Antenna Protective Plate Edge Projections for Sun Reflection Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna systems with specularly reflecting surfaces suffer from intense and visible sun reflections, particularly during rotation, which can compromise camouflage and reveal their location and type, especially in military operations within the visible and mid-infrared spectral range.
Innovation Solution
A flat protective plate with protrusions along its edges, forming a frame section that shades obliquely incident sunbeams and reduces specular reflection, made of material transparent to radar radiation to minimize sun reflections across the 0.4 µm to 5.0 µm spectral range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specularly reflecting protective plate is used on the antenna array, then radar radiation transparency is maintained, but intense solar reflections are generated that compromise camouflage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by adding projections that extend perpendicularly from the planar protective plate surface. These projections create a three-dimensional structure that casts shadows and blocks obliquely incident sunlight from reaching the specularly reflecting surface, thereby reducing solar reflections while maintaining the plate's radar transparency and structural integrity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the protective plate surface is structured or covered with fabric to reduce solar reflections, then camouflage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protective plate surface by introducing discrete projections at specific locations (edges and corners) rather than applying a continuous fabric cover or complex surface structure across the entire plate. This segmented approach reduces solar reflections at critical areas while maintaining structural simplicity and radar transparency
3Object-affected harmful factors
If projections are added to shade the protective plate, then solar reflection is reduced, but weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the projection structure locally only at the edges and corners of the protective plate where obliquely incident sunlight most strongly causes reflections, rather than uniformly across the entire plate surface. This localized approach effectively reduces solar reflections while minimizing the additional weight and structural complexity compared to a complete surface modification
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
Significantly reduces the intensity and detectability of sun reflections, enhancing camouflage while maintaining radar transparency and stability, with minimal weight and cost impact on the antenna system.
Implementation Method 1
the protective plate consists of a material which is transparent to radar radiation
Implementation Method 2
a projection is provided at least partially along one edge of the protective plate, which projects perpendicularly to the outer surface of the protective plate... To prevent obliquely incident sunlight with reflection angles approximately greater than or equal to 80° from reaching the outer surface of the protective plate, a projection is provided at least along one edge of the protective plate, extending perpendicularly beyond its outer surface and forming at least a first frame section. This projection shades the outer surface of the protective plate from the obliquely incident sunlight.
Implementation Method 3
the frame section formed by the projection has, at least in sections, a material that has a lower specular reflection than the surface of the outer side of the protective plates
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to an antenna system comprising at least one antenna array (14) and a planar antenna array outer surface (115) which is at least partially covered by or formed by a planar protective plate (16), wherein the protective plate (16) has a protective plate outer surface (26) with a specularly reflective surface, an upper edge (18), a lower edge (20), a right edge (22) and a left edge (24), wherein at least along one edge (18, 20, 22, 24) of the protective plate (16) a projection (28; 128; 228; 328; 428; 528) is provided at least partially, which projects perpendicularly to the protective plate outer surface (26) beyond the protective plate outer surface (26) and forms at least a first frame section (30; 130; 230; 330; 430; 530) and where the lead is (28; 128; 228; 328; 428;528) consists at least in sections of a material which has a lower specular reflectance than the outer surface of the protective plate (26).;