Flex-Line Wrap Antenna Assembly for Rifled Projectile Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing side-mounted antenna designs for projectiles face challenges in withstanding environmental stresses and require complex soldering, making them expensive and difficult to implement, especially at higher frequencies, and are not compatible with existing rifled barrels.

Innovation Solution

A flexible projectile circuitry assembly with a wrap antenna integrated via a flex-line, eliminating the need for connectors and soldering, allowing for easy assembly and scalability to higher frequencies, and compatible with various projectile designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional side-mounted antenna designs are used for projectiles, then antenna functionality is achieved, but the system requires complex soldering and connectors, increasing manufacturing complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna assembly simplicityVSAvoidsoldering and connector complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the antenna element, flex-line circuit board, and connector functions into a single integrated unit. The antenna element is directly mounted on the flex-line circuit board, eliminating the need for separate connectors and soldering operations. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining electrical connectivity and antenna functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flex-line circuit board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connections, structural support, and antenna mounting. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components, reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly steps while maintaining all necessary electrical and mechanical functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If existing antenna systems are implemented in projectiles, then communication and sensing capabilities are provided, but the systems are expensive and difficult to implement at higher frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna system reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flex-line circuit boards with controlled impedance designs that can be manufactured to support higher frequency operations. By changing the physical and electrical parameters of the circuit board (such as trace width, substrate material, and ground plane configuration), the system achieves reliable high-frequency performance without requiring expensive specialized components or complex assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid antenna mounting structures are used, then antenna stability is achieved, but the structures cannot withstand environmental stresses during projectile flight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna mounting stabilityVSAvoidenvironmental stress resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible circuit board to mount the antenna element, allowing the mounting structure to flex and deform under environmental stresses such as vibration, shock, and thermal expansion. This flexibility prevents stress concentration and structural failure while maintaining electrical connectivity and antenna performance throughout the projectile's flight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional antenna designs are used, then antenna functionality is achieved, but compatibility with rifled barrels and various projectile designs is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojectile design compatibilityVSAvoidantenna form factor

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible circuit board allows the antenna assembly to adapt its shape and configuration based on the specific projectile design requirements. The flex-line can be bent, folded, or shaped to fit different projectile geometries and mounting locations, providing compatibility with various projectile types including those fired from rifled barrels without requiring rigid, geometry-specific mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12412976B1Flexline wrap antenna for projectile

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

A projectile circuitry assembly for use in projectiles comprising a chassis defining a generally cylindrical a main body portion and further defining an interior cavity for containing one or more projectile components and further defining an antenna aperture through the body portion to expose the interior cavity. In various embodiments the projectile circuitry assembly comprises a plurality of circuit boards and a wrap antenna, the plurality of circuit boards and wrap antenna interconnected via an integrated flex-line to define a single unitary device without the use of a connector, the wrap antenna comprising one or more antenna elements defined on a flexible antenna substrate layer, wherein the plurality of circuit boards are positioned in the interior cavity and the wrap antenna is threaded through the antenna aperture and wrapped circumferentially about an exterior of the cylindrical wall of the body portion.