Bistable Composite Tape Loop Antenna Self-Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable space antennas require motors or actuators for self-deployment, which adds complexity and weight, and conventional tape-springs are difficult to control in unfolding.
Innovation Solution
A self-deployable loop antenna using bistable composite tape with embedded antenna conductors, actuating between a stowed and deployed state without external assistance, utilizing stored strain energy and a release mechanism to unwind into a loop configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If motors or actuators are used for self-deployment, then deployment automation is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure utilizes its own elastic energy through a bistable mechanism to achieve self-deployment without external motors or actuators. The structure transitions from a stowed to deployed state through its inherent mechanical properties, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for complex deployment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes motors and actuators from the deployment system, extracting the complex mechanical components that drive deployment. This leaves only the essential antenna structure and support elements, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining self-deployment capability through the bistable mechanism.
2Extent of automation
If motors or actuators are used for self-deployment, then deployment automation is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure utilizes its own elastic energy through a bistable mechanism to achieve self-deployment without external motors or actuators. The structure transitions from a stowed to deployed state through its inherent mechanical properties, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for complex deployment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes motors and actuators from the deployment system, extracting the complex mechanical components that drive deployment. This leaves only the essential antenna structure and support elements, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining self-deployment capability through the bistable mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If conventional tape-springs are used, then deployment capability is achieved, but control during unfolding becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the tape-spring by making it bistable, with two stable equilibrium states (stowed and deployed). This parameter change allows the structure to maintain controlled positions during deployment, eliminating the difficulty of controlling conventional tape-springs while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bistable tape-spring is constructed using composite materials that provide the necessary mechanical properties for bistability. The composite structure enables precise control over the unfolding behavior, allowing the antenna to transition smoothly between states while maintaining ease of deployment and control.
4Reliability
If large aperture antennas are deployed, then antenna gain is improved, but storage volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The large aperture antenna is nested within a compact volume by winding it around a spool in a stowed state. The antenna structure can be completely wound around the spool, achieving compact storage while maintaining the full aperture size for high gain when deployed. This nesting approach allows the antenna to fit within launch vehicle confines while preserving its large aperture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna transitions dynamically between a compact stowed state (wound around spool) and a large aperture deployed state. This dynamic transformation allows the antenna to occupy minimal storage volume during transport while achieving full operational aperture size for high gain performance when deployed in space.
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
Enables deployment of larger aperture antennas from a compact storage size without motors or actuators, surviving launch dynamics and deploying into a pre-determined shape, suitable for space vehicles with improved stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The bistable composite tape has a cross-sectional curvature... it is possible to render a composite tape-spring bistable... Such bistable tape-springs are mechanically stable both in the unwound state and in the wound state
Implementation Method 2
All that is needed is to unfold one end thereof, with a force of low intensity, exerted by a motor-drive system for example, to trigger the unwinding
Data Source
AI summary
A base, a spool, and an antenna structure coupled to the spool has ends that are affixed to the base. The antenna structure is wound about the spool in a stowed state, and unwound to form a loop antenna in the deployed state. The antenna structure may be a bistable composite tape with a cross-sectional curvature and having one or more antenna conductors embedded therein. A storage containment device holds the antenna structure in the stowed state. When in the stored state, the antenna structure generates a strain force against the spool biased to unwind and deploy the antenna structure to form a loop antenna when released. Another embodiment adds a second spool rotating in a direction opposite the first to achieve either state. A further embodiment uses two loop antennas by winding two antenna structures around two pairs of spools, respectively.