Miura-ori Deployable Antenna Array with Tunable Directivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable antennas face limitations in size reduction and manufacturing complexity, particularly in space and military applications where portability and tunable directivity are crucial, as they often require static deployment configurations and added weight from substrates.
Innovation Solution
A deployable antenna array utilizing a Miura-ori folding pattern that allows for a single degree of freedom motion, reducing surface area by up to 70% through a one-step folding sequence, enabling tunable radiation patterns and directivity without overlapping antenna elements, and using a thin dielectric substrate with conductive traces for efficient beamforming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a parabolic reflector antenna is used to achieve high gain in one direction, then the gain is improved, but the beam width becomes narrow requiring physical turning of a large structure
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple independently controllable antenna elements arranged in a grid pattern on the deployable surface. Each element can be individually phased and amplitude-controlled to electronically steer the beam without physically moving the entire structure, thus maintaining high gain while achieving flexible beam steering.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system transitions from a static parabolic reflector to a dynamic phased array where the radiation pattern can be electronically adjusted in real-time. By dynamically changing the phase and amplitude of each element, the beam direction and width can be adapted without mechanical movement of the entire antenna structure.
2Area of moving object
If deployable antenna structures are used to achieve portability, then the stowed size is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Miura-ori folding mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the deployable structure for size reduction, creates the antenna element positions through its rigid folded geometry, and maintains planar surfaces for element placement. This universal application of the folding pattern simplifies the overall design compared to specialized mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The Miura-ori structure is a self-supporting rigid origami mechanism that maintains its shape without additional bracing or complex joints. The geometry itself provides structural stability, and the folding/unfolding action is achieved through a single degree of freedom that naturally guides the deployment process, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If origami-based helical and spiral antennas are used to achieve deployability and frequency tunability, then the portability is improved, but the weight increases due to substrate requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are mounted on thin, lightweight dielectric substrates that form the folded surfaces of the Miura-ori structure. These thin films provide the necessary mechanical support and electrical isolation while minimizing weight, replacing the heavier substrates required by conventional helical and spiral origami antenna designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using a continuous folded substrate as the radiating element itself, the design segments the antenna into discrete elements mounted on the folded structure. This allows the use of lightweight substrates for mounting while the radiating elements are optimized separately, reducing overall weight while maintaining frequency tunability through element selection and phasing.
4Area of moving object
If the antenna array is folded to reduce surface area, then the portability is improved, but the radiation pattern control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The beamforming system is designed to dynamically adapt to the folded configuration. By sensing or knowing the fold state, the system adjusts the phase and amplitude distribution across the elements to maintain the desired radiation pattern. This dynamic compensation simplifies control compared to attempting to maintain a fixed pattern design for all configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (phase and amplitude) of each antenna element based on the fold configuration. By adjusting these parameters, the radiation pattern is optimized for the current surface geometry, whether deployed or folded, without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration of the element positions themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna array including a foldable substrate having a plurality of fold lines arranged in a Miura-ori folding pattern, and a plurality of antenna elements interconnected by an electrical trace and disposed on the substrate, wherein the substrate containing the plurality of antenna elements is to fold according to a one-step Miura-ori folding pattern sequence, and wherein the plurality of antenna elements directs an antenna beam with a range of directivities caused by a folding of the substrate according to the one-step Miura-ori folding pattern sequence. The plurality of antenna elements may be non-overlapping prior to the folding of the substrate. The antenna beam may include a tunable radiation pattern that changes based on various stages of folding of the substrate containing the plurality of antenna elements.