Innovative deployable antenna frame
| 621 - Abstract: |
| This technology offers a new foldable / deployable lightweight structure that can be scaled to large antenna dishes or similar deployable structures. The key innovation is in the centralized electric motorization of the deployment structure as opposed to earlier variants that used multiple electric actuators within the structure. License agreements are sought. |
Description
Deployable antenna structures exist in various forms and mechanisms, and the current technology is a further development of an existing deployable antenna. The deployment mechanism consists of a net in which the connections are formed by struts and cables, depending on their load in the deployed state. Cables are used where elements only carry tension, while struts are required where connections may carry compressive loads. The antenna surface itself is an elastic, foldable material that can be folded to small volume but will be stretched into a smooth reflective surface after deployment, in the required antenna dish shape. The shape is produced by a tension-bearing ring, formed by the bases of a series of foldable, triangular cells of the frame connected in their corners. The remainder of the deployed structure also consists of triangular cells that collectively define the precise shape of the antenna after deployment.
The innovative aspect of the current offer is that the entire deployment is driven by a central electrical motor, even if multiple structures are linked into a larger antenna. Conventional designs of similar deployable antennas typically involve multiple elastic elements for the deployment, In multiple locations of the structure.
Innovations and advantages
The key innovation is the central electrical deployment motor which does not need the assistance of multiple elastic elements throughout the deployable antenna. This leads to the following advantages:
- easier manufacturing
- lower cost
- lower weight
- simpler control of the deployment motion
- reduced risk of mechanical failures
- scalability of the structure into arrays of similar antennas
Domain of application
- Larger antenna dimensions than available from conventional designs
- Mobile communications satellite services, mobile broadcast services and broadband satellite services
- Radio astronomy based on very large baseline interferometry (VLBI)
- Umbrella / parasol manufacturing up to large sizes (e.g. entire terrace)
