Low-Loss Radome Composites With Hollow Microspheres

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radome materials exhibit high dielectric constants and dielectric loss tangents, especially at high frequencies, which affect electromagnetic signal transmission and structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

Development of low dielectric constant and low loss tangent radomes using materials such as honeycomb cores with composite skins or unified structures incorporating hollow microspheres and reinforced fibers, along with flame retardants to maintain structural integrity and reduce electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional composite materials are used for radomes, then structural strength and environmental protection are achieved, but dielectric constant and loss tangent increase at high frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidelectromagnetic energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials consisting of a matrix material (thermoplastic or thermoset resin) combined with hollow microspheres (glass, plastic, or ceramic) and reinforcing fibers. This composite structure achieves both mechanical strength and low dielectric properties by integrating multiple material components with complementary characteristics - the hollow microspheres reduce dielectric constant while the fiber reinforcement maintains structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The use of hollow microspheres creates a porous internal structure within the radome material. These microspheres have air-filled cavities that significantly reduce the overall dielectric constant of the composite material while maintaining adequate mechanical strength. The porous structure formed by packed hollow spheres allows the material to achieve low dielectric constant (1.3-1.8) and low loss tangent (0.002-0.01) at millimeter wave frequencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Loss of energy

If hollow microspheres are incorporated to reduce dielectric constant, then electromagnetic signal transmission improves, but structural integrity may compromise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic energy lossVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines hollow microspheres with reinforcing fibers and binding matrix materials to create a composite structure where the fibers provide tensile strength and structural integrity while the hollow microspheres provide low dielectric properties. The matrix material binds these components together into a cohesive structure that achieves both low dielectric constant and adequate mechanical strength for radome applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the composite - hollow microspheres are distributed throughout the matrix to provide low dielectric constant in regions where electromagnetic transparency is needed, while fiber reinforcements are positioned to provide structural strength in load-bearing areas. This local differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous optimization of electromagnetic and mechanical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12519219B2Low dielectric, low loss radomes and materials for low dielectric, low loss radomes

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 LAIRD TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of low dielectric, low loss radomes. Also disclosed are materials for radomes according to exemplary embodiments.