Vertebrae Spine Antenna for Shape-Conforming Quick Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antennas for body-worn, man-portable communication systems face limitations such as high weight, expense, poor shape conformity, and lack of quick release mechanisms, especially when formed from flexible metal tubing or bi-stable blades, and often require electrically neutral support elements.
Innovation Solution
A wearable antenna system comprising a spine made of vertebrae with a compression applicator that applies an elastic force to allow angular deviation and resilient deflection, returning to a linear configuration, supported by an electrically neutral structure with dielectric vertebrae and flexible members to maintain shape conformity and quick deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flexible metal tubing is used to form the antenna, then the antenna can be deformable and body-worn, but the weight becomes relatively high and the ability to conform to a particular shape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple discrete vertebrae segments (first vertebra, second vertebra, third vertebra, etc.) that can articulate relative to each other. This segmentation allows the antenna to conform to complex body contours while using lightweight materials, as each segment can be optimized independently and the overall structure achieves flexibility without requiring dense, heavy material throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna employs composite construction with dielectric vertebrae (non-conductive segments) combined with flexible members and conductive elements. This composite approach allows the use of lightweight dielectric materials for the main structure while incorporating minimal conductive material only where electrically necessary, significantly reducing overall weight compared to traditional flexible metal tubing while maintaining shape conformity capabilities.
2Weight of moving object
If bi-stable blade is used to form the antenna, then the antenna can be lightweight and deformable, but the expense increases and quick release ability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna uses dynamic articulation between vertebrae segments through articulation points that allow controlled movement and deformation. This dynamic structure replaces the static bi-stable blade mechanism, enabling the antenna to be manipulated into various positions and shapes without requiring expensive bi-stable composite materials. The flexible members and compression applicator work together to provide controlled deformation and automatic return to linear configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression applicator automatically returns the antenna to its linear deployed configuration after it has been deformed for stowage or conforming to a body contour. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual repositioning or complex release mechanisms, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to quickly transition between deployed and stowed states.
3Reliability
If electrically neutral support element is used, then the antenna can be supported without electrical interference, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna employs thin dielectric vertebrae shells that provide structural support and electrical isolation. These thin-film dielectric structures maintain electrical neutrality by preventing unwanted electrical contact between conductive elements and the user's body, while their thin nature minimizes the overall structural complexity compared to bulkier electrically neutral support materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric vertebrae act as intermediary elements between conductive antenna elements and the user's body. These intermediate dielectric segments provide the necessary electrical isolation to maintain electrical neutrality and prevent interference, while their simple geometric forms and modular arrangement keep the overall device complexity manageable through standardized, repeatable components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna is made to conform to desired shapes, then the adaptability improves, but the ability to automatically return to linear configuration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The compression applicator applies a preliminary compressive force that biases the antenna toward its linear configuration. When the antenna is deformed for conforming or stowage, this pre-applied compression creates a restoring force that automatically returns the antenna to its linear deployed state when the deforming force is removed, enabling quick release and automatic reset without complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation points between vertebrae segments provide dynamic movement capability that allows the antenna to conform to desired shapes during use. The same articulation points, when combined with the compression applicator's restoring force, enable automatic return to the linear configuration. This dynamic design allows the structure to be both adaptable during operation and self-resetting when not in use.
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 antenna system provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and adaptable solution that conforms to desired shapes, maintains electrical neutrality, and automatically returns to a linear configuration, addressing the limitations of conventional antennas.
Implementation Method 1
a compression applicator configured to apply a compression force on the spine in a direction along the elongated length from the tip end to the base end
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Antenna system includes a base structure and a multiplicity of vertebrae arranged in a stack to define a spine. The spine has an elongated length which extends from a base end to a tip end. A compression applicator is configured to apply an elastic compression force on the stack in a direction along the elongated length from the tip end to the base end. Vertebra interfaces associated with each of the adjacent pairs of the vertebrae are configured to facilitate a variable deviation in an angular alignment of a vertebra axis of each vertebra relative to an adjacent one of the vertebra contained in the stack.