Deployable Satellite Antenna Holders for Precise Element Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna devices for satellites face challenges in maintaining antenna elements at designed predetermined intervals due to changes in relative position and angle with respect to the Earth's surface, affecting radio wave intensity and communication efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An antenna device with an extension shaft member formed of convex tapes, element holders, and a holding member made of a string to maintain predetermined intervals between antenna elements, along with a power supply system integrated into the casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If antenna elements are arranged using a support structure with tape spring hinges, then the structure can be deployed in space, but the intervals between antenna elements cannot be maintained at designed predetermined intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segment members that can be stacked in a compact manner during launch and then extended in space. Each segment member includes antenna elements, and the segmentation allows for precise interval control while maintaining deployability.
Solution Approach 2:
A holding member (string) is introduced as an intermediary to couple the antenna elements to the support structure. This holding member maintains the predetermined intervals between antenna elements while allowing the overall structure to be deployed and compacted as needed.
2Productivity
If antenna elements are positioned at predetermined intervals for optimal performance, then communication efficiency is improved, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to compact for launch
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a compact stacked configuration during launch to an extended configuration in space where antenna elements are positioned at optimal intervals. This dynamic transformation allows the structure to adapt to different operational requirements without permanent complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple segment members are nested or stacked within each other during launch to achieve compact storage. Upon deployment, these nested segments are extended outward, maintaining the predetermined intervals between antenna elements while simplifying the launch configuration.
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 ensures stable radio wave transmission and reception by maintaining designed intervals between antenna elements, facilitating compact storage and reliable deployment in space without additional power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the extension shaft member is formed of a convex tape
Implementation Method 2
the holding member is formed of a string
Data Source
AI summary
To enable element holders to be arranged so as to be positioned at predetermined intervals when deployed. An antenna device 1 can be in an accommodated state of being accommodated in a casing and in a deployed state of extending to an outside from the casing. The antenna device 1 includes an extension shaft member 20 accommodated in a casing 10 in a state of being retracted in an axial direction, a plurality of element holders 30 each including an opening and stacked in the casing 10 in a state of the extension shaft member 20 being inserted through the openings, an antenna element 40 deployably held by the element holder 30, and a holding member that couples the plurality of element holders 30 to each other.