Pantograph-Coupled Reflector Deployment for Adjustable Beam Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite antenna systems face limitations in adjusting the deployed geometry of precision reflector structures, restricting flexibility in positioning and orientation, and do not allow for different sized feeds or feed pointing angles, making it difficult to adapt to various missions or applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of a pantograph coupling structure that indirectly couples the reflector structure to a boom, allowing for adjustable offset of the reflector's beam from the focal axis, achieved through a mechanism involving pivotal and sliding movements of bars and a decrease in length of the vertical batten, enabling flexible deployment configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a precision antenna is designed to transition from a compact stowed position to a fully extended position using deployable mechanical structures, then the antenna can be carried into space within constrained volume, but the deployed geometry is fixed and cannot be adjusted for different missions or applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the reflector structure adjustable after deployment. The reflector can be repositioned along the boom structure to different locations, and the boom itself can be extended or repositioned, allowing the antenna system to adapt its deployed geometry for different mission requirements rather than being fixed at a single position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the antenna system into multiple independent components: the reflector structure, the boom structure, and the feed structure. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted or repositioned, enabling versatile deployed geometries while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the reflector structure is directly coupled to the boom, then the structure is simple, but the beam cannot be offset from the focal axis and positioning flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling structure between the reflector and the boom. This intermediate mechanism allows the reflector to be offset from the focal axis while maintaining a manageable coupling structure. The intermediary enables independent adjustment of the reflector position relative to the boom, providing beam offset capability without requiring direct rigid coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the reflector to be repositioned to different offset positions along the boom. This dynamic coupling enables the beam to be offset from the focal axis by adjustable amounts, providing versatility while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple through controlled degrees of freedom.
3Volume of moving object
If the antenna is stowed in a constrained volume within the launch vehicle, then it can be transported, but the height of the reflector structure must be reduced during transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reflector structure into multiple panels or sections that can be folded or collapsed during stowage. This segmentation allows the reflector to be compressed into a compact configuration for launch vehicle stowage while maintaining the capability to extend to full height for operational deployment, effectively managing both stowed volume and deployed height requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector structure employs dynamic deployment mechanisms that allow it to transition from a compact stowed configuration with reduced height to a fully extended operational configuration. The structure can be collapsed along the boom for stowage and then extended or repositioned for deployment, dynamically adapting its height and position based on operational requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for deploying an extendable reflector structure. The methods comprise: transitioning the extendable reflector structure from a stored configuration to a deployed configuration; and causing expansion of a pantograph coupling structure while the extendable reflector structure is being transitioned from the stored configuration to the deployed configuration. The pantograph coupling structure indirectly couples the extendable reflector structure to a boom such that a beam produced by the extendable reflector structure during operation is offset from a focal axis of the extendable reflector structure by a certain amount.