Collapsible Direction Finding Antenna for UUVs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antennas for small cylindrical platforms like unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) face challenges in storing and deploying direction finding antennas efficiently, as they require a large form factor and limited line of sight for effective communication, which is not scalable to micro-UUVs.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible direction finding antenna assembly with a rigid central feed and flexible substrate arms, featuring a metallization layer, allowing for full azimuth direction finding capabilities when deployed from a cylindrical platform, and can be folded to fit within a small diameter tube for storage, utilizing a tether for aerial deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional antennas are used for direction finding on small cylindrical platforms, then the antenna can be stored in a small volume, but the antenna cannot achieve adequate signal strength and line of sight communication
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple collapsible arms that can be segmented for compact storage and deployed for full operational size. Each arm contains conductive elements that form antenna radiating sections, allowing the antenna to be broken down into storable segments while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna employs dynamic deployment mechanisms where the arms can transition from a collapsed compact state to an extended operational state. This dynamic structure allows the antenna to adapt its physical configuration, achieving both small storage volume and adequate signal strength when deployed to extended heights above the water surface.
2Reliability
If the antenna is deployed to extend line of sight radio links, then communication range is improved, but the antenna cannot be stored in a small cylindrical volume
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna arms are designed to nest within each other or collapse into a compact configuration that fits within the cylindrical platform when not in use. The conductive elements and supporting structures are arranged to allow one component to be placed inside another, achieving minimal storage volume while maintaining the capability to extend to full deployment height for extended communication range.
3Volume of moving object
If low profile shark fin antennas are used, then volume requirements are maintained, but line of sight radio links cannot be extended
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna transitions from a two-dimensional low-profile shark fin configuration to a three-dimensional extended structure that rises vertically from the platform. This dimensional change allows the antenna to achieve adequate height above the water surface for line of sight communication while maintaining a compact footprint when collapsed, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension for extended radio link range.
Data Source
AI summary
The system for a collapsible direction finding antenna. The antenna comprising a rigid central portion and a plurality of foldable arms. The antenna is aerial/kite lifted once launched from a tube to provide increased line of sight above a surface. The antennas being launchable from a UUV, a user in the field, and the like. The antenna being a full azimuth direction finding antenna. In some cases, operating at a wide matched frequency of 1 to 6 GHz.