Radiofrequency Antenna With Movable Elements For Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power radio frequency antennas with helical-type emissive elements face limitations in directional aiming due to the need for complex deformable guide elements and large mass displacement, making it difficult to change the direction of emission without compromising the vacuum environment.
Innovation Solution
The antenna elements are made partially movable with respect to the emission surface, using a mechanism involving rotatable transmission strands, synchronized displacement racks, and a rotary control crown with cams, allowing for coordinated movement to form a coherent wave propagating in an angularly offset direction without requiring complex guide elements or large mass displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna is mounted on an articulated and motorized support to change emission direction, then the directional aiming capability is improved, but the device complexity and mass displacement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent radiating elements that can be individually positioned and oriented. Each element can be independently controlled to achieve beam steering without moving the entire antenna structure, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining directional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements are made dynamically adjustable in position and orientation through individual actuators. This allows the radiation pattern to be dynamically steered by changing the configuration of individual elements rather than moving the entire rigid structure, reducing mass displacement requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If angular displacement of helical antenna elements is implemented, then the emission direction can be changed, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical angular displacement mechanisms with a more straightforward positioning system. Instead of requiring precise angular articulation of helical elements, the invention uses linear actuators to position elements at specific coordinates, simplifying the control mechanism and ease of operation
3Power
If the electromagnetic radiation source and antenna assembly are kept under vacuum, then high power transmission is achieved, but the system becomes difficult to deform and adapt
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is segmented into multiple independently controllable elements within the vacuum chamber. This segmentation allows electronic beam steering and pattern control without requiring physical deformation of the vacuum-sealed system, maintaining both high power capability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering through electronic control of individual antenna elements rather than mechanical deformation of the vacuum system. The elements can be independently phased and positioned to steer the beam electronically, preserving vacuum integrity while achieving directional control
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
This solution enables angularly movable radio frequency antenna operation, allowing for directional adjustments in one or two dimensions without complex deformable guide elements or large mass displacement, maintaining the vacuum environment and achieving coherent wave propagation.
Implementation Method 1
Each antenna element comprises a helical radiating strand protruding from the emission face. The strand is connected to a capture loop present inside the radial transmission line of the antenna, on the other side of the emission surface. Each of the strands radiating in a helix is positioned with an initial angle so as to form, for example, a coherent electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the displacement means comprise a mechanism for synchronized displacement of the racks, the displacement mechanism synchronized comprises a rotary control crown with respect to the frame and provided with cams for controlling the racks, the racks each being equipped with at least one cam follower cooperating with a cam
Implementation Method 3
the means for moving the antenna elements are suitable for driving the antenna elements in rotation, the moving means comprise racks mounted to slide with respect to the emission surface and the emission strands are integral with drive pinions in engagement with the racks
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
Radio frequency antenna comprising a frame (26) and an emission surface (22) carrying a set of radiating antenna elements (24), each along its own emission direction, characterized in that each antenna element (24) is at least partially movable relative to the emission surface (22) to change its own emission direction and in that it comprises means (25) for moving the antenna elements (24) in a coordinated manner along said surface (24) to form, from the elementary waves produced by the antenna elements (24), a coherent wave propagating along a direction angularly offset with respect to the normal to the emission surface.