Deployable Manpack Antenna Assembly for 4π Ground Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antennas for man-pack radio communication units lack wide-angle 4π steradians coverage, efficient deployment mechanisms, and simultaneous operational readiness during both 'communications on the move' and 'communications at the halt' scenarios, especially in combat environments where line-of-sight signals are frequently obstructed.
Innovation Solution
A deployable manpack antenna assembly featuring a transceiver antenna unit, support rods, a flexible conduit connector, latching unit, clamping unit, and sleeve retainer stops, allowing for stowed and deployed configurations, providing omnidirectional coverage across multiple frequency bands, including K, Ka, and Ku bands, with a compact and lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional monopole or dipole antennas are used for ground communication, then line-of-sight communication is achieved, but wide-angle coverage is not provided and communication is blocked by obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deployable antenna structure that can dynamically change its configuration between stowed and deployed states. The antenna elements are arranged to provide omnidirectional coverage when deployed, allowing the communication system to adapt to different operational scenarios and maintain reliable communication regardless of obstacle positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar antenna arrangements to a three-dimensional omnidirectional antenna structure. The antenna elements are positioned in multiple dimensions to achieve 4π steradian coverage, enabling communication in all directions simultaneously and overcoming line-of-sight limitations.
2Ease of operation
If handheld antennas are used, then portability is achieved, but soldiers cannot use one hand for weapons or other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into modular components that can be independently deployed and configured. The antenna elements are separated and positioned on different support structures, allowing the system to be mounted on equipment rather than held manually, thereby freeing the soldier's hands while maintaining communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces support rods and mounting structures as intermediary elements between the antenna and the soldier's equipment. These intermediaries allow the antenna to be mounted on rucksacks or other gear, transferring the weight burden from the soldier's hand to the equipment while maintaining communication functionality.
3Ease of operation
If antennas are mounted on rucksacks, then hands are freed, but the deployed antenna becomes bulky and can snag on objects
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are designed to nest within each other or fold into a compact configuration when not in use. The support rods can be collapsed or retracted, allowing the antenna system to occupy minimal space when stowed on the rucksack while maintaining full deployment capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system incorporates dynamic deployment mechanisms that allow it to transition between compact and extended states. The support structures can be quickly deployed or retracted based on operational requirements, reducing the risk of snagging while maintaining communication capability when needed.
4Ease of operation
If rucksack-mounted antennas are used, then hands are freed, but the soldier's profile increases making them more detectable
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is designed to nest within the contours of the rucksack or soldier's gear when stowed, minimizing the external profile and reducing detectability. The compact configuration allows the antenna to blend with the equipment silhouette while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements are strategically positioned and sized to provide adequate coverage while minimizing the overall profile. Critical communication frequencies are prioritized with larger elements, while less critical directions use smaller elements, optimizing the balance between coverage and profile reduction.
5Area of stationary object
If compact antennas are developed for multiple frequency bands, then omnidirectional coverage is achieved, but deployment mechanisms become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is designed with universal support structures and mounting mechanisms that can accommodate multiple frequency bands and antenna configurations. The deployment mechanism uses standardized components that can handle different antenna element sizes and positions, simplifying the overall complexity while maintaining multi-band omnidirectional capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable manpack antenna assembly comprises a transceiver antenna unit, a first support rod, a flexible conduit connector, a second support rod, a base unit, a latching unit, a clamping unit, and at least two sleeve retainer stops. The deployable manpack antenna assembly is configured for use in military applications, particularly relating to ground-party communications systems intended to be used in both communications-at-the-halt (CATH) and communications-on-the-move (COTM). The manpack antenna assembly operates in Ku, K and Ka bands for soldiers in the battlefield. The manpack antenna assembly comprises one of the two antennas, a biconical variant antenna, or an inverted-F variant antenna, both of which operate at Ku-band, K-band, and Ka-band simultaneously. The manpack antenna assembly boasts several features, including antenna deployment from folded to unfolded configurations, compact size, low mass, near 4π steradians coverage, low cost, wide bandwidth performance, and built-in radome for protection from severe environmental conditions.