Deployable antenna system

Abstract

The deployable antenna system comprises a carrier body (1) to which the antenna (A) is connected so that it can move between open position and closed position; a first connector (K1) comprising a connection tip (B) which is directly connected to one end of the antenna (A) and extends perpendicular to the movement plane of the antenna (A); a second connector (K2) which is arranged so that the connection tip (B) placed inside can rotate around its own axis and is fixed to the carrier body (1); a connection piece (2) which allows the connection tip (B) to be directly connected to the second connector (K2) and the movement of the antenna (A) to be realized by the rotation of the connection tip (B) within the second connector; a torsion spring (5) which allows the antenna (A) to be pushed towards the open position when it is released.

Description

[0001] DEPLOYABLE ANTENNA SYSTEM

[0002] Relevant Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a deployable antenna system suitable for use on small satellites, particularly nano satellites.

[0004] Prior Art

[0005] As a result of the rapid development of space technology, micro and nano satellites, whose usage area has increased significantly, have very small dimensions compared to large satellites. Therefore, they also require innovations in the design of antennas and similar payloads that must be on the satellite.

[0006] In order for the satellite to reach the mission orbit, it needs to be loaded onto the launch vehicle, and the shape and volume of the satellite affect the efficiency of the launch vehicle. Therefore, satellites need to be placed in a way that they occupy a minimum volume on the launch vehicle. In order for the satellite not to take up too much space in the vehicle where it is loaded for launch and also to prevent damage during launch, it is preferred that the antennas are kept in a closed position until the satellite reaches the mission orbit and opened at a suitable time after the satellite reaches the mission orbit. In this direction, there are various deployable antenna mechanisms in the state of the art.

[0007] The deployable antenna described in the patent document numbered WO2016174625A1 is made of a shape memory alloy or a material that exhibits elastic properties that can act like a spring. The antenna in question looks like a wrapped strip in the closed position and it is positioned on the satellite. When the satellite reaches orbit, the antenna is deployed by releasing the mechanism that holds the antenna. However, since the strength of the strip antennas is low, the orientation of the antenna may change in the event of sudden orientation movements of the satellite; in addition, the antenna may be damaged during the opening or operation process.

[0008] In the applications that include a deployable rigid antenna structure, the electrical connection of the antenna; which is moving between the open and closed positions; is provided by a connection cable. Since the connection cable will stretch and loosen as a result of the movement of the antenna, this cable should be kept a little longer and torsion margin should be left in accordance with the tensioned position. In the mentioned applications, the cable stretching and loosening during the opening and closing of the antenna may cause a failure. In addition, as the angle difference between the open and closed positions of the antenna increases, the length of the torsion margin of the connection cable should also increase. Therefore, the ability to move up to 90 degrees between the open and closed positions of the antenna can be provided. There is a need for deployable antenna applications that eliminate the mentioned failure cause and provide a wider movement angle.

[0009] Object of the invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to develop a deployable antenna system in which the antenna is directly connected to the antenna connector and performs rotational movement within the antenna connector.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a deployable antenna system that allows the antenna to perform a rotational movement of more than 90 degrees between its open and closed positions.

[0012] Definition of the figures

[0013] Exemplary applications of the deployable antenna system developed with the present invention are shown in the attached figures and from these figures;

[0014] Figure 1 is an exemplary representation of the deployable antenna system according to the present invention, with the antennas in the closed position.

[0015] Figure 2 is an exemplary representation of the deployable antenna system according to the present invention, during the deployment of the antennas.

[0016] Figure 3 is an exemplary representation of the deployable antenna system according to the present invention, with the antennas in the opened position.

[0017] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the deployable antenna system according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 is another exploded view of the deployable antenna system according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the antenna connection included in the deployable antenna system according to the present invention.

[0020] The elements in the figures are referenced one by one and the correspondences of these elements are given below:

[0021] Carrier body (1) Main body (1a) Wall (1 b)

[0022] Antenna (A)

[0023] First connector (K1)

[0024] Connection tip (B)

[0025] Second connector (K2)

[0026] Connection piece (2) Bottom surface (2a) Top surface (2b) Fixing unit (3) Holding part (3a) Resistor (3b) Switch (4) Torsion spring (5) Circuit board (6) Hole (7) Housing (Y)

[0027] Detailed description of the invention

[0028] The deployable antenna system according to the present invention and whose exemplary applications are shown in Figure 1-6 has been developed to be suitable for use in small satellites, especially nano satellites. The system in question is arranged to allow the antennas to perform a rotational movement between a closed position and an open position, preferably 180 degrees, within the connector to which they are connected.

[0029] The system according to the present invention comprises at least one antenna (A); a carrier body (1) to which the antenna (A) is connected so that it can move between an open position and a closed position; a first connector (K1) which is directly connected to one end of the antenna (A) and which comprises a connection tip (B) perpendicular to the plane in which the antenna (A) moves between said open position and closed position; a second connector (K2) which is fixed to the carrier body (1) and is arranged so that the connection tip (B) can rotate inside of it; and at least one connection piece (2) which is arranged to provide that the connection tip (B) of the first connector (K1) is directly connected to the second connector (K2) and provide that the movement of the antenna (A) between said closed position and open position is carried out by the rotation of the connection tip (B) inside the second connector (K2); and preferably at least one torsion spring (5) which is arranged so that the antenna (A) is pushed towards the open position when it is released. Figure 6 shows an exemplary representation of the disassembled antenna (A), first connector (K1), second connector (K2), torsion spring (5) and connection piece (2). The first connector (K1) is an “L” shaped structure and is connected to one end of the antenna (A) and forms a connection tip (B) perpendicular to the plane of motion of the antenna (A). When the connection tip (B) is connected to the second connector (K2), it can rotate around its own axis within the second connector (K2). The connection piece (2) enables the antenna (A) to be connected to the carrier body (1) in a way that it can move between the open and closed positions mentioned. This connection is made in a way that the two connectors (K1 , K2) are directly connected to each other and the movement of the antenna (A) between the open and closed positions is realized by the rotational movement of the first connector (K1) within the second connector (K2). Thus, the connectors (K1 , K2) that provide the electrical connection of the antenna (A) are also used to enable the movement of the antenna (A) between the open and closed positions.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection piece (2) comprises a hole (7) through which the antenna (A) partially passes, and which allows the antenna and the connection piece (2) to be fixed to each other in a way that they move together. The other end of the antenna (A), to which the first connector (K1) is connected, is passed through the said hole (7). The location of the hole (7) on the connection piece (2) is shown in Figure 3.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the said carrier body (1) comprises a cylindrical housing (Y) with two open ends, into which the second connector (K2) is placed by being compressed. The housing (Y) forms a cylindrical protrusion outwards from the carrier body (1). The protrusion structure formed by the housing (Y) is shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection piece (2) comprises a bottom surface (2a) and a top surface (2b) parallel to each other with a gap between them. There is an opening (not shown in the figures) in the middle of each of the bottom surface (2a) and the top surface (2b). The protrusion formed by the housing (Y) on the carrier body (1) is passed through the opening on the bottom surface (2a). The connection tip (B) of the first connector (K1) is passed through the opening on the top surface (2b) and the first and second connectors (K1 , K2) are mounted to each other.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the torsion spring (5) is positioned in the space between the top surface (2b) and the bottom surface (2a). The torsion spring (5) applies force to move the connection piece (2) towards the closed position. Since the antenna (A) passed through the hole (7) in the connection piece (2) and fixed to the connection piece (2) also moves together with the connection piece (2), the antenna (A) is ensured to move to the open position when it is released. In order to move the antenna (A) to the closed position, force must be applied against the torsion spring (5).

[0034] As mentioned above, the carrier body (1) is arranged to allow the components included in the system to be mounted on it and to ensure that these components operate properly. The carrier body (1) also allows the system to be mounted on a satellite.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier body (1) comprises a main body (1a) containing an internal chamber and a wall (1b) extending outwards from the upper part of the main body (1a). The circuit board (6) providing the connection with the electronic system of the satellite is positioned in the internal chamber located in the main body (1a). In the said embodiment, the housing (Y) into which the second connector (K2) is placed and fixed protrudes outwards from the upper surface of the main body (1 a). One end of the torsion spring (5) contained in the connection piece (2) which is placed in the protrusion is fixed to the wall (1b) and the spring (5) is positioned in a way that, it pushes the antenna (A) towards the open position. The said second connector (K2) is electrically connected to the circuit board (6) and the units providing the said connection are located within the said chamber of the main body

[0036] (la).

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is a fixing unit (3) that provides the antenna (A) to be fixed when it is in the closed position, which is on the wall (1b). The fixing unit (3) comprises the holding part (3a) into which the antenna (A) is placed when in the closed position, and at least one resistor (3b) arranged to generate heat when energized. The holding part (3a) preferably comprises two oppositely positioned nails, and the antenna (A) is placed between the nails when in the closed position. When the antenna (A) is in the closed position and inside the holding part (3a), it is fixed by tying it with a rope that is suitable for burning and breaking when heat is applied. The rope is connected to the resistor(s) (3b) in a way that it touches them. Thus, when the resistor (3b) is energized, the rope is broken and the antenna (A) is released. When the antenna (A) is released, it moves to the open position with the pushing force applied by the torsion spring (5).

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system in question comprises at least one switch (4) that becomes active when the antenna (A) is in the closed position, thus generating an information signal regarding the antenna (A) being in the closed position.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the antenna (A) performs a rotational movement of 180 degrees between the open and closed positions. The antenna (A) is parallel to the wall

[0040] (lb) in the open and closed positions. The connection piece (2) is arranged in such a way that the movement is restricted between the open and closed positions. When the antenna (A) is in the open and closed positions, a section of the connection piece (2) leans against the wall (1b) of the carrier body (1) and thus the movement of the connection piece (2) is restricted to the specified positions. The system in question preferably comprises two antennas (A) positioned opposite to each other.

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in Figures 1 to 6. Figure 1 shows a view of the system containing two antennas (A) with the antennas (A) in the closed position. In the closed position, the antennas (A) are on top of each other and parallel to the wall (1 b) of the carrier body (1). The antennas (A) are located inside the holding part (3a) of the fixing unit (3) and can be easily fixed in this position by tying them with a rope due to the geometric shape of the fixing unit (3). The rope is connected in such a way that it contacts the mentioned resistors (3b) and passes over the antennas (A) to fix the antennas (A) in the holding part (3a). In this position, the torsion spring (5) is in a tensioned position and applies a pushing force to the connection piece (2) towards the open position. When the antennas (A) are in the closed position, they contact the switch (4) and enable the switch (4) to become active. In this way, it can be electrically monitored whether the antennas (A) are in the closed position or not. The resistors (3b) and the switch (4) are connected to the mentioned circuit board (6) and / or the satellite's electrical system.

[0042] When the antennas (A) are requested to be opened, the resistor(s) (3b) is energized and thus the rope is burned and broken. Figure 2 shows a view of the antennas (A) during the opening process, that are released after the rope is broken. With the release of the antennas (A), the pushing force applied by the torsion spring (5) rotates the connection piece (2) towards the open position; the contact of the antennas (A) with the switch (4) is cut off and therefore the switch (4) becomes passive. Thus, it can be determined that the antenna (A) is released I the rope burning process is successful.

[0043] In Figure 3, the antennas (A) are in the open position and are positioned parallel to the wall (1b) and extending outwards from the carrier body (1). In this position, the connection piece (2) leans against the wall (1b) thus preventing the torsion spring (5) from pushing the connection piece (2) more than 180 degrees.

[0044] In Figure 4, the housings (Y) protruding from the carrier body (1) are seen. The second connector (K2) which is tightly placed into the housing (Y) can be accessed from the opening on the upper part of the said protrusion. The antenna (A), the first connector (K1) and the torsion spring (5) which are assembled together are placed on the said protrusion to ensure the assembly of the antenna (A) to the carrier body (1). Figure 5 shows a disassembled representation of the main body (1a) of the carrier body (1). The second connector (K2), the circuit board (6) and the connection elements located in the chamber contained in the main body (1a) are shown in this representation.

[0045] Figure 6 shows the disassembled version of the antenna (A), connectors (K1 , K2) and the connection piece (2).

[0046] With the system according to the present invention, a direct connection is provided between the antenna (A) and the connectors (K1, K2) and the movement of the antenna (A) is realized by the movement of the connectors (K1, K2) within each other. Unlike the applications in the state of the art, there is no need to use a connection cable between the antenna (A) and the connector, thus preventing cable failures that may occur with the movement of the antenna.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A deployable antenna system suitable for use in micro / nano satellites, comprising;• at least one antenna (A);• a carrier body (1) to which the antenna (A) is connected so that it can move between an open position and a closed position;• a first connector (K1) which is directly connected to one end of the antenna (A) and which comprises a connection tip (B) perpendicular to the plane in which the antenna (A) moves between said open position and closed position;• a second connector (K2) which is fixed to the carrier body (1) and is arranged so that the connection tip (B) can rotate inside of it;• at least one connection piece (2) which is arranged to provide that the connection tip (B) of the first connector (K1) is directly connected to the second connector (K2) and to provide that the movement of the antenna (A) between said closed position and open position is carried out by the rotation of the connection tip (B) inside the second connector (K2);• at least one torsion spring (5) which is arranged so that the antenna (A) is pushed towards the open position when it is released.

2. A deployable antenna system in accordance with Claim 1 , comprising the L-shaped first connector.

3. A deployable antenna system in accordance with any of the preceding claims wherein, the connection piece (2) comprises a hole (7) through which the antenna (A) partially passes, and which allows the antenna and the connection piece (2) to be fixed to each other in a way that they move together.

4. A deployable antenna system in accordance with any of the preceding claims wherein, the said carrier body (1) comprises a cylindrical housing (Y) with two open ends, into which the second connector (K2) is placed by being compressed and which forms a cylindrical protrusion outwards from the carrier body (1).

5. A deployable antenna system in accordance with any of the preceding claims wherein, the connection piece (2) comprises a bottom surface (2a) and a top surface (2b) parallel to each other with a gap between them and an opening in the middle of each of the bottom surface (2a) and the top surface (2b).

6. A deployable antenna system in accordance with Claim 5 comprising the said connection piece (2) wherein, the protrusion formed by the housing (Y) on the carrier body (1) is passed through the opening on the bottom surface (2a), the connection tip (B) of the first connector (K1) is passed through the opening on the top surface (2b) and the first and second connectors (K1, K2) are mounted to each other.

7. A deployable antenna system in accordance with Claim 5 comprising the said torsion spring (5) which is positioned in the gap between the top surface (2b) and the bottom surface (2a).

8. A deployable antenna system in accordance with any of the preceding claims wherein, the carrier body (1) comprises a main body (1a) containing an internal chamber and a wall (1b) extending outwards from the upper part of the main body (1a).

9. A deployable antenna system in accordance with Claim 8 comprising at least a circuit board (6) providing the connection with the electronic system of the satellite which is positioned in the internal chamber located in the main body (1a).

10. A deployable antenna system in accordance with Claim 8 comprising the said torsion spring (5) one end of which is fixed to the wall (1b) and is arranged in a way that, it pushes the antenna (A) towards the open position11. A deployable antenna system in accordance with Claim 9 comprising the said second connector (K2) which is electrically connected to the circuit board (6).

12. A deployable antenna system in accordance with any of the preceding claims comprising a fixing unit (3) which comprises a holding part (3a) into which the antenna (A) is placed when in the closed position, and at least one resistor (3b) arranged to generate heat when energized.

13. A deployable antenna system in accordance with any of the preceding claims comprising at least one switch (4) that becomes active when the antenna (A) is in the closed position, thus generating an information signal regarding the antenna (A) being in the closed position.

14. A deployable antenna system in accordance with any of the preceding claims comprising the said connection piece (2) which is arranged such a way that when the antenna (A) is in the open or closed positions, a section of the connection piece (2) leans against the wall (1 b) of the carrier body (1) and thus the movement of the connection piece (2) is restricted to the specified open and closed positions.

15. A deployable antenna system in accordance with any of the preceding claims comprising two antennas (A) positioned opposite to each other.

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