Aircraft Propeller Blades as High-Gain Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small aircraft, such as UAVs, face limitations in data transmission due to size and weight constraints, resulting in low-directional and low-gain antennae that restrict data transfer range and rate, particularly for high-density video signals.
Innovation Solution
A high-gain antenna system is integrated into the propeller blades of small aircraft, utilizing rear-facing curved surfaces to enhance directional RF signal transmission and reception, allowing for longer-range and higher-rate data transfer by leveraging the propeller's geometry to boost sensitivity and gain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If traditional antenna apparatuses are used on small aircraft, then the antenna can be installed on the aircraft, but the antenna has low directionality and low gain, restricting data transfer range and rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna system with the propeller blades, merging two existing components (propeller and antenna) into a unified structure. The propeller blades are configured to function both as aerodynamic surfaces and as antenna elements, eliminating the need for separate traditional antenna apparatuses while achieving high gain and directionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller blades are designed to serve multiple functions: they maintain their primary aerodynamic function for propulsion while simultaneously functioning as high-gain directional antenna elements for data transmission. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to fulfill both mechanical and electromagnetic communication requirements.
2Ease of operation
If traditional antenna apparatuses are used on small aircraft, then the antenna can be installed on the aircraft, but the antenna has low gain, restricting data transfer range
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is merged with the propeller blades, where the blades themselves function as the radiating elements. This integration creates a high-gain directional antenna that extends data transfer range significantly compared to traditional small aircraft antennas, while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Productivity
If traditional antenna apparatuses are used on small aircraft, then the antenna can be installed on the aircraft, but the antenna has low directionality, restricting data transfer rate
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller blades are configured to provide both aerodynamic propulsion and directional antenna functionality. The blade geometry and arrangement create strong directional radiation patterns that enable high data transfer rates to ground stations, while the integration ensures the directional properties are maintained during flight operations.
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
The solution enables efficient transmission of high-density video signals over long distances with improved directional gain and sensitivity, overcoming the limitations of traditional antennae on small aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
blades comprises one or more surfaces operable to reflect RF waves
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system (100) includes an aircraft body (105) and a propeller (110) coupled to the aircraft body (105) . The propeller (110) includes a plurality of blades forming a rearward-facing curvature with respect to an axis running longitudinally with the aircraft body (105). The system (100) further includes a surface (115) coupled to a first blade of the propeller (110) that is operable to reflect radio frequency (RF) waves.