Foamed Antenna Support Connector for Low Wave Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave antennas face performance degradation due to complex metal support structures that obstruct electromagnetic wave transmission and reduce antenna efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hollow support connector made of a foamed material with specific properties is used to connect the feed tube and secondary reflective surface, minimizing electromagnetic wave obstruction and ensuring good resistance to heat and humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal bracket is used as the support structure, then the secondary reflective surface can be supported, but the structure becomes complex and obstructs electromagnetic wave transmission, reducing antenna efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous foam materials (such as polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, or polyethylene foam) as the support structure instead of solid metal brackets. The porous structure reduces electromagnetic wave obstruction while maintaining mechanical support capability. The foam material provides sufficient strength to hold the secondary reflective surface while allowing electromagnetic waves to pass through with minimal interference, thus resolving the contradiction between support strength and electromagnetic transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures combining foam core with skin layers (such as metal skin or composite skin). This composite approach provides both mechanical strength from the skin layer and electromagnetic wave transmission capability from the foam core, effectively resolving the contradiction between structural strength and electromagnetic transparency.
2Strength
If a metal bracket is used as the support structure, then the secondary reflective surface can be supported, but the antenna radiation pattern is affected and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The porous foam material minimizes interaction with electromagnetic waves, reducing unwanted scattering and reflection that would degrade the radiation pattern. The material's low density and porous structure allow electromagnetic waves to pass through with minimal disturbance, maintaining antenna efficiency and reliable radiation characteristics while still providing necessary mechanical support.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a hollow support connector made of foamed material is used, then electromagnetic wave transmission is minimized obstructed, but mechanical strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow support connector uses composite construction with foam material as the core and a skin layer (metal or composite material) as the outer shell. The foam core provides electromagnetic wave transmission capability while the skin layer provides mechanical strength and structural integrity, effectively resolving the contradiction between electromagnetic transparency and mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The support connector applies different material properties to different regions: the foam core provides electromagnetic transparency, while the skin layer provides mechanical strength. This local differentiation of material quality allows each region to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between electromagnetic wave transmission and mechanical support.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the support structure is made of foamed material, then electromagnetic wave transmission is improved, but resistance to heat and humidity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow support connector combines foam material with a protective skin layer that provides resistance to heat and humidity. The foam core maintains electromagnetic wave transmission capability while the skin layer (metal or weather-resistant composite) provides environmental protection, resolving the contradiction between electromagnetic transparency and environmental resistance.
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 support connector maintains excellent antenna performance with minimal impact on electromagnetic wave transmission, providing high mechanical strength and stability under harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a constant Dk of the foamed material at a frequency of 6 GHz to 86 GHz is less than or equal to 1.2
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric loss of the foamed material at the frequency of 6 GHz to 86 GHz is less than or equal to 0.005
Implementation Method 3
a percentage of closed cells in the support connector is greater than or equal to 90%
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide a support structure for an antenna, a preparation method thereof, and use thereof. The support structure is connected between a feed tube and a secondary reflective surface of the antenna, and is specifically a hollow support connector. The support connector is made of a foamed material. A size shrinkage rate of the support connector is less than or equal to 1% after the support connector is placed in an environment with a temperature of 70°C to 100°C and relative humidity of 50% to 95% for four days. The support connector containing the foamed material is used to support the secondary reflective surface, minimizing impacts of obstruction and loss on transmission of electromagnetic waves, so that excellent antenna performance can be ensured, and leading to a low hygrothermal deformation rate, so that it can be ensured that the antenna performance does not degrade significantly during long-term use of the antenna.