Modular Antenna Support Ring Layout to Minimize Aircraft Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite communication antennas integrated into aircraft are not adaptable to different models and often interfere with the aircraft's structure, leading to increased drag and limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular antenna support system that allows for the reception of different antenna models by changing only the base and ring components, with guiding, driving, and determining means mounted externally to minimize interference and reduce drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the antenna support is integrated into the antenna structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different antenna models deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna support system is divided into modular components: a base unit with guiding means, driving means, and determining means, and a separate ring unit with antenna securing means. This segmentation allows the ring and antenna to be detached and reconfigured for different antenna models while the base remains stable and reusable, thus maintaining structural stability while improving adaptability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the antenna support is integrated into the aircraft structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna support system is extracted from the aircraft's internal structure and positioned as an external modular unit. The ring with antenna securing means can be mounted on the aircraft exterior, separating the antenna system from the main aircraft structure. This reduces interference with the aircraft's aerodynamic profile and minimizes drag while maintaining the stability of the antenna positioning system.
3Ease of manufacture
If the antenna support components are mounted internally, then the structural integration is improved, but the interference with aircraft structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring acts as an intermediary component between the aircraft structure and the antenna. It provides a dedicated mounting interface for the antenna while being guided by the base unit, which interfaces with the aircraft. This intermediary ring structure eliminates direct interference between the antenna and aircraft structure, allowing easy manufacturing and assembly while preventing structural interference.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna support has large dimensions to accommodate different antennas, then the adaptability is improved, but the drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring diameter can be varied to match different antenna sizes, creating a dynamic configuration system. The base unit with guiding means remains constant, but the ring component can be exchanged or adjusted to accommodate different antenna dimensions. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to fit various antenna sizes without requiring a permanently large support structure, thus minimizing drag while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an antenna support (1) comprising: - a base (10), - at least one ring (20) comprising means for securing an antenna element, - guide means (30) for guiding rotation of the ring about an axis of rotation (A1), - drive means (40) for rotating the ring around the axis of rotation, and - means (50) for determining the angular position of the ring about the axis of rotation. According to the invention, the guide means, the drive means and the determination means are mounted on the base on the external side of the ring.