Horn Antenna Waveguide Adapter for Closed-System Pre-Launch Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to confirm the soundness of a horn antenna system on an artificial satellite immediately before launch, as it is impractical to remove the antenna for ground measurements due to fixed components, and existing methods fail to suppress radio wave leakage during testing.
Innovation Solution
A connection adapter with a first waveguide connected to the horn antenna and a second waveguide that guides radio waves to a measurement instrument in a closed system, preventing external leakage, and a choke portion to further suppress radio wave leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the horn antenna is removed from the spacecraft for ground measurement, then the measurement can be performed separately, but the antenna cannot be tested immediately before launch due to fixed components
Solution Approach 1:
The connection adapter is fitted inside the horn antenna's waveguide portion, creating a nested structure where the adapter (outer doll) contains the waveguide portion (inner doll). This allows the measurement system to be integrated within the antenna structure itself, enabling in-situ testing without removal from the spacecraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection adapter acts as an intermediary device between the horn antenna and the measurement instrument. It provides a detachable connection interface that allows the measurement system to couple with the antenna while maintaining the antenna's integrated state on the spacecraft, thus enabling measurement without removal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the horn antenna is kept mounted on the spacecraft for in-situ measurement, then measurement timing is improved, but radio wave leakage into external space occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide system is segmented into three distinct parts: the horn antenna's waveguide portion, the connection adapter's first waveguide, and the second waveguide connecting to the measurement instrument. This segmentation allows the creation of a closed measurement path that contains radio waves within defined boundaries, preventing leakage into external space while maintaining in-situ measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection adapter introduces localized structural features (first waveguide and second waveguide interfaces) at specific locations within the measurement system. These localized structures create a controlled electromagnetic environment that confines radio waves to the intended measurement path, addressing the leakage problem at the specific interface points without affecting the overall antenna performance.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a closed system is created for measurement, then radio wave leakage is suppressed, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection adapter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a detachable connection interface for the measurement system, guides radio waves from the horn antenna through the first waveguide to the second waveguide, and creates a closed system to suppress radio wave leakage. By integrating these multiple functions into a single component, the overall structural complexity is minimized while achieving the desired closed measurement system.
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
Enables performance measurement of the horn antenna system on the ground without removing it, while effectively suppressing radio wave leakage, allowing for reliable pre-launch testing.
Implementation Method 1
guides radio waves radiated from the horn antenna to the measurement instrument in a closed system
Implementation Method 2
a choke portion extending toward the inside of the connection adapter is formed on an outer surface of the connection adapter
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a connection adapter and a horn antenna measurement device capable of measuring the performance of a system of a horn antenna on the ground without removing the horn antenna mounted on a spacecraft even immediately before the launch, while suppressing radio wave leakage to an external space. A connection adapter (200) includes a first waveguide (201) that is provided inside the connection adapter and connected to a waveguide portion (260) connected to a horn antenna (100), in which the connection adaptor is detachably fitted into the horn antenna, is connected to a measurement instrument (300) via a second waveguide (250) coupled to the first waveguide, and guides radio waves radiated from the horn antenna to the measurement instrument in a closed system.