Low-Profile Dual-Reflector Antenna for Full-Elevation Multi-Band Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low-profile antennas have limited elevation and frequency bandwidth, and are often cumbersome due to waveguide arrays, which hinders their application in airborne and ground mobile systems where aerodynamic drag and radome silhouette need to be minimized.
Innovation Solution
The proposed antenna system features a main-reflector with variable axis deployment, allowing it to adjust its distance from a sub-reflector while synchronizing this distance with the tilt of the main-reflector, enabling full elevation coverage and multi-band transmit and receive capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional low-profile antennas are used, then the antenna height is reduced, but the elevation coverage and frequency bandwidth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable main reflector that can change its distance from the sub-reflector and adjust its tilt angle dynamically. This dynamic positioning allows the antenna to achieve full elevation coverage (0-180 degrees) and multi-band operation while maintaining a low profile when not in use. The reflector distance adjustment mechanism enables the antenna to optimize its performance across different frequency bands and elevation angles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If waveguide arrays are used to achieve full elevation coverage, then the elevation capability is improved, but the device complexity and aerodynamic drag increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex waveguide array structure from the antenna design. Instead of using multiple waveguides to achieve full elevation coverage, the invention uses a simplified dual-reflector configuration with a movable main reflector that achieves the same elevation capability through geometric adjustment rather than complex waveguide routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical waveguide array system with a geometric optics-based reflector system. By using the law of reflection and adjustable reflector positioning, the system achieves full elevation coverage without the need for complex waveguide mechanics, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If the main-reflector distance from sub-reflector is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but the multi-band and full elevation performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning mechanism for the main reflector that allows continuous adjustment of both the distance from the sub-reflector and the tilt angle. This dynamic capability enables the antenna to optimize its performance for different frequency bands and achieve full 0-180 degree elevation coverage, directly addressing the requirement for multi-band and full elevation performance.
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 innovative design achieves a low-profile solution with minimal gain variations over the full elevation travel, meeting wide-Tx/Rx bands requirements and complying with Satcom regulations, while maintaining high reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a main-reflector: having a first parabolic shape in a first direction, and having a second parabolic shape in a second direction
Implementation Method 2
a sub-reflector: having a first concave shape in the first direction, the main-reflector and the sub-reflector cooperating to focus an incoming target-beam of radiation on the feed
Data Source
AI summary
A multi band antenna system for transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals in a low-profile dual reflector configuration with position-controlled main-reflector, and fixed sub-reflector and feed horn. An added linear slide of the main-reflector with respect to the sub-reflector synchronized with variable tilt angle of the main-reflector for compensation for the varied focal length in the main-reflector to the beam due the varied main-reflector tilt. The system achieves a beam elevation of 10° to 100° (full elevation), minimum gain variations over the full elevation travel, swept volume as per ARINC 791 (e.g. Boeing Radome or Airbus Radome), and can be used to meet wide-Tx/Rx bands requirements.