Configurable Backing Structure for Reflector Antenna Surface Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna reflector systems face high recurring costs and design complexities due to unique backside stiffening structures required for each RF surface profile, and surface distortions caused by manufacturing or environmental factors lead to efficiency losses and increased power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A configurable backing structure with a grid-like design featuring struts, hubs, and feet with movable ball joints, allowing for mechanical adjustment and surface error correction using photogrammetry and finite element analysis to achieve precise reflector surface alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional backside stiffening structures are used for each unique RF surface profile, then surface accuracy is maintained, but design and fabrication costs increase and manufacturing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized backside stiffening structure that can be used across multiple reflector antenna designs. The generic stiffening structure with adjustable feet eliminates the need to create unique structures for each RF surface profile, reducing design and fabrication costs while maintaining surface accuracy through the adjustable positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through adjustable feet that can be positioned at different locations and heights on the reflector surface. This adjustability allows a single generic stiffening structure to adapt to different RF surface profiles and correct surface errors, providing both economy of manufacture and manufacturing precision.
2Stability of the object's composition
If backing structure ribs and rings are made very stiff to prevent surface distortion, then surface stability is improved, but structural mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the backside stiffening structure into discrete components: a generic stiffening structure with multiple adjustable feet. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve surface stability through distributed support points rather than requiring a single heavy continuous structure, thereby reducing overall structural mass while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the feet to be adjusted in position and height. This adjustability enables the structure to compensate for surface distortions and maintain surface stability without requiring excessive stiffness and mass in the backing structure itself.
3Reliability
If surface distortion is corrected by conventional methods, then antenna efficiency is maintained, but the solution may not guarantee effectiveness and may require additional mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a measurement and adjustment process where surface errors are measured and the feet positions are adjusted accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable correction of surface distortions to maintain antenna efficiency, while the adjustable nature of the feet allows precise correction without adding unnecessary mass.
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
The solution reduces design and fabrication costs, minimizes weight, and enhances reflector surface accuracy, effectively addressing surface distortions and maintaining performance without adding unnecessary structural mass.
Implementation Method 1
The fitting comprises a movable ball joint configured to allow each of the at least one or more of the plurality of feet to tilt when each of the at least one or more of the plurality of feet is attached to the reflector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A reflector support system is provided that includes a backing structure having a plurality of struts. The backing structure may have a plurality of hubs, each of the plurality of hubs may be configured to couple to two or more of the plurality of struts, each of the plurality of hubs may be configured to couple to another one of the plurality of hubs using one of the plurality of struts, each of the plurality of struts is configured to couple to at least two of the plurality of hubs. The backing structure may have a plurality of feet, each of the plurality of feet configured to couple to a corresponding one of the plurality of hubs, the plurality of feet are configured to couple to a reflector. In addition, a synthesis for mechanical adjustment of the reflector support system is provided.