Deployable Curved Arm Antenna for Marine Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication devices on underwater vehicles face challenges in maintaining effective antenna performance while minimizing hydrodynamic impact and payload reduction, as fixed masts affect navigation and increase length, while flush antennas are inefficient in high sea states due to saltwater coverage.
Innovation Solution
A deployable transmitting/receiving device with a curved arm connected by a one-degree joint, allowing reversible rotation between retracted and deployed positions, maintains performance across sea states without increasing the vehicle's length and minimizing payload impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed mast is used to install antennas above the water surface, then antenna performance is improved, but the hydrodynamic profile of the vehicle is affected and navigation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deployable mast that can dynamically change its state between retracted and extended positions. During navigation, the mast is retracted to minimize hydrodynamic impact, and during communication operations, it is extended to provide clear antenna deployment above the water surface. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining antenna performance and preserving hydrodynamic profile.
2Reliability
If a hoistable mast is used to deploy antennas radially, then antenna clearance is improved, but the accommodation within the AUV is significantly reduced and payload is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the mast radially outward from the vehicle body (which would consume valuable internal volume), the patent extends the mast vertically along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. This dimensional change allows the antenna to achieve clearance above the water surface without encroaching on the internal accommodation space of the AUV, thus preserving payload capacity.
3Reliability
If a mast rotating around a horizontal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is used, then antenna deployment is improved, but the slenderness of the AUV is affected and the length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric deployment mechanism where the mast rotates around a horizontal axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, rather than perpendicular to it. This asymmetric configuration allows the mast to extend vertically without increasing the overall length of the vehicle, maintaining the slender profile required for efficient navigation while still achieving adequate antenna deployment height.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If flush antennas are used on the vehicle surface, then the hydrodynamic profile is maintained, but the antenna performance deteriorates in strong sea state due to saltwater coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a deployable mast that transitions the antenna from a flush-mounted state during navigation to an extended state above the water surface during communication operations. This dynamic deployment elevates the antenna clear of saltwater spray and wave action, preventing the performance deterioration that would occur with fixed flush antennas in strong sea states.
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 ensures robust communication performance across varying sea states without compromising the hydrodynamic profile or internal space, providing maximum antenna deployment height with minimal bulk and reduced payload constraints.
Implementation Method 1
an articulation with one degree of freedom in rotation about an axis of rotation, the articulation allowing the arm to pivot reversibly between a retracted position and a deployed position
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a
AI summary
Marine object comprising a body delimited by a curved surface comprising a housing, said marine object comprising a deployable emitting/receiving device comprising an arm on which there are mounted means for emitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves, said arm being connected to said body by means of an articulation having a degree of rotational freedom, the articulation allowing the arm to pivot in a reversible manner between a retracted position, in which the arm is housed in the housing and is flush with the curved surface, and a deployed position, in which the arm extends away from said housing, the arm comprising a first external surface that is curved along the length of the arm, is flush with and follows said curved surface when the arm is in its retracted position.