Rotatable Undersea Antenna Module for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Undersea vehicles face challenges with radio frequency (RF) communication due to signal attenuation through water and the limitations of existing antenna designs, which are often polarization-dependent, narrow-band, and hinder vehicle stability and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A modular antenna system with spiral antennas on a multi-layer substrate, capable of wide-band RF communication and direction finding, that can be stowed against the vehicle's hull and deployed for improved signal transmission and reception, including GPS, UHF/VHF, and iridium antennas, with a mechanical coupler for rotation and a waterproof housing to reduce drag and enhance communication capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If antennas are made larger to cover wider frequency bands and provide direction finding capability, then communication capability is improved, but vehicle stability and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independent spiral antenna elements arranged in an array on the vehicle hull. Each antenna element operates independently at different frequency bands, providing wideband coverage without requiring a single large antenna structure. This segmentation allows the vehicle to maintain stability while achieving versatile communication capabilities across multiple frequency ranges.
2Reliability
If antennas are deployed outside the vehicle, then RF communication capability is improved, but drag and impact on maneuverability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is designed with deployable and stowable elements that can dynamically adjust their position. During communication operations, the antenna array is deployed outside the vehicle hull to optimize RF signal transmission and reception. When not in use, the antenna elements are retracted or stowed against the hull to minimize drag and maintain optimal vehicle maneuverability. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between communication performance and hydrodynamic efficiency.
3Device complexity
If vertical or horizontal polarization antennas are used, then simple antenna structure is achieved, but signal degradation occurs due to vehicle motion in water
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral antenna elements are designed to provide omnidirectional radiation patterns and support multiple polarization modes simultaneously. Unlike traditional vertical or horizontal polarization antennas that are sensitive to vehicle orientation, the spiral antennas maintain consistent performance regardless of vehicle motion or heading. This multi-functional design allows the antenna system to reliably transmit and receive signals in all directions and polarizations, compensating for the unpredictable motion of the vehicle in water.
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 antenna module provides enhanced RF communication capabilities up to 12 GHz with polarimetric reception and direction finding, reducing signal degradation and drag, while maintaining vehicle stability and maneuverability, especially suitable for covert operations.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna module provides enhanced RF communication capabilities up to 12 GHz with polarimetric reception and direction finding
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna module configured for use on an underwater vehicle is disclosed. The antenna module includes an array of spiral antennas fabricated on a multi-layer substrate that provides wide-band RF communication with direction finding (DF) capability. The antenna module can also include other antennas fabricated on the same multi-layer substrate, such as one or more global positioning system (GPS) receivers, an ultra-high frequency/very-high frequency (UHV/VHF) antenna, or one or more iridium antennas. The antenna module may further include a water-proof housing that is coupled to the outside hull of an undersea vehicle via a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism allows the antenna module to rotate between a stowed position against the hull and a deployed position that extends the antennas out away from the undersea vehicle. The antenna module is curved or flexible so it can stow against a corresponding curved hull of the undersea vehicle.