Planar Radar Antenna Mounting with Chicane Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for planar radar antennas on ships face challenges in shock resistance, electromagnetic compatibility, radar equivalent surface contribution, infrared signature, and durability in harsh environments, particularly during violent shocks or underwater explosions.
Innovation Solution
A ship with a mast equipped with a planar radar antenna, where the antenna is fixed using a joint made of elastically deformable material with a chicane profile, featuring a silicone seal with metal particles, allowing for secure mounting and movement absorption during shocks, while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility and reducing infrared signature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid fixing is used for the radar antenna, then the antenna is securely fixed to the mast, but the system becomes vulnerable to shock damage and fails to meet shock resistance qualifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible seal element with a chicane profile that acts as a compliant mounting structure. This flexible element allows the radar antenna to be securely fixed while accommodating shock movements, resolving the contradiction between secure fixing and shock resistance by introducing flexibility into the mounting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element's elastic properties and chicane profile geometry are specifically designed to change under shock conditions, allowing the mounting structure to deform and absorb shock energy while maintaining the antenna's operational position, thus achieving both secure fixing and shock resistance.
2Reliability
If cable mounts or suspension means are used, then shock resistance is improved, but electromagnetic compatibility and radar equivalent surface contribution are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible seal element provides shock resistance through its elastic deformation while maintaining a solid, continuous mounting structure that does not interfere with electromagnetic signals, unlike cable mounts. The chicane profile design ensures proper signal reflection and radiation patterns are maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element appears to be made of a composite material combining elastomeric properties for shock absorption with electromagnetic shielding characteristics, achieving both shock resistance and electromagnetic compatibility in a single integrated component.
3Strength
If traditional fixing systems are used, then the antenna is securely mounted, but the system fails to maintain operational integrity after violent shocks such as underwater explosions
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible seal element with chicane profile is designed in advance to cushion and absorb the effects of violent shocks. The geometry and material properties are pre-configured to deform under extreme conditions, protecting the radar antenna and maintaining operational integrity after events like underwater explosions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic flexible connection that can adapt its stiffness and deformation characteristics in response to shock loads, allowing the system to survive violent events while maintaining antenna functionality.
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 provides enhanced shock resistance, maintains operational integrity during violent events, and improves electromagnetic and infrared performance, ensuring the ship's equipment remains functional in aggressive environments.
Implementation Method 1
joint-forming means having the general form of a frame made of elastically deformable material
Implementation Method 2
the joint forming means are made from silicone loaded with metal particles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
This ship comprising at least one mast (2) equipped with at least one flat radar antenna (5), is characterized in that the flat radar antenna (5) is fixed to the rest of the mast (2) through joint-forming means (10) in the general form of a frame made of elastically deformable material and having a cross-section with a chicane profile (11).