Aircraft Antenna Assembly Integrated into Vertical Stabilizer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High frequency linear wire antennas in aircraft suffer from aerodynamic disadvantages, mechanical degradation due to vibrations, and limitations in size, which affect their performance and safety, while shunt antennas in vertical tail planes struggle to cover lower frequencies efficiently and are vulnerable to damage from bird impacts and lightning strikes.
Innovation Solution
A shunt antenna assembly integrated into the vertical tail plane structure, forming a closed electrical loop with the front spar and fuselage, eliminating the need for additional attachments and enhancing mechanical integration, reducing aerodynamic drag, and improving electromagnetic performance across frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linear wire antennas are used for HF communications, then communication capability is provided, but aerodynamic disadvantages and mechanical degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is merged with the vertical tail plane structure, where the radiating element becomes an integral part of the tail plane rather than a separate wire attachment. This integration eliminates aerodynamic drag on separate wires and prevents mechanical degradation by making the antenna structure rigid and fixed to the airframe.
2Volume of moving object
If shunt antennas are mounted in the vertical stabilizer, then space utilization is improved, but lower frequency coverage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design transitions from a conventional confined shunt configuration to a three-dimensional structure that utilizes the entire vertical tail plane surface area. The radiating element extends across the tail plane in a configuration that effectively increases the electrical length and surface area, enabling efficient lower frequency operation while maintaining compact physical dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the entire tail surface is used as radiator, then 360-degree propagation is achieved, but structural integration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna radiating element is merged with the vertical tail plane structure, where specific structural components (front spar, ribs, trailing edge) serve dual purposes as both load-bearing elements and antenna conductors. This integration maintains 360-degree propagation capability while simplifying the overall structure by eliminating separate antenna attachments.
4Ease of manufacture
If shunt antennas are not attached to VTP structure, then installation is simplified, but electrical connections degrade due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is structurally integrated with the vertical tail plane, where the radiating element becomes an inherent part of the tail plane construction rather than a separately installed component. This merging ensures that electrical connections are maintained through rigid structural bonds that resist vibration and deflection, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware while simplifying the overall installation.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If extra conducting elements are added for lightning grounding, then protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical tail plane structure serves multiple functions: it provides aerodynamic stability, supports the antenna radiating element, and acts as a lightning protection system. The existing structural conductors (front spar, ribs, trailing edge) are utilized for both mechanical support and electromagnetic radiation, while simultaneously providing lightning strike protection, thereby eliminating the need for separate grounding elements.
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
The solution provides improved communication quality, reduced maintenance needs, and increased durability against bird impacts and vibrations, while minimizing weight and fuel consumption, offering a structurally integrated and economically viable alternative to traditional wire antennas.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna radiating element (10), a first metallic element (2, 12) comprising a portion of the front spar (2), a second metallic element (3, 14) located in electrical contact with the antenna radiating element (10) and with the first metallic element (2, 12), and the antenna coupler (11) are configured as an electrical circuit such that in use a current flowing through the circuit describes a closed loop
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an antenna assembly for communications, built into the vertical stabiliser of an aircraft, comprising: -a radiating element of an antenna (10); -at least one antenna coupler (11) electrically connected to the radiating element of the antenna (10); -a vertical stabiliser part (1) including part of a front longeron (2); -a first metal element electrically connected to the antenna coupler (11) comprising said part of the front longeron (2); -and a second metal element in electrical contact with the radiating element of the antenna (10) and with the first metal element, in which the radiating element of the antenna (10), the first and second metal elements and the antenna coupler (10) are configured as an electric circuit forming a closed loop.