Deployable Mesh Antenna Reflector with Rotating Hinge Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reflector antennas for space-based applications face challenges in achieving high gain while being cost-effective and simple, as traditional deployable mesh reflectors are complex and expensive, and spring-back and segmented reflectors are also costly, leading to the prevalence of simple fixed aperture reflectors despite their limitations.
Innovation Solution
A deployable mesh antenna reflector with a perimeter that includes a fixed inner section and a deployable outer section, where the outer section is supported by rib tips that rotate on hinges to increase the aperture size after deployment, reducing complexity and cost while allowing for a modest increase in aperture size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If traditional deployable mesh reflectors are used to increase aperture area, then antenna gain is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector surface is divided into two distinct sections: a fixed inner section that remains stationary, and a deployable outer section that can be extended. This segmentation allows the antenna to increase its aperture area only when needed, while maintaining simplicity during stowage. The fixed inner section provides a stable baseline aperture, while the deployable outer section adds area only during operational phases requiring higher gain.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna transitions from a static fixed-aperture design to a dynamic configuration where the outer section can be deployed and retracted. The deployable outer section is supported by a mechanism that allows it to extend radially outward from the fixed inner section, increasing the effective aperture area when higher antenna gain is required, while returning to a compact state during non-operational phases.
2Volume of moving object
If segmented reflectors are used to reduce stowage volume, then ease of launch is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is segmented into a fixed inner section and a deployable outer section. The fixed inner section provides structural stability and serves as the mounting base, while the deployable outer section can be folded or retracted to reduce stowage volume during launch. This segmentation allows the antenna to fit within launch vehicle fairings while maintaining the capability to achieve larger aperture areas in orbit.
3Device complexity
If spring-back reflectors are used to simplify deployment, then device complexity is reduced, but aperture area increase is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector surface is divided into a fixed inner section and a deployable outer section. The fixed inner section provides a stable baseline aperture that maintains reliable performance, while the deployable outer section can be extended to significantly increase the aperture area when higher antenna gain is required. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both simplicity and flexibility in aperture area adjustment.
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
This design offers a lower-cost, less complex reflector system that achieves a modest aperture increase with reduced deployment risks, making it suitable for applications where fixed apertures are currently used, such as communication satellites, while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
The rib tips are configured to rotate on hinge members relative to the fixed backing structure from a first position in which the reflector antenna is made more compact for stowage, to a second position in which a diameter of the reflector surface is increased
Implementation Method 2
The inner section is comprised of a pliant RF reflector material which is conformed to the dish-like shape by the fixed backing structure
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An antenna reflector with a deployable perimeter, comprising: a reflector surface which forms a predetermined dish-like shape and has a main dish axis; the reflector surface comprised of an inner section which radially extends a first predetermined distance from the main dish axis, the inner section immovably supported on a fixed backing structure, and an outer section comprising a deployable perimeter; and a deployable support structure configured to movably support at least a first portion of the outer section, the deployable support structure comprised of a plurality of rib tips hingedly secured to the fixed backing structure, each having an elongated shape, and extending in a direction away from the main dish axis; wherein the rib tips are configured to rotate on hinge members relative to the fixed backing structure from a first position in which the reflector antenna is made more compact for stowage, to a second position in which a diameter of the reflector surface is increased at a time of deployment; wherein at least a second portion of the outer section is supported on a plurality of lightweight rib extensions which extend from the fixed backing structure in radial directions relative to the main dish axis, and are immovable relative to the fixed backing structure; wherein the second portion of the outer section is fixed in place in relation to the inner section; and wherein the first and second portions of the outer section are different portions.