Active Antenna Module Layout for Heat and Vibration Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current active antennas face challenges in achieving compactness and high power density while effectively managing thermal dissipation, especially in space-technology applications where vibration loads are significant.
Innovation Solution
The active antenna design incorporates a passive portion extended by a plate with apertures, featuring a dual-row active module configuration with a beam and heat-transfer duct for thermal management, allowing for a dense assembly of solid-state power amplifiers and efficient thermal regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If radiating elements are arranged on a shaped non-planar surface to achieve compactness, then the antenna size is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into modular active assemblies, each containing radiating elements, active modules, and cooling components. These standardized modules can be manufactured separately and assembled systematically, reducing the manufacturing complexity associated with shaped non-planar surfaces while maintaining compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical modular structure where active modules are nested within active assemblies, which are in turn arranged on the antenna surface. This nesting approach allows complex shaped surfaces to be constructed from simpler modular components, easing manufacturing while achieving the required compact geometry.
2Power
If active modules are densely packed to increase power density, then the power output is improved, but thermal dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function directly with the active modules by integrating heat-transfer ducts and cooling channels into the module structure itself. This integration ensures that thermal management is built into the dense packing arrangement rather than being an afterthought, allowing high power density while maintaining effective heat removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat-transfer fluids or gases are used as intermediary substances to carry thermal energy away from the densely packed active modules. The patent incorporates ducts and channels that facilitate the flow of these intermediary cooling media through and around the active modules, enabling thermal management in the high-density configuration.
3Strength
If active modules are secured with clamping beams to withstand vibration loads, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the beam structure: mechanical clamping to secure active modules, thermal conduction paths for heat removal, and structural support for the overall assembly. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining vibration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The beams are designed as multi-functional elements that simultaneously provide mechanical clamping, thermal management, and structural support. This universal design approach allows a single component to address multiple requirements (strength against vibration, heat removal, and assembly), reducing overall structural complexity.
4Temperature
If cooling systems are added to manage thermal power dissipation, then thermal regulation is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is merged with the active module structure itself, with heat-transfer ducts and cooling channels integrated into the module housing and beam assemblies. This integration eliminates the need for separate, externally-mounted cooling systems, thereby improving thermal regulation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channels and heat-transfer ducts are nested within the existing structural elements of the antenna, such as the beams and module housings. This nesting approach allows the cooling system to utilize the internal volume of existing components rather than requiring additional external space, improving thermal management while minimizing structural complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design results in a compact, high-density active antenna capable of withstanding significant vibration loads and maintaining effective thermal regulation, making it suitable for space-technology applications.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-transfer duct in contact with the first row of active modules and the second row of active modules
Implementation Method 2
a heat-transfer duct in contact with the first row of active modules and the second row of active modules and jutting out on either side of said first and second rows of active modules
Data Source
AI summary
An active antenna is disclosed including a passive portion of an antenna array extended at one end by a plate in which apertures are formed, at least one active assembly for transmitting radiofrequency RF waves, called assembly, through said apertures, each assembly including a first row of active modules facing apertures of the plate, a second row of active modules facing apertures of the plate and attached to the first row of active modules, a beam attached to the plate and held clamped between the first and second rows of active modules, a heat-transfer duct in contact with the first and second rows of active modules and jutting out on either side of said first and second rows of active modules.