Radome Damage Detection Using Embedded Conductive Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting damage to structurally thick radomes are inadequate, as they do not effectively address localized damage and often require additional RF equipment or costly optical interferometric processing, which are not suitable for thick radomes that do not deform like thin composite radomes.
Innovation Solution
A conductive detection mesh embedded within the radome, coupled with a digital strobe circuit and controller, measures impedance changes to detect and localize damage, providing a damage report that can adapt the radar system's coverage pattern to avoid damaged areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radar interrogation or external RF equipment is used to detect radome damage, then damage detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the damage detection function with the existing radar system by using the radar's own transmitted signals to interrogate the detection mesh embedded in the radome. This eliminates the need for separate detection equipment while maintaining detection capability, directly resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system performs self-diagnosis by using its own transmitted signals to detect damage to its protective radome. The system serves its own detection needs without external assistance, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection reliability
2Measurement precision
If optical interferometric processing is used to detect radome damage, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical interferometric processing with a simpler electrical impedance measurement system. The detection mesh uses electrical signals to detect damage, substituting mechanical/optical measurement methods with electrical measurement, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision for detecting structural changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical interference patterns to electrical impedance variations. By measuring impedance changes in the detection mesh rather than optical deformations, the system achieves comparable measurement precision with significantly reduced complexity, especially for thick radomes that don't exhibit significant deformations
3Reliability
If optical fibers are embedded in thin composite radomes, then damage detection capability is improved, but the method is not applicable to thick radomes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection method that works for both thin and thick radomes by using an embedded conductive detection mesh with impedance measurement. This single approach adapts to different radome thicknesses and materials, unlike optical fibers that only work for thin deformable radomes, thereby improving versatility while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection approach from measuring optical deformations (suitable for thin radomes) to measuring electrical impedance changes in an embedded mesh (suitable for both thin and thick radomes). This parameter change enables the system to detect damage in thick radomes that don't deform significantly, expanding adaptability across different radome types
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 system allows for remote and automatic detection of radome damage, localizing the extent and location of damage, enabling the radar system to adjust its coverage pattern and minimizing performance degradation, even in inaccessible locations.
Implementation Method 1
detect an impedance response of the plurality of conductive wires
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for detecting and localizing damage on a radome. In one example, the system includes a detection mesh made up of an arrangement of conductive wires integral with the radome structure, and a digital strobe circuit coupled to the detection mesh that measures the detection mesh and reports results. In one example, the system includes a controller coupled to the strobe circuit and configured to assess the results and localize the damage based on measured changes in impedance of individual wires within the detection mesh. The controller may be further configured to provide a damage report to a user interface, the damage report optionally identifying the damaged area(s) of the radome.