Magnetic Shutter Antenna for Compact ULF-VLF Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generating efficient Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) and Very Low Frequency (VLF) electromagnetic waves is challenging due to the large free space wavelengths and impedance mismatches, making it difficult to construct compact and portable antennas that can efficiently radiate these frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic shutter antenna design that modulates the magnetic field of stationary permanent dipole magnets using a movable shutter, reducing kinetic energy requirements and allowing for kHz range radiation from a compact portable system, where the shutter spins or translates to block or allow magnetic signals, creating a time-varying electromagnetic signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional antennas are used for ULF-VLF frequencies, then the antennas can radiate electromagnetic waves, but the antennas require extremely large dimensions (tens to hundreds of kilometers) and cannot be portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic shutter as an intermediary component between the permanent magnets and the external environment. This shutter modulates the magnetic field by periodically blocking and unblocking it, enabling efficient ULF-VLF radiation from a compact antenna structure without requiring kilometer-scale dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic shutter performs periodic blocking and unblocking actions at kHz frequencies, creating time-varying magnetic fields that radiate electromagnetic waves. This periodic modulation allows the compact antenna to achieve ULF-VLF radiation efficiency comparable to much larger traditional antennas
2Productivity
If the magnetic field is modulated by a movable shutter, then the radiation efficiency improves, but the kinetic energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical motor-driven shutter systems with a magnetic actuation system. Permanent magnets interact with the magnetic shutter material to produce the blocking and unblocking motions, eliminating the need for high-power mechanical motors and significantly reducing kinetic energy requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field from the permanent magnets serves a dual function: it provides the radiation field and simultaneously actuates the magnetic shutter through magnetic forces. The system uses its own magnetic field to drive the modulation mechanism, eliminating the need for separate high-energy actuation systems
3Ease of operation
If additional magnets are added to drive the shutter, then the shutter can be actuated, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnets in the antenna serve multiple functions simultaneously: they generate the radiating magnetic field and they provide the magnetic force to actuate the shutter. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuation magnets, reducing overall device complexity and weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the radiation-generating function and the shutter-actuation function into a single magnetic field system. The same permanent magnets that create the ULF-VLF radiation also provide the magnetic forces needed to move the shutter, combining two previously separate functions into one integrated 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 efficient radiation of ULF and VLF signals from a portable system, reducing the need for additional magnets and allowing for global propagation, suitable for geophysical prospecting and maritime communications, with the frequency of magnetic field distortion determined by the shutter spin rate and number of openings.
Implementation Method 1
the shutter acts as a high-speed shutter system that generates oscillatory electromagnetic radiation through distortion of the magnetic field of the magnets
Implementation Method 2
the periodic distortion of the static magnetic field of the permanent magnets creates a time rate of change of field intensity leading to electromagnetic wave generation
Implementation Method 3
magnetic shielding material including at least one opening that allows magnetic flux from stationary permanent magnets to be alternatively blocked or passed through the unimpeded
Implementation Method 4
a built-in motor which uses the magnetic field of one or more static dipole magnets to generate rotational action of the shutter in relation to the one or more stationary dipole magnets
Data Source
AI summary
In one example embodiment, a magnetic shutter antenna is provided including at least one dipole magnet comprising a first end and a second end and at least one shutter of magnetically soft material comprising at least one opening and disposed proximate the first end of the at least one dipole magnet. The antenna further includes a motor coupled to the shutter and configured to move the shutter between a first closed position comprising the magnetic material being positioned adjacent the first end of the dipole magnet and a second open configuration comprising the opening being positioned adjacent the first end of the dipole magnet. Alternation between the first closed position and the second open position modulates a magnetic flux emitting from the first end of the at least one dipole magnet.