Coaxial Nested Antenna Module for Submarine Multi-Frequency Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Submarine antenna systems face challenges in compactness and mechanical stability due to limited space and the need to accommodate multiple frequency ranges, with existing modular antenna systems compromising on mechanical resilience and frequency coverage, particularly for services like Link 16.
Innovation Solution
A compact antenna module design featuring two radiator elements arranged coaxially with symmetrical feed lines, where the distal radiator's feed line runs within the inner conductor of the proximal radiator's feed line, using coaxial cables and metal tubes for decoupling and stability, and incorporating a hemispherical dipole and spiral antennas for multi-frequency operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are used for different frequency ranges, then frequency coverage is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single antenna structure that serves multiple frequency ranges (VHF, UHF, L-band) through different radiator elements. The first radiator element handles VHF frequencies while the second radiator element handles UHF and L-band frequencies, allowing one antenna system to perform multiple communication functions that would traditionally require separate antennas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the second radiator element is positioned within or alongside the first radiator element. The feed line of the second radiator element runs within the inner conductor of the feed line of the first radiator element, creating a compact nested structure that reduces overall system complexity and space requirements
2Length of moving object
If antenna length is reduced for compactness, then device dimensions are improved, but radiation efficiency and resonant performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple discrete radiator elements, each optimized for specific frequency ranges. The first radiator element is designed with dimensions appropriate for VHF wavelengths while the second radiator element is sized for UHF and L-band frequencies. This segmentation allows each element to maintain optimal radiation efficiency for its designated frequency range while the overall antenna structure remains compact
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the antenna system are designed with locally optimized characteristics. The first radiator element has specific dimensional proportions for VHF optimization, while the second radiator element has different dimensional proportions for UHF/L-band optimization. The feed lines are also locally optimized, with the inner conductor dimensions and insulation properties tailored to support the specific frequency ranges of each radiator element
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular antenna system is used for multi-frequency operation, then adaptability is improved, but mechanical stability and compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple radiator elements and their feed lines into a single integrated antenna module. The feed line of the second radiator element is combined with the feed line of the first radiator element by running the inner conductor of the second feed line within the inner conductor of the first feed line. This merging creates a unified mechanical structure that maintains stability under water pressure and shock loads while supporting multiple frequency operations
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an antenna module with at least two independently operable radiating elements, wherein the two radiating elements are arranged one behind the other on a common axis, and the two radiating elements are each fed by coaxial feed lines. According to the invention, at least in the region of the radiating element arranged proximally on the common axis with respect to the feed, the feed line of the distally arranged radiating element is arranged within the inner conductor of the feed line of the proximally arranged radiating element.