Shielded Antenna Support for Helicopter Parasitic Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Airborne antenna systems face challenges such as exposure to electromagnetic radiation, complex installation requirements, and lack of scalability due to direct mounting on mobile carriers, which affects signal reception and transmission performance and compatibility with various carrier types.
Innovation Solution
A modular antenna system with a conductive support structure that masks antennas from parasitic radiation, using unipolar antennas and a mast-based fixing system, allowing for flexible installation and operation on different carriers without extensive modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antennas are installed directly on the carrier fuselage, then the antenna system is fixed and stable, but the antennas are exposed to electromagnetic radiation and spurious echoes from the fuselage
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is separated from the carrier fuselage by introducing an intermediate support structure. The support acts as a separate segment that carries the antennas away from the fuselage, reducing direct exposure to parasitic radiation while maintaining system stability through the support's own structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves as an intermediary element between the carrier fuselage and the antennas. This intermediate structure shields the antennas from direct exposure to electromagnetic radiation and spurious echoes generated by the fuselage, while still providing stable mounting for the antenna array.
2Reliability
If multiple antennas are installed directly on the carrier, then the antenna array is fixed in place, but the installation requires as many fixing points and cable passages as antennas
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antennas are merged onto a single integrated support structure rather than being individually mounted on the fuselage. This consolidation reduces the number of separate fixing points and cable passages required, as all antennas share common mounting infrastructure and cable routing paths through the support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical mounting for multiple antennas, routes cables for all antennas, and positions the entire antenna array. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixing points and cable passages for each individual antenna.
3Ease of manufacture
If the antenna array geometry is fixed during installation, then the installation is complete, but the system cannot evolve or adapt to different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array configuration is made dynamic rather than fixed. The support structure allows for repositioning and reconfiguring of antennas after installation, enabling the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining ease of installation through the standardized support framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is prepared in advance with pre-defined mounting positions and cable routing paths. This preliminary preparation allows for easy installation of the antenna array in a standard configuration, while also enabling future reconfiguration by simply moving antennas to different pre-planned positions on the support without requiring new installation infrastructure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a unipolar antenna array is installed on a carrier without sufficient conductive surface, then the antenna array may be unusable due to too many signals or parasitic echoes
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is extracted from direct contact with the carrier fuselage and mounted on a separate support structure. This extraction removes the antennas from the environment that generates parasitic signals, allowing unipolar antennas to function properly even on carriers with insufficient conductive surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary that isolates the unipolar antenna array from the carrier fuselage. This intermediate structure prevents parasitic signals and echoes from the fuselage from interfering with the antenna operation, enabling successful deployment on carriers that would otherwise be incompatible with unipolar arrays.
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 minimizes parasitic radiation interference, simplifies installation, and enables scalability and compatibility with various mobile carriers, improving signal quality and ease of use across different applications and carrier types.
Implementation Method 1
the second flank is masked, at least in part, from the wearer by the first flank
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an antenna system for a mobile carrier (40). Antennas (4) are fixed to a support (2). The support (2) may be fixed to a mobile carrier (40), for example a helicopter. The antennas (4) project from and are fixed to a sidewall shielded from the waves (44) reflected or diffracted by the carrier (40). At least one electrically conducting part of the support (2) provides this electromagnetic shielding. Electrical cables (6) connect one or more antennas (4) to a processing device (41) integrated into the carrier.