Shape Memory Composite Antenna for Compact Satellite Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antennas for small satellites are rigid and difficult to stow due to their metallic construction, limiting their size and beam pattern, which is problematic for deployment and communication in varying satellite orientations.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing shape memory composite (SMC) materials to construct compactible antennas that can deform and deploy without external intervention, incorporating conductive elements for functionality, and using support structures like envelopes for inflation-assisted deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rigid metallic antennas are used, then antenna structural strength and conductivity are improved, but stowage capability and deployability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning the antenna from a static rigid structure to a dynamic deployable structure. The antenna elements are designed to be collapsible and expandable, allowing them to be stored in a compact configuration during launch and deployed to full size in orbit. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between structural strength and stowage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by collapsing the antenna elements into a compact stowed configuration that fits within the limited satellite volume during launch. The antenna structure is designed to nest within itself or within the satellite body, enabling stowage of what would otherwise be a large rigid structure in a small space.
2Volume of moving object
If antenna size is reduced for stowage, then stowage capability is improved, but beam pattern and communication performance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna employs dynamic deployment to achieve a large operational volume for optimal communication performance while maintaining a small stowed volume for launch constraints. The antenna elements expand to their full nominal size in orbit, ensuring proper beam patterns and communication reliability, while collapsing to a compact form during launch.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure is segmented into multiple deployable elements that can be collapsed independently for stowage and deployed independently for operation. This segmentation allows the antenna to achieve a compact stowed volume while maintaining the capability to form a large operational structure with proper beam patterns for reliable communication.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional rigid antenna structures are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to varying satellite orientations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the antenna structure to be flexible and adaptable rather than rigid and fixed. The deployable elements can be oriented and positioned to maintain optimal communication performance across varying satellite orientations, providing omnidirectional capability while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled deployment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design achieves universality by creating a structure that can function effectively in multiple satellite orientations. The deployable elements are configured to provide omnidirectional coverage, allowing the antenna to maintain communication performance regardless of the satellite's attitude or orientation in orbit.
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
Enables efficient stowage and deployment of antennas on small satellites, maintaining omnidirectional communication capabilities despite varying orientations and reducing logistical challenges.
Implementation Method 1
Exemplary embodiments include an antenna made of shape memory composite material. Exemplary embodiments permit the transition of the antenna from a deformed, stowed shape to a deployed shape.
Implementation Method 2
The deformed shape may be collapsed or otherwise define a smaller dimension or volume for storage and transport. In an exemplary embodiment, the shape memory composite material may have a remembered configuration such that the deformed shape retains energy to deploy or transition the shape memory composite to the deployed shape without outside intervention or applied force.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein include collapsible and deployable antenna structures including shape memory composite components. An example antenna structure includes a base structure comprising a shape memory component; a conductive component; and a support structure creating an inflatable sleeve. The support structure may be configured to support the conductive material and the base structure. The support structure and base structure may work together to deploy the deployable antenna from the collapsed configuration to the deployed configuration. An exemplary method of deploying an antenna structure may include storing the antenna structure in a stored configuration; inflating an inflatable sleeve with an inflation gas to transition the antenna structure from the stored configuration to a deployed configuration defining an antenna shape; and retaining the deployed configuration defining the antenna shape with the shape memory component.