A product and method for frequency selective camouflage material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camouflage systems disrupt electromagnetic signal transmission and reception when used with communication equipment, as they interact with electromagnetic radiation, leading to potential communication disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A frequency selective camouflage material with a patterned conductive backing that allows high transmissivity for low-frequency communication signals and low transmissivity for high-frequency radar signals, achieved by patterning conductive material on a flexible backing to form electrically isolated regions, ensuring effective radar camouflage while maintaining communication functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a camouflage system is applied to cover communication equipment, then radar detection avoidance is improved, but electromagnetic signal transmission and reception is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive material is divided into discrete patterned regions separated by non-conductive material, creating a segmented structure that functions as a low-pass filter. This segmentation allows the camouflage to interact differently with various frequency ranges, blocking radar frequencies while permitting communication frequencies to pass through.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the camouflage material have different electromagnetic properties - the conductive patterned regions provide radar absorption while the non-conductive regions allow signal transmission. This local variation in material properties enables frequency-selective behavior across the surface of the camouflage.
2Reliability
If communication equipment is moved to a separate location or antenna protrudes, then electromagnetic signal transmission is maintained, but camouflage coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The camouflage material simultaneously performs multiple functions: it provides radar absorption for detection avoidance while also functioning as an electromagnetic filter that permits communication signals to pass through. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to compromise camouflage coverage for signal transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conductive material is patterned on backing to form electrically isolated regions, then frequency selective properties are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic interaction properties of the camouflage material are changed by varying the parameters of the conductive pattern - including region size, shape, spacing, and conductivity. These parameter changes enable frequency-selective behavior without requiring complex multi-layer structures or advanced manufacturing processes.
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 material allows for effective radar camouflage while ensuring high transmissivity at low frequencies (communication frequencies) and low transmissivity at high frequencies (radar frequencies), mitigating disruptions and maintaining communication equipment functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive material is patterned onto said backing to form a plurality of regions of conductive material... Said camouflage material has a transmittance of at least 60% for electromagnetic radiation having a frequency below 200 MHz and at most 40% for electromagnetic radiation having a frequency in the range of 8-20 GHz
Implementation Method 2
Each region of conductive material is electrically isolated from other regions of patterned conductive material... allowing regions of pattern conductive material typical to interact relatively strongly with typical radar signals and relatively weakly with typical communication signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a frequency selective camouflage material comprising a backing and a conductive material. The conductive material is patterned onto said backing to form a plurality of regions of conductive material, wherein each region of conductive material is electrically isolated from other regions of patterned conductive material. Each region of patterned conductive material has a diameter in the range of 5 mm to 300 mm. The camouflage material has a transmittance of at least 60% for electromagnetic radiation having a frequency below 200 MHz and at most 40% for electromagnetic radiation having a frequency in the range of 8-20 GHz.