Stowable Phased Array Lens Antenna Using Flexible Composite Films
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array lens antennas are bulky, heavy, and rigid, making them unsuitable for stowable and deployable applications, as they do not retract into a small volume for storage and require complex systems for deployment.
Innovation Solution
Development of ultra-lightweight, flexible lens antennas using a layered composite structure with polymeric films, patterned reinforcing materials, and articulating structures that can collapse and expand, allowing for stowage in a small volume and deployment to large areas, incorporating thin flexible phase shifters and balanced transmission lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional PCB or machined metal waveguide structures are used for phased array lens antennas, then the antenna structure is rigid and maintains structural stability, but the weight increases and the antenna cannot be stowed in a small volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional rigid PCB or machined metal waveguide structures with flexible thin film substrates that support microstrip transmission lines. This substitution maintains the necessary structural stability for electromagnetic wave guidance while dramatically reducing the weight and enabling the antenna to be folded or rolled into compact configurations for stowage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining flexible substrates with conductive trace patterns to create a lightweight yet structurally stable antenna system. The composite construction integrates the mechanical flexibility of thin films with the electromagnetic functionality of transmission lines, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and weight reduction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid phased array lens antennas are used, then the antenna maintains its shape and performance, but it cannot be retracted or collapsed into a small volume for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the antenna from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can change its configuration. The flexible thin film substrate allows the antenna to be deployed in a flat operational state for optimal performance and then folded or rolled into a compact state for transport, enabling adaptability between operational and stowage configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the continuous antenna structure into manageable segments or zones that can be independently folded or rolled. This segmentation allows the large-area antenna to be collapsed into a compact volume while maintaining the integrity of the transmission lines and antenna elements during the folding process.
3Weight of moving object
If light weight graphic composites supporting thin metalized films are used, then the weight is reduced, but the antenna becomes rigid upon deployment and does not retract
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible thin film substrates rather than rigid graphic composites, maintaining the lightweight advantage while restoring the ability to retract. The thin film construction inherently provides flexibility and bendability, allowing the antenna to be both lightweight and retractable simultaneously.
4Device complexity
If phased array antennas are made electrically steerable without mechanical movement, then the system complexity is reduced and reliability is improved, but the antenna cannot be physically deployed or stowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical steerable functionality with physical deployability by using flexible antenna structures. The antenna elements can be electrically steered without mechanical movement during operation, while the entire antenna assembly can be physically folded or rolled for stowage and deployed at the target location, achieving both low complexity and deployment capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A light weight stowable antenna lens array assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a stowable lens antenna array including at least one antenna pair including a transmit antenna on a first layered composite, a receive antenna on a second layered composite, a ground plane on a third layered composite, the ground plane being between and spaced apart from the transmit antenna and the receive antenna, and a balanced transmission line coupling the transmit antenna to the receive antenna, and an articulating structure attached to at least one of the first layered composite, the second layered composite and the third layered composite, the articulating structure having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein at least one of the first layered composite, the second layered composite and the third layered composite includes a polymeric film.