Naval Mast Layout for Drone Link Antenna Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing naval platform masts face challenges in integrating and maintaining primary link antennas for drones due to performance, evolution, and mechanical and environmental resistance issues, particularly during upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A naval platform mast design featuring a rotating primary link antenna housed in a composite material radome with a fixed antenna support structure, allowing for efficient integration and minimizing space and electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating primary link antenna is integrated into an existing mast during platform upgrades, then the drone communication capability is improved, but the mast structure complexity and space management become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating primary link antenna is enclosed within a radome that is integrated into the existing mast structure. The radome acts as a protective housing that contains the antenna mechanism while maintaining a streamlined external shape compatible with the mast's overall structure, effectively nesting the new functionality within the existing form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the rotating antenna and fixed antenna at different vertical levels along the mast structure. This vertical dimensionality arrangement allows both antenna types to coexist without horizontal interference, optimizing space utilization while maintaining separate functional zones for different communication purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are integrated into the mast, then the functionality is improved, but electromagnetic interference between antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the rotating primary link antenna and the fixed antenna vertically along the mast structure. This spatial separation in the vertical dimension reduces electromagnetic coupling between the two antenna types, minimizing interference while allowing both to operate simultaneously for different functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mast structure is divided into distinct functional zones, with the rotating antenna housed in its own radome section and the fixed antenna positioned in a separate area. This segmentation isolates the electromagnetic fields of different antenna types, reducing mutual interference while maintaining overall system functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If antennas are stacked vertically to minimize space, then the space usage is improved, but the horizon coverage optimization becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining vertical stacking to minimize horizontal space usage, the patent optimizes horizon coverage by positioning antennas at different vertical elevations. This creates staggered radiation patterns that collectively provide broader angular coverage, compensating for the vertical arrangement's potential coverage limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The radome containing the rotating antenna is designed with specific electromagnetic properties tailored to the primary link frequency band. This localized optimization of the radome's material characteristics ensures optimal radiation characteristics and horizon coverage for the rotating antenna's specific function, despite the compact vertical integration.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a mast (1) of a naval platform, the upper end of which comprises at least one rotary antenna (2), said mast being characterized in that the rotary antenna (2) is a primary link antenna for an onboard drone and is placed alone in a radome (5), the base of which is fixed to the remainder of the mast (1), the top of which comprises a spar (7) for supporting at least one other piece of equipment (8) of the platform.