Hexagonal Frustum Deployable Antenna Mechanism for Large Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a growing demand for large-aperture, high-profile accuracy, high rigidity, and high-strength space deployable antennas that can efficiently deploy and retract within the limited launch volume of rockets.
Innovation Solution
A deployable mechanism formed by combining 3N2+3N+1 hexagonal frustum deployable units through unit connecting rods and support frames, allowing for adjustable aperture size and efficient deployment and retraction with high rigidity and support performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the antenna is designed with a large aperture for high signal transmission, then the signal transmission quality is improved, but the launch volume requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is divided into multiple identical or similar deployable mechanism units arranged in an array. Each unit can be independently folded and deployed, allowing the overall antenna aperture to be large while maintaining a compact folded state for launch.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable mechanism units are designed to fold into each other during launch, with the structure nesting into a compact configuration that minimizes launch volume while maintaining the capability to expand to a large aperture when deployed.
2Manufacturing precision
If the antenna structure is made more complex to achieve high profile accuracy and rigidity, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple identical or similar deployable mechanism units are used throughout the antenna structure, each performing the same function. This standardization simplifies manufacturing and assembly while achieving high profile accuracy through consistent geometric relationships across all units.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanisms to achieve rigidity, the patent uses a truss structure that derives rigidity from its geometric configuration and interconnected units. The rigidity emerges from the collective arrangement of simple elements rather than from complex individual components.
3Speed
If the antenna is designed for quick deployment and retraction, then the operation speed is improved, but the structural rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure transitions from a static design to a dynamic deployable system. The truss units are designed with movable joints that allow rapid deployment and retraction while maintaining structural rigidity when in the deployed position through geometric locking.
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 mechanism achieves a high degree of expandability, safety, efficiency, and convenience during operation, addressing issues of weak signal transmission, small data capacity, and low communication rates of traditional antennas.
Implementation Method 1
By controlling the rotation pair between the connecting rods and the length of the connecting rods, the hexagonal frustum deployable unit can achieve deployment and retraction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a hexagonal frustum deployable unit and the deployable mechanism formed by the same, which includes hexagonal frustum deployable units, unit connecting rods and support frames, 3N2+3N+1 hexagonal frustum deployable units are combined into a closely connected deployable mechanism through unit connecting rods and support frames; the present invention combines hexagonal frustum deployable units array into deployable mechanisms of any aperture size, which has advantages such as high rigidity, high retraction rate, high support performance and adjustable aperture size, which makes space deployable antenna mechanism safer, more efficient and convenient during operation process and solves problems of weak signal transmission or reception, small data capacity and low communication rate of traditional antennas.