Deployable Antenna Fins for Wideband CubeSat Volume Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small satellites, such as CubeSats, face challenges in implementing compact and deployable antennas that can operate effectively at lower frequencies like L-band and S-band, due to size constraints and the need for wideband communication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A deployable antenna system comprising a support shaft, a plurality of antenna fins, and an actuator, with at least one draw cord coupling the antenna fins to the actuator, allowing the fins to transition from a flat stored configuration to a fanned-out deployed configuration surrounding the support shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a log periodic parasitic monopole antenna is used for wideband communication, then communication performance is improved, but antenna volume increases making it difficult to implement in small satellites
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna fins are nested within the satellite body during launch and storage, with each fin contained within the volume defined by the previous fin. The fins deploy sequentially in a fanned-out configuration, allowing the antenna to achieve its full operational volume only when needed in orbit, thus resolving the contradiction between compact storage and wideband performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna transitions from a static compact configuration during launch to a dynamic deployed configuration in orbit. The fins are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing the antenna to change its volume and shape based on operational requirements, thereby achieving both compact storage and wideband communication capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If horn and sinuous antennas are used for L-band and S-band communication, then communication performance is improved, but antenna volume increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna fins are nested within the satellite body during launch and storage, with each fin contained within the volume defined by the previous fin. The fins deploy sequentially in a fanned-out configuration, allowing the antenna to achieve its full operational volume only when needed in orbit, thus resolving the contradiction between compact storage and wideband performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna transitions from a static compact configuration during launch to a dynamic deployed configuration in orbit. The fins are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing the antenna to change its volume and shape based on operational requirements, thereby achieving both compact storage and wideband communication capability.
3Volume of stationary object
If antenna size is reduced for higher frequencies, then antenna volume decreases, but implementation in CubeSats remains difficult due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna fins are nested within the satellite body during launch and storage, with each fin contained within the volume defined by the previous fin. The fins deploy sequentially in a fanned-out configuration, allowing the antenna to achieve its full operational volume only when needed in orbit, thus resolving the contradiction between compact storage and wideband performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is divided into multiple discrete fins rather than being a single continuous structure. This segmentation allows each fin to be independently folded and nested within the satellite body, facilitating compact storage while maintaining the overall antenna functionality when deployed.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An outer space deployable antenna may include a support shaft, a plurality of antenna fins, and an actuator. At least one draw cord may be coupled between the antenna fins and the actuator so that the antenna fins are moveable from a flat stored configuration to a fanned-out deployed configuration surrounding the support shaft.