Offset Antenna Nested Panel Storage

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional 2.0-2.2M space frame antennas are bulky and inefficient in terms of packability, requiring high-volume storage for transportation due to their design, which limits their space and weight efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A 2.2M offset antenna design featuring a reflector hub and collapsible positioner with uniquely sized reflector panels that can be nested together, utilizing helical cam latching devices for secure attachment and efficient packing, allowing for progressive size reduction of panels for compact storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional space frame antenna designs are used, then the antenna provides adequate reflector surface area, but the antenna becomes bulky and requires high-volume storage for transportation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidpackability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector is divided into multiple uniquely sized panels that can be separated and nested together. Each panel is a discrete component that can be individually handled and stored, transforming a single large rigid structure into multiple manageable segments that nest compactly for transportation while maintaining the required reflector surface area when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panels are designed with uniquely sized dimensions that allow them to be nested together in a stacked configuration, with smaller panels fitting within the boundaries of larger panels. This nesting arrangement dramatically reduces the storage volume required for transportation while enabling the panels to be securely attached to form the complete reflector surface when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the antenna is designed for compact storage, then packability improves, but the structural integrity and operational effectiveness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepackabilityVSAvoidoperational effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector is divided into multiple uniquely sized panels that can be separated and nested together. Each panel is a discrete component that can be individually handled and stored, transforming a single large rigid structure into multiple manageable segments that nest compactly for transportation while maintaining the required reflector surface area when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panels are designed with asymmetric, uniquely sized dimensions rather than uniform shapes. This asymmetry allows optimal nesting arrangements where each panel fits efficiently within the configuration of others, maximizing packability while ensuring that when assembled, the panels form the correct parabolic reflector geometry for operational effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11539128B2Offset antenna

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 AVL TECH

AI summary

A 2.2M offset antenna includes a reflector hub; a positioner for supporting the reflector hub; a plurality of reflector panels including a first plurality of side panels and a second plurality of side panels, the first plurality of side panels and the second plurality of side panels each being selectively securable to the reflector hub; each side panel of the first plurality of side panels being uniquely sized relative to the other side panels of the first plurality of side panels such that the first plurality of side panels may be nested together in a stacked configuration when separated from reflector hub; and each side panel of the second plurality of side panels being uniquely sized relative to the other side panels of the second plurality of side panels such that the second plurality of side panels may be nested together in a stacked configuration when separated from reflector hub.