Integrated EO/RF Window for Conformal Aircraft Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid electro-optical/radio frequency (EO/RF) systems are not conformal to aircraft or UAV surfaces, requiring significant volume and causing drag, while prior attempts at conformal solutions have not effectively minimized volume or optimized performance.
Innovation Solution
An integrated window with a radio frequency (RF) radome portion made from composite materials transparent to RF signals and an optically transparent window portion, embedded within the RF radome, allowing for a common aperture that is both conformal and minimizes volume, using materials like epoxy/quartz and epoxy/fiberglass with environmental coatings for structural strength and reduced insertion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If prior art systems use separate RF and EO apertures or non-conformal mounting, then RF and EO functions can be provided, but the system requires significant volume and is not conformal to aircraft surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RF and EO apertures into a single integrated window structure where the optical window is embedded within the RF radome. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces overall system volume while maintaining conformal capability to aircraft surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical window is nested within the RF radome structure, with the optical window portion embedded in the forward face of the radome. This nesting arrangement allows both apertures to occupy the same spatial envelope, achieving conformal mounting with minimal volume increase.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If prior art systems use non-conformal apertures, then RF and EO functions are provided, but drag is increased and volume is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The RF radome is designed with a curved, aerodynamic shape that conforms to the aircraft fuselage surface. This curvature reduces drag by minimizing flow separation and pressure drag, while the optical window is embedded within this curved structure to maintain the aerodynamic profile.
3Strength
If the optical window is made thick for structural strength, then structural integrity is improved, but RF performance deteriorates due to increased insertion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the optical window to balance structural strength and RF performance. The window is made as thin as possible while maintaining sufficient strength, and the RF radome thickness is designed to compensate and maintain the overall optical path length, thereby minimizing RF insertion loss while preserving structural integrity.
4Reliability
If different materials are used for RF radome and optical window, then各自功能 is optimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction where the RF radome is made from RF-transparent composite materials (such as fiberglass or quartz reinforced polymers) and the optical window is made from optically transparent materials (such as fused silica or acrylic). These materials are bonded together using adhesive layers, creating a functionally optimized composite structure that can be manufactured as an integrated unit.
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 integrated window enhances both EO and RF performance, reduces volume, and allows the system to be conformal to aircraft or UAV surfaces, minimizing drag and maintaining optimal RF performance by matching physical and electrical thicknesses of the RF radome and optical window.
Implementation Method 1
an RF radome portion provided from a composite material transparent to radio frequency (RF) signals
Implementation Method 2
an optical window portion provided from an optically transparent material embedded within the RF radome portion
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated radio frequency (RF)/optical window includes an RF radome portion provided from a composite material substantially transparent to RF energy disposed about an optical window configured for use with an optical phased array.