Spacecraft Patch Antenna With Void Center for Hemispherical Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacecraft antennas do not effectively provide a hemispherical radiation diagram, leading to limited coverage and increased attenuation of radiation, particularly in communication with ground stations during flight phases.
Innovation Solution
A patch antenna design featuring a dielectric substrate with a radiating element having a center of symmetry and an area devoid of material, which allows for hemispherical radiation, combined with a protective layer to minimize protuberance and reduce aerothermal damage and Corona effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional antenna structures are used on spacecraft, then the antenna can be mounted on the spacecraft surface, but the radiation diagram is not hemispherical leading to limited coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an asymmetric configuration by positioning an area devoid of material (void) at the center of symmetry of the radiating element. This asymmetric modification to the otherwise symmetric patch antenna structure transforms the radiation pattern into a hemispherical diagram, significantly expanding the coverage area while maintaining communication reliability through optimized radiation distribution.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the protective layer is placed away from the antenna element, then the antenna element is protected, but Corona effects occur leading to temporary loss of transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective layer as an intermediary element that is placed in direct contact with the antenna element. This intermediary layer serves dual functions: it protects the antenna element from aerothermal damage while its direct contact configuration prevents Corona effects, thereby eliminating temporary transmission loss without compromising element protection.
3Device complexity
If the area devoid of material is not positioned at the center of symmetry, then the antenna element structure is simpler, but the radiation diagram is not hemispherical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent strategically positions the area devoid of material at the center of symmetry of the radiating element, creating a controlled asymmetric feature. This specific asymmetric configuration is what enables the hemispherical radiation diagram, achieving maximum coverage area. The simplicity of the overall structure is maintained because this is a single geometric modification rather than a complex multi-component design.
Data Source
AI summary
A patch antenna intended to equip a spacecraft, the antenna comprising a dielectric substrate, a radiating antenna element present on the dielectric substrate, the radiating antenna element having a center of symmetry and an area devoid of material, the center of symmetry being present in the area devoid of material, and a protective layer covering the radiating antenna element.