Deployable Lens Antenna Cellular Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large aperture antennas for space communications face challenges with path length errors due to reflector deformation and are unsuitable for space applications as RF dielectric lenses are difficult to fabricate and deploy, while existing RF lenses have mechanical tolerance issues and high air resistance.
Innovation Solution
A deployable lens with an array of metallic lens elements on a flexible dielectric substrate, featuring end-fire elements and a cellular structure with open-ended cells, which reduces air resistance and simplifies deployment and stowage, and can be fabricated in a single plane with micro-strip or strip-line transmission lines for efficient signal delay and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large reflector element is used for space communications, then the aperture size is increased, but path length errors occur due to reflector deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector surface is divided into multiple movable segments or panels that can independently adjust their positions and orientations. This segmentation allows each segment to compensate for deformation locally, maintaining overall surface accuracy while achieving large aperture size. The segments are connected by mechanical joints that enable fine adjustments to correct path length errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector structure incorporates active control mechanisms that dynamically adjust the shape and position of reflector segments in real-time. Sensors detect surface deviations and feed back to actuators that correct deformations, allowing the large aperture structure to maintain precise path length accuracy despite gravitational or thermal distortions in space environment.
2Reliability
If RF dielectric lenses are used for large aperture antennas, then path length accuracy is improved, but fabrication and deployment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lens structure is constructed using flexible dielectric substrates with metallic patterns printed or etched on them. These thin-film structures can be rolled or folded into compact configurations for launch, then deployed in space. The flexible nature allows easy fabrication using standard PCB techniques while maintaining the required dielectric properties for accurate signal propagation and path length control.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently fabricated and then assembled or deployed in space. Each segment contains complete functional elements including feed antennas, dielectric layers, and metallic patterns. This modular approach simplifies fabrication of individual segments while enabling large aperture lens construction through systematic assembly.
3Loss of time
If planar lens structures are used, then signal delay control is achieved, but air resistance increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lens structure employs a porous or honeycomb-like dielectric substrate that maintains the necessary electrical properties for signal delay control while significantly reducing the material density. This porous structure allows the lens to retain its planar geometry for proper signal propagation paths while minimizing mass and reducing air resistance in orbital environments. The metallic patterns are embedded within or on the surface of this porous structure.
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 provides a compact, easy-to-deploy antenna with reduced air resistance and improved mechanical tolerance, suitable for space applications, by using a cellular structure with end-fire elements and efficient signal delay mechanisms, enhancing the performance and reliability of large aperture antennas.
Implementation Method 1
the section of transmission line is arranged to apply a delay to said signals according to the position of the lens element within the aperture of the lens as deployed
Implementation Method 2
each lens element comprises a first end-fire element directed towards a feed side of the lens, a second end-fire element directed towards a non-feed side of the lens and a section of transmission line for coupling signals between the first and second end-fire elements
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A deployable lens is provided for anantenna. The lens comprises an array of metallic lens elements formed on a plurality of planar sections of a dielectric substrate, each lens element comprising a first end-fire element directed towards a feed side of the lens, a second end-fire element directed towards a non-feed side of the lensand a section of transmission line for coupling signals between the first and second end-fire elements. The sectionof transmission line, preferably in the form of a slot-line transmission line, is integrated with the end-fire elementsandis of a length determined according to the position of the lens element within the aperture of the lens as deployed. An antenna is also provided comprising a deployable lens according to the present invention.