Structural Antenna Array Integration for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna arrays for mobile platforms are weight-intensive, costly, and limit aerodynamic efficiency due to their external mounting and manufacturing complexities, restricting their operational size and performance.
Innovation Solution
A structural antenna array integrated into the platform's structure, featuring a core with intersecting wall sections, antenna elements on one surface, and feed elements on the opposite surface, connected via connector pins and a distribution substrate layer, which also serves as a load-bearing component, reducing weight and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional antenna arrays are mounted externally on mobile platforms, then antenna functionality is achieved, but weight increases and aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is merged with the mobile platform structure by integrating antenna elements directly into the skin or body panels of the vehicle. The skin itself serves as the mounting surface and structural support, eliminating separate antenna supports and reducing overall weight while maintaining aerodynamic continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The skin or body panel serves multiple functions: it provides aerodynamic coverage, structural support, and acts as the mounting surface for antenna elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated antenna mounting structures, reducing weight and maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
2Weight of moving object
If antenna arrays are integrated into platform structure, then weight is reduced and aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into modular sections that can be manufactured separately and then assembled into the final configuration. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while maintaining the integrated design benefits, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If antenna array size is increased to improve performance, then effective area increases, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are merged with the vehicle skin or body panels, allowing the antenna array to expand with the vehicle structure without requiring separate manufacturing processes. This integration enables larger aperture areas to be achieved at minimal additional manufacturing cost, as the skin itself serves as the antenna substrate.
Data Source
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AI summary
A structural antenna array may include a core including intersecting wall sections, wherein the core further includes antenna elements formed on a first surface of the wall sections, and feed elements formed on a second surface of the wall sections, a distribution substrate layer coupled to the core and in electrical communication with the antenna elements and the feed elements, a first skin coupled to the core opposite the distribution substrate layer, and a second skin coupled to the distribution substrate layer opposite the first skin.