Deployable Reflector Antenna Hoop Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compact antenna systems face challenges in efficiently deploying and maintaining a stable reflector shape to concentrate RF energy in a desired pattern, particularly in limited space applications such as small satellites, where existing systems often require complex mechanisms and may suffer from signal loss and inefficient feed configurations.
Innovation Solution
A compact reflector antenna system comprising a collapsible mesh reflector, a hoop assembly with link members and hinge members, and an extendible mast assembly, secured by cords, which deploys to form a circumferential hoop shape, along with an integrated antenna feed that can be positioned to optimize RF energy concentration, and optionally includes movable solar panels for efficient energy harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional hoop column reflector system is used to achieve compact deployment, then the antenna can be stowed in a small volume, but the deployment mechanism becomes complex and may suffer from signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into separate functional modules: a deployable hoop assembly for support, a独立的 mesh reflector surface, and a cord tensioning system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for compact stowage and simple deployment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining small stowed volume
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh reflector surface is nested within the hoop assembly during stowage, with the reflector collapsing conformally to the hoop structure. This nesting approach minimizes stowed volume while enabling simple one-piece deployment without complex mechanisms
2Volume of moving object
If the reflector surface is made collapsible to achieve compact stowage, then the stowed volume is reduced, but maintaining a stable reflector shape during operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A cord tensioning system with adjustable tensioning members provides continuous feedback control to maintain the reflector surface in its optimal parabolic shape. The cords act as tensioning elements that can be adjusted to compensate for any shape deviations, ensuring stable composition during operation while allowing compact collapsible stowage
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the reflector surface transitions from a collapsed configuration during stowage to an extended parabolic shape during operation. By changing the geometric parameters through the hoop assembly deployment and cord tensioning, the system achieves both compact stowage volume and stable operational shape
3Weight of stationary object
If the antenna system is designed for small satellite applications to minimize space and weight, then the payload mass is reduced, but the feed configuration becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the feed at the traditional focal point of a large parabolic reflector, the system inverts the approach by using a compact feed array positioned close to the reflector surface. This inverted feed configuration achieves efficient RF energy concentration with a lighter, more compact structure suitable for small satellite applications
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 enables efficient deployment and stable RF energy concentration with reduced signal loss, optimized feed network, and integrated solar panels, suitable for small satellite applications, while minimizing space and weight, and maintaining efficient operation across various frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
the mesh reflector is expanded to a shape that is intended to concentrate RF energy in a desired pattern
Implementation Method 2
integrated solar panels for efficient energy harvesting
Data Source
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AI summary
A reflector antenna system comprising: a hoop assembly configured to expand between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; a mesh reflector secured to the hoop assembly such that when the hoop assembly is in the collapsed configuration the mesh reflector is collapsed within the hoop assembly and when the hoop assembly is in the expanded configuration the mesh reflector is expanded to a shape that is intended to concentrate RF energy in a desired pattern; a mast assembly including an extendible boom to which the hoop assembly is secured by cords; and an antenna feed that is located on a vehicle so as to face a concave surface of the mesh reflector that is intended to concentrate RF energy in the desired pattern.