Twin-Reflector Antenna Array Criss-Cross Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current twin-reflector antennas with long focal lengths cannot be installed on the same side of a satellite due to the size of secondary reflectors, limiting the number of antennas and tasks that can be performed.
Innovation Solution
An array of two twin-reflector antennas is mounted on a common support, allowing the main reflectors to be brought close together by criss-crossing their optical paths, enabling increased focal length and higher radio-frequency performance, with at least one antenna having an F/D ratio greater than 1.1.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If twin-reflector antennas with long focal length (F/D > 1.1) are installed on the same side of a satellite, then radio-frequency performance is improved, but the size of secondary reflectors prevents installation due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional criss-cross configuration. The two antennas are arranged such that their optical paths intersect in space, with one antenna's components positioned above and behind the other's projection plane. This vertical and diagonal stacking allows both antennas with large secondary reflectors to coexist on the same satellite side without planar space conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by positioning the components of one antenna within the spatial envelope created by the other antenna's structure. The secondary reflector of one antenna is placed within the cone defined by the other antenna's main reflector, and vice versa, allowing compact integration while maintaining the required focal lengths and aperture sizes for high radio-frequency performance.
2Area of stationary object
If deployable secondary reflectors are used to install long focal length antennas on the same side, then installation is possible, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the deployment mechanism from the antenna system by using fixed, non-deployable secondary reflectors. This removes the complex deployment systems entirely while still achieving the goal of installing two long focal length antennas on the same side through the criss-cross geometric arrangement. The secondary reflectors are permanently mounted rather than requiring mechanical deployment structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two twin-reflector antennas are installed on the same side, then the number of tasks that can be performed increases, but the number of antennas is limited by the size of secondary reflectors
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the third dimension vertically and diagonally through the criss-cross arrangement, the patent doubles the number of antennas that can be installed on the same satellite side. This enables the satellite to perform multiple tasks simultaneously (such as multi-spot coverage or frequency diversity) without requiring additional lateral space that would normally be unavailable.
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
This configuration allows for the installation of two twin-reflector antennas on the same side of a satellite, increasing focal length and radio-frequency performance, and reducing the complexity and cost associated with deployable secondary reflectors.
Implementation Method 1
The radiating source 12 emits electromagnetic waves illuminating the secondary reflector 11
Implementation Method 2
the secondary reflector 11 which reflects the electromagnetic waves towards the main reflector 10
Implementation Method 3
The electromagnetic waves are then reflected by the main reflector 10 towards Earth, in the form of one or more beams
Data Source
AI summary
The two twin-reflector antennas comprise a common support on which they are mounted, with each twin-reflector antenna comprising a main reflector, a secondary reflector and at least one radiating source placed in front of the corresponding secondary reflector, and optical paths of beams produced by the two twin-reflector antennas crisscrossing one another.