Curved Rod Antenna Shield for Impact Protection and Wave Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical protection methods for antennas, such as metal shields and Frequency Selective Surfaces, interfere with electromagnetic wave transmission and are unsuitable for phased array antennas.
Innovation Solution
A shield comprising a plurality of rods made from electrical conducting materials, arranged in parallel with curved transverse cross-sections, providing mechanical protection without significantly affecting electromagnetic wave transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional metal shield is used for mechanical protection, then the antenna is protected from threats, but the transmission of electromagnetic waves is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is segmented into multiple thin rods spaced apart from each other, rather than using a solid continuous metal structure. This segmentation allows electromagnetic waves to pass through the gaps between rods while the collective structure of rods provides mechanical protection against threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield structure is porous with gaps between the rods, allowing electromagnetic waves to penetrate through while maintaining mechanical strength. The porous structure enables simultaneous achievement of protection and electromagnetic transparency.
2Strength
If Frequency Selective Surfaces are used for protection, then mechanical protection is provided, but the solution is unsuitable for phased array antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The FSS structure is divided into discrete rods with gaps between them, making it adaptable to phased array antenna configurations. This segmented approach allows integration with the antenna elements while maintaining protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield structure is designed with local variations in rod spacing and positioning to accommodate the specific requirements of phased array antennas in different regions, enabling compatibility while maintaining overall protection.
3Strength
If a solid metal shield is used, then maximum mechanical strength is achieved, but electromagnetic wave transmission is completely blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The solid metal shield is segmented into multiple thin rods with gaps between them. This segmentation reduces the blocking effect on electromagnetic waves while maintaining mechanical strength through the distributed structure of rods.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield adopts a porous structure with gaps between rods, allowing electromagnetic energy to pass through while the metal rods provide mechanical strength. This porous configuration minimizes energy loss while maintaining protection.
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 shield effectively protects antennas from potential threats while maintaining electromagnetic functionality, offering mechanical strength and resilience against impact damage.
Implementation Method 1
the rods each having a respective curved transverse cross-section
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
A shield is provided for an antenna, the shield including a plurality of rods, each rod having at least an external surface made from an electrical conducting material, the rods being in parallel spatially spaced relationship one to another, the rods each having a respective curved transverse cross-section. Also provided is an antenna installation, including an antenna and such a shield. The antenna has a forward antenna face for emitting and/or receiving electromagnetic radiation. The shield is spaced forward of the forward antenna face by a forward spacing.