Expandable Phased-Array Antenna for Launch-Constrained Aperture Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phased-array antennas on communication satellites are limited by physical constraints, such as weight and dimensions, which restrict their performance despite the benefits of larger apertures for improved signal quality and directivity.
Innovation Solution
An expandable phased-array antenna assembly that transitions between a retracted configuration for launch and an expanded configuration for operation, utilizing zigzag-shaped struts and electromechanical mechanisms to increase the effective aperture size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the phased-array antenna is made larger to improve performance (gain, directivity, beamforming resolution), then the antenna performance is improved, but the physical dimensions exceed satellite deployment constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies deployability by designing the antenna to transition from a compact retracted configuration during launch to an expanded operational configuration in space. The antenna structure includes expandable struts and radiating elements that can be mechanically deployed after satellite deployment, allowing the same antenna to satisfy both launch constraints and operational performance requirements through dynamic reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies nesting by arranging the radiating elements and struts in a compact folded configuration during launch that resembles a nested structure. The radiating elements are positioned along the struts in a space-efficient manner that allows the entire antenna array to be contained within the satellite's launch vehicle fairing, then expanded to full aperture in orbit
2Measurement precision
If the phased-array antenna is made larger to support more radiating elements for finer beamforming control, then the spatial resolution and tracking are improved, but the antenna weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable design allows the antenna to achieve full aperture area with the required number of radiating elements for high-resolution beamforming only when deployed in orbit. During launch, the antenna is in a compact state that reduces both volume and effective weight constraints, then transitions to the full operational configuration where the complete array of radiating elements provides the desired spatial resolution without requiring the satellite structure to permanently support the expanded mass
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is divided into multiple independent struts with radiating elements mounted on them, allowing the structure to be segmented for compact packaging during launch. Each strut can be independently deployed and positioned, enabling the assembly to achieve the full aperture configuration in space while maintaining a compact form factor during transport, effectively decoupling the launch weight constraint from the operational performance requirement
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable phased-array antenna assembly is described herein. Embodiments include an expander carriage configured to transition between a retracted configuration (e.g., during launch and initial deployment) and an expanded configuration (e.g., during operational ground communications). Embodiments include zigzag-shaped struts coupled with the expander carriage and having phased-array radiating elements (REs) mounted thereon. The expander carriage operate so that the struts are spaced at a smaller inter-strut spacing in the retracted configuration and at a larger inter-strut spacing in the expanded configuration. The struts and REs are arranged so that, in the expanded configuration, the REs form an operational phased-array lattice pattern.