Foldable Radio Wave Antenna Using Flexible Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radio wave antennas are cumbersome for transport due to their weight and require complex actuator systems or rigid components to maintain shape, which add weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A foldable antenna design featuring a flexible concave reflector member and a flexible tension member attached by a zipper, eliminating the need for rigid components, allowing for easy deployment and stowage without degrading signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional metal antennas are used, then the antenna maintains structural integrity and signal quality, but the antenna becomes heavy and cumbersome for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane material to form the antenna reflector surface, replacing traditional rigid metal structures. This flexible membrane maintains the necessary parabolic shape for signal reflection while being lightweight and foldable, directly resolving the contradiction between weight and signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design incorporates deployable and foldable characteristics, transitioning from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure. The antenna can be deployed into its functional parabolic shape during use and folded compactly for transport, enabling weight reduction without compromising operational reliability.
2Ease of operation
If collapsible metal antennas are used, then the antenna can be folded for transport, but complex actuator systems are required to deploy it
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane antenna structure is designed to deploy and maintain its parabolic shape through its inherent structural properties and tensioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex external actuator systems. The structure self-organizes into the required configuration during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the complex actuator systems traditionally required for deploying collapsible metal antennas. By using a flexible membrane with integrated tensioning elements, the deployment function is achieved through simpler mechanical means without separate actuation mechanisms.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight composite materials are used for the antenna, then the antenna weight is reduced, but rigid structures are needed to maintain the reflector shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane that inherently maintains its parabolic reflector shape through its structural design and tensioning system, eliminating the need for additional rigid support structures. The membrane itself serves as both the reflective surface and the structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane is constructed from composite materials that combine lightweight properties with sufficient structural integrity. This composite construction allows the membrane to maintain its shape under tension without requiring separate rigid reinforcing elements.
4Reliability
If rigid ribs or toroidal members are added to maintain reflector shape, then the antenna signal quality is maintained, but the system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane design inherently maintains the parabolic reflector shape through its tensioned structure and integrated support elements, eliminating the need for additional rigid ribs or toroidal members. The membrane's flexibility allows it to maintain shape through tension rather than rigid reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the reflector surface and structural support functions into a single integrated flexible membrane structure. The tensioning elements and support mechanisms are merged with the membrane itself, eliminating separate rigid components that would add weight.
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 design enables a lightweight, compact antenna system that maintains signal quality and simplifies transportation by eliminating the need for rigid structures, reducing weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible concave reflector member
Implementation Method 2
a flexible flat tension member attached to the rim of the reflector member
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite communications assembly has a foldable antenna that has a flexible reflector member and a flexible tension member. The assembly further has a feed assembly centrally disposed with respect to the foldable antenna and a plurality of reflector supports that extend radially from the feed assembly and coupled to the reflector member. Additionally, the assembly has a hub coupled to the feed assembly, the hub coupled to ends of a plurality of ground support legs.