Concentric Helical Antenna Layout for Multi-Band Spacecraft Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited available volume on spacecraft platforms poses a challenge for accommodating multiple antennas with different frequency bands, necessitating a solution to maximize antenna presence while minimizing platform space.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band concentric helical antenna system is designed, where two or more helical antennas with different frequency bands are positioned concentrically within a single aperture, utilizing cups and chokes for decoupling and weight reduction, and optionally including additional antennas with distinct frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas with different frequency bands are installed on a spacecraft, then the frequency coverage is improved, but the platform volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested concentric helical antennas where smaller antennas are positioned inside larger antennas sharing the same aperture. Multiple antennas with different frequency bands are arranged concentrically, allowing frequency coverage expansion without proportionally increasing the overall antenna system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar antenna arrangements to three-dimensional concentric configurations. By utilizing the vertical dimension and radial spacing, multiple antennas are accommodated within the same aperture footprint, effectively adding spatial dimensions to resolve the volume constraint.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple antennas are positioned within the same aperture, then the platform space is reduced, but the antenna performance deteriorates due to mutual interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces choke structures as intermediary elements between nested antennas. These chokes act as electromagnetic barriers that prevent mutual interference between concentric antennas while allowing each antenna to maintain its radiation performance independently within the shared aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the shared aperture space into distinct radial zones using choke structures. Each antenna is assigned a specific spatial segment with its own choke, creating electromagnetic isolation that prevents performance degradation from mutual interference.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems and methods for multi-band helical antennas. The multi-band concentric helical antenna system includes a base, a first helical antenna and at least a second helical antenna, wherein the second helical antenna is within the first helical antenna, wherein the first helical antenna has a first frequency band and the second helical antenna has a second frequency band which is not the same as the first frequency band, and wherein the first helical antenna and the second helical antenna are connected to the base and positioned within an aperture of the base. The multi-band helical antenna system may further include N additional antennas, and may be used as a single radiating element or in an array of radiating elements.