Deployable RF Transmission Line Hinged Bridges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite communications and radar antennas face inefficiencies due to excessive radio frequency energy loss and passive intermodulation issues caused by coaxial cables, which also increase mass and torque requirements, limiting system performance and scientific value of Earth observation missions.

Innovation Solution

A deployable radio frequency transmission line comprising hinged sections with elastically deformable and slidable bridges for electromagnetic coupling between panels, reducing the need for coaxial cables and minimizing passive intermodulation, mass, and deployment torque.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If coaxial cable diameter is reduced to increase flexibility for panel movement, then ease of operation improves, but radio frequency energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility for panel movementVSAvoidradio frequency energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission line is divided into multiple rigid sections that are hinged together, allowing each section to be relatively stiff for low loss while the hinges provide the necessary flexibility for deployment and panel movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission line structure transitions from a static flexible cable to a dynamic hinged assembly that is flexible during deployment but rigid during operation, optimizing both ease of operation and energy transmission efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If coaxial cable length is increased to accommodate drum loops at inter-panel junctions, then ease of operation improves, but radio frequency energy loss and mass increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment torque reductionVSAvoidradio frequency energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission line is segmented into rigid sections connected by hinges, eliminating the need for long cable loops around drums and reducing both energy loss and mass while maintaining deployment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical drum loop system is replaced with a hinged rigid structure that achieves deployment through hinge articulation rather than cable looping, reducing resistive torque and energy loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If coaxial cables and connectors are used at inter-panel junctions, then ease of manufacture improves, but passive intermodulation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidpassive intermodulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Coaxial cables and connectors are extracted from the inter-panel junctions and replaced with direct rigid transmission line connections, eliminating the non-linear electrical junctions that cause passive intermodulation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission line uses composite rigid structures with integrated electrical connections that eliminate the need for separate coaxial cable assemblies, reducing passive intermodulation sources while simplifying the overall assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If antenna area is increased to compensate for coaxial cable losses, then reliability improves, but mass and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradar sensitivityVSAvoidantenna mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid hinged structure converts the potential harm of deployment complexity into a benefit by enabling larger antenna areas without proportionally increasing mass, as the rigid sections can be more efficiently structured than flexible cables

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 enhances antenna efficiency, reduces passive intermodulation, minimizes mass and torque requirements, and improves the scientific value of Earth observation missions by efficiently conveying radio frequency energy while maintaining system performance.

Implementation Method 1

bridges disposed at each inter-panel junction so as to provide radio frequency coupling for the transfer of radio frequency energy from transmission lines disposed in (or on) one panel to transmission lines disposed in (or on) a neighbouring panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3289628B1Apparatus for conveying an electrical signal

Publication Date: 2021.01.27 EURECO TECH

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A deployable radio frequency (RF) transmission line, comprising at least two members, hinged together for deployment between a folded state and an unfolded state; and at least one bridge component disposed at each inter-member junction to provide RF coupling for the transfer of RF energy between the at least two hinged members.