Space-fed conformal antenna array for airships
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Airborne sensor arrays face challenges in weight and power limitations, requiring innovative designs to optimize performance while minimizing these constraints.
Innovation Solution
A space-fed conformal antenna array for high-altitude airships, employing a dual-band shared aperture design with a lens or reflective array configuration, utilizing a large number of radiating elements and digital beamforming to reduce RF insertion loss and distribute power efficiently, along with phase shifter and switch circuits for beam steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a traditional airborne sensor array is used, then the array can provide sensor coverage, but the weight and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional RF feed networks with optical waveguides for signal distribution. Optical waveguides have lower loss and lighter weight compared to RF transmission lines, directly addressing the weight and power consumption issues while maintaining sensor array coverage and functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The airship platform serves multiple functions: it provides the sensor array mounting structure, acts as a stable atmospheric platform for extended surveillance, and enables dual-band operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate support systems, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining comprehensive sensor coverage
2Loss of energy
If a space-fed conformal array is used, then power distribution efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical waveguides as intermediary elements between the power source and radiating elements. These waveguides efficiently transmit power with minimal loss and can be routed through the airship structure, reducing RF insertion loss while the modular lens array configuration manages the complexity through standardized components
Solution Approach 2:
The array is divided into multiple radiating elements arranged in a conformal configuration on the airship surface. Each element can be independently controlled through digital beamforming, allowing efficient power distribution to only active elements and reducing overall energy loss while managing system complexity through modular segmentation
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual-band operation is implemented, then versatility improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens array is designed with elements that can operate across multiple frequency bands (dual-band operation). The same physical structure and radiating elements serve both frequency ranges, achieving versatility without requiring separate arrays for each band. This universal design simplifies manufacturing compared to building multiple specialized arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves dual-band operation by carefully selecting and adjusting geometric parameters of the radiating elements and lens structure. By modifying dimensions, spacing, and material properties, the array resonates at multiple frequencies simultaneously, enabling versatile operation while maintaining a single manufacturable design rather than requiring complex multi-structure implementations
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 enables efficient antenna coverage with reduced weight and power consumption, achieving effective signal-to-noise ratio and minimizing spillover, while allowing for dual-band operation and flexible beam steering.
Implementation Method 1
A space-fed conformal array for a high altitude airship may be provided. The array may be fed, for example, by a lens or reflective array
Implementation Method 2
A space-fed conformal array for a high altitude airship may be provided. The array may be fed, for example, by a lens or reflective array
Implementation Method 3
phase shifter and switch circuits for beam steering
Implementation Method 4
utilizing a large number of radiating elements and digital beamforming
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A space-fed conformal array for a high altitude airship (10) includes a primary array lens assembly adapted for conformal mounting to a non-planar airship surface (12). The lens assembly includes a first set of radiator elements and a second set of radiator elements, the first set and the second set spaced apart by a spacing distance. The first set of radiators faces outwardly from the airship surface to provide a radiating aperture. The second set of radiators faces inwardly toward an inner space of the airship, for illumination by a feed array (52) spaced from the second set of radiators.