example 1, this example provides a self-healing antenna radome structure. Both the first self-healing layer 2 and the second self-healing layer 6 are formed by filling a plain-weave fabric made of hollow glass fibers with room-temperature curing epoxy resin, and have a density of 360±10 g / m³. 2 The hollow glass fiber has a hollowness of 50%.
[0031] The plain weave fabric has a thickness of 0.2-0.25 mm, and the hollow glass fiber has a diameter of 60-65 μm.
[0032] A self-healing radome can significantly reduce reliance on manual maintenance. When minor damage occurs, the radome can automatically repair itself without human intervention, thus saving considerable manpower, material resources, and financial resources.
[0033] Example 3
[0034] Based on Example 1, this example provides a self-healing radome structure. The first skin layer 1 and the fourth skin layer 7 are both medium-temperature cured plain-weave glass fiber epoxy resin prepregs with a thickness of 0.2-0.3 mm and a density of 350±10 g / m³. 2 .
[0035] Medium-temperature curing refers to curing at 100-120℃ for 90 minutes.
[0036] The self-healing function of this radome structure can promptly repair damage that occurs during use, preventing further damage and extending the radome's lifespan. Compared to traditional radomes, the self-healing radome does not require frequent replacement, which not only reduces material costs but also minimizes downtime caused by radome replacement, improving equipment efficiency.
[0037] Example 4
[0038] Based on Example 1, this example provides a self-healing radome structure. The second skin layer 3 and the third skin layer 5 are both medium-temperature cured plain-weave glass fiber epoxy resin prepregs with a thickness of 0.1-0.15 mm and a density of 120±10 g / m³. 2 The porosity is 25%. Medium-temperature curing refers to curing at 100-120℃ for 90 minutes.
[0039] Example 5
[0040] Based on Example 1, this example provides a self-healing radome structure, wherein the polyvinyl fluoride film 8 has a thickness of 20-30 μm and a density of 40-45 g / m³. 2 .
[0041] The polyvinyl fluoride film 8 is traded as Tedlar film. Its excellent weather resistance and chemical stability allow the radome to maintain a service life of up to decades, reducing maintenance costs and replacement frequency.
[0042] Example 6
[0043] Based on Example 1, this example provides a self-healing antenna radome structure, wherein the curing agent is an aliphatic amine or polyamide curing agent.
[0044] The foam core layer 4 is made of polyurethane foam, polymethacrylamide foam, or polyvinyl chloride foam, with a density of 60-80 kg / m³. 3 .
[0045] When aliphatic amines or polyamides are mixed with epoxy resin, they are fully cured within 3 hours at 25°C.
[0046] Antenna radome manufacturing process:
[0047] Step 1) After heating the mold to 50°C, apply a release agent to the surface, then lay the first skin layer 1 on the surface of the mold, and apply a curing agent to the contact surface between the upper surface of the first skin layer 1 and the first self-healing layer 2.
[0048] Step 2) Lay the first self-healing layer 2 on the first skin layer 1;
[0049] Step 3) Lay the second skin layer 3 on the first self-healing layer 2, and apply a curing agent to the contact surface between the lower surface of the second skin layer 3 and the first self-healing layer 2;
[0050] Step 4) Lay a foam sandwich layer on the second skin layer 3;
[0051] Step 5) Lay the third skin layer 5 on the foam core layer 4, and apply a curing agent to the contact surface between the upper surface of the third skin layer 5 and the second self-healing layer 6.
[0052] Step 6) Lay the second self-healing layer 6 on the third skin layer 5;
[0053] Step 7) Lay the fourth skin layer 7 on the second self-healing layer 6, and apply a curing agent to the contact surface between the lower surface of the fourth skin layer 7 and the second self-healing layer 6;
[0054] Step 8) Lay a Tedlar layer (8 layers of polyvinyl fluoride film) on the fourth skin layer 7.
[0055] Step 9) Using an oven vacuum forming assisted forming process, place the Tedlar layer on the vacuum bag surface. The process conditions are: first, keep it at 80℃ for 30 minutes, then raise the temperature to 120℃ and keep it for 90 minutes, with a pressure of 0.15MPa; after cooling to below 60℃, demold to obtain the product.
[0056] The above examples are merely illustrative of this utility model and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. All designs that are the same as or similar to this utility model are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A self-healing antenna radome structure, characterized in that: The material comprises, from top to bottom, a first skin layer, a first self-healing layer, a second skin layer, a foam core layer, a third skin layer, a second self-healing layer, a fourth skin layer, and a polyvinyl fluoride film. A curing agent is applied between the first skin layer and the second skin layer and the first self-healing layer. A curing agent is also applied between the third skin layer and the fourth skin layer and the second self-healing layer. Both the first and second self-healing layers are filled with epoxy resin that has been cross-linked and cured with the curing agent.
2. The self-healing radome structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first and second self-healing layers are formed by filling room temperature curing epoxy resin into plain weave fabric made of hollow glass fiber.
3. The self-healing radome structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first and fourth skin layers are medium-temperature curing plain-textured glass fiber epoxy resin prepregs.
4. The self-healing radome structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the second and third skin layers are medium-temperature curing plain-textured glass fiber epoxy resin prepregs.
5. The self-healing radome structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The polyvinyl fluoride film has a thickness of 20-30 μm and a density of 40-45 g / m³. 2 .
6. The self-healing radome structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The curing agent is an aliphatic amine or polyamide curing agent.
7. The self-healing radome structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The density of both the first and second self-healing layers is 360±10 g / m³. 2 The hollow glass fiber has a hollowness of 50%. The plain weave fabric has a thickness of 0.2-0.25 mm, and the hollow glass fiber has a diameter of 60-65 μm.
8. The self-healing radome structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The thickness of both the first and fourth skin layers is 0.2-0.3 mm, and the density is 350±10 g / m³. 2 .
9. The self-healing radome structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second and third skin layers are both 0.1-0.15 mm thick and have a density of 120 ± 10 g / m³. 2 The porosity of all of them is 25%.
10. A self-healing radome structure according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: The foam core layer is made of polyurethane foam, polymethacrylamide foam, or polyvinyl chloride foam, with a density of 60-80 kg / m³. 3 .