Multiple-Antenna Positioner With Link Arms and Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Antenna systems for multiple frequency bands face challenges in size, cost, and weight constraints, particularly in applications like aircraft, where using multiple antennas is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-antenna system with two or more antennas rotating on individual spindles, controlled by a single multiple-antenna positioner, which adjusts to reduce backlash through link arms and mechanical preload, allowing for efficient positioning and communication with different satellites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used for multiple frequency bands, then communication capability across different satellites is improved, but system size, cost, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antennas and their positioning mechanisms into a single integrated system. Multiple antennas are mounted on a common positioner that uses shared mechanical components (spindles, link arms, gears) to position all antennas simultaneously, merging what would traditionally be separate antenna systems into one unified structure that reduces overall weight and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The common positioner serves multiple functions by positioning multiple different antennas for different frequency bands and satellite communications. The single positioner system can accommodate various antenna types and configurations, making it a universal positioning mechanism that replaces multiple dedicated positioning systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used for multiple frequency bands, then communication capability across different satellites is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antennas and their positioning mechanisms into a single integrated system. Multiple antennas are mounted on a common positioner that uses shared mechanical components (spindles, link arms, gears) to position all antennas simultaneously, merging what would traditionally be separate antenna systems into one unified structure that reduces overall weight and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The common positioner serves multiple functions by positioning multiple different antennas for different frequency bands and satellite communications. The single positioner system can accommodate various antenna types and configurations, making it a universal positioning mechanism that replaces multiple dedicated positioning systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used for multiple frequency bands, then communication capability across different satellites is improved, but system volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple antennas in a compact configuration where antennas can be nested or closely positioned relative to each other. The link arm mechanism allows antennas to be positioned in a folded or nested arrangement that minimizes the overall volume occupied by the multiple antenna system while maintaining full functionality
4Device complexity
If a single positioner is used for multiple antennas, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy may deteriorate due to backlash
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading the mechanical components (gears, link arms, spindles) with a controlled force that eliminates backlash before positioning operations begin. This pre-loading ensures that the mechanical transmission path is always in firm contact, preventing play or looseness that would degrade positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes mechanical parameters by introducing pre-load forces and adjusting clearances in the mechanical transmission components. By modifying the force and contact parameters in the gear and link arm connections, the system maintains high positioning accuracy despite using a simplified common positioner structure
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-antenna positioning system with a single drive element, providing reduced weight and complexity over systems that have a drive element for each antenna. In certain examples, each antenna can be coupled with a rotating spindle, with each antenna spindle being coupled with a pair of link arms. By driving a single drive spindle, each of the antenna spindles in the system can be rotated by the associated pair of link arms. The link arms can have an adjustable length, such as through a turnbuckle mechanism, to reduce backlash in the system, and in some examples can apply a preload to the system. By reducing backlash, the multiple antenna positioning system can have improved responsiveness to a rotation of the single drive element, as well as improved stability of the positioning of each antenna when the drive element is held in a fixed position.