Deployable Membrane Lens for Balanced Satellite Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite systems with rotating or spinning reflectors face challenges in orientation control due to significant moments and imbalances, and existing solutions are cumbersome, heavy, and costly, with reflected transmissions often obscured by satellite components.
Innovation Solution
A deployable electromagnetic radiation antenna system featuring a lightweight membrane lens that deploys from a compact state, using tensioned membranes and bi-stable tapes to form a planar surface, allowing for precise direction and rotation of radiofrequency energy beams while maintaining balance and avoiding obstruction by satellite components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reflectors are employed to direct electromagnetic radiation, then the satellite can achieve signal transmission, but the moments generated become considerable and imbalances render the operation impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional reflector approach by using a refractive lens system. Instead of reflecting signals off a large surface that creates balancing moments, the system uses a lens to refract and direct electromagnetic radiation, eliminating the orientation control problems associated with rotating reflectors while maintaining signal transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reflector system with an electromagnetic lens system that directs radiation through refraction rather than reflection. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical orientation control and balancing mechanisms required by rotating reflector systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If satellite structures are configured to rotate or spin, then the satellite can achieve directional control, but the moments generated are considerable and operation becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the approach to directional control by using a fixed lens system that directs electromagnetic radiation without requiring the satellite structure to rotate or spin. The lens itself provides the directional control through its optical properties rather than mechanical rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the directional control function from the mechanical rotation system and implements it through the optical properties of the lens. This separates the directional control capability from the mechanical structure, simplifying the overall system design
3Weight of stationary object
If actuating structures are made lightweight and compact for satellite transport, then weight and volume specifications are met, but the structures become cumbersome and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin-film lens structure that is both lightweight and rigid enough to maintain its optical properties. The lens is deployed from a compact state during launch and then assumes a stable, controllable configuration in space, combining light weight with ease of control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a deployable lens system that transitions from a compact configuration during launch to a deployed operational configuration in space. The lens maintains structural integrity and controllability in both states, adapting to the different requirements of launch and operation
4Reliability
If reflectors are used to direct transmissions, then signal direction is achieved, but reflected transmissions are obscured by elements of the satellite system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the signal direction method by using refraction through a lens instead of reflection. This allows the signal to pass through the lens and be directed without being reflected back toward satellite components that would cause obscuration
Solution Approach 2:
The lens acts as an intermediary element that refracts the electromagnetic radiation, directing it away from the satellite body without requiring the signal to reflect off surfaces that would be obscured by satellite components
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 system provides efficient swath coverage, improved resolution, reduced instrument noise, and cost-effective operation by deploying a lightweight, balanced antenna system that can steer radiofrequency beams accurately and maintain signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic radiation directing lens adapted to pass a beam of electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable electromagnetic radiation antenna system is provided. The deployable electromagnetic radiation antenna system includes one or more support structures, an electromagnetic radiation directing lens adapted to pass a beam of electromagnetic radiation, and a satellite body including at least one deployment mechanism, wherein the electromagnetic radiation directing lens is deployable in a first direction away from the satellite body, the electromagnetic radiation directing lens being coupled to the satellite body by the one or more support structures, wherein the at least one deployment mechanism deploys the one or more support structures to deploy the electromagnetic radiation directing lens from an undeployed state to a deployed state by at least forming a substantially planar surface of the deployed electromagnetic radiation directing lens.