EP0531312A1 - Antenna structure and method of making same - Google Patents
Antenna structure and method of making sameInfo
- Publication number
- EP0531312A1 EP0531312A1 EP91908749A EP91908749A EP0531312A1 EP 0531312 A1 EP0531312 A1 EP 0531312A1 EP 91908749 A EP91908749 A EP 91908749A EP 91908749 A EP91908749 A EP 91908749A EP 0531312 A1 EP0531312 A1 EP 0531312A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- antenna
- antenna element
- sleeve
- antenna structure
- braided
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q11/00—Electrically-long antennas having dimensions more than twice the shortest operating wavelength and consisting of conductive active radiating elements
- H01Q11/02—Non-resonant antennas, e.g. travelling-wave antenna
- H01Q11/08—Helical antennas
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04C—BRAIDING OR MANUFACTURE OF LACE, INCLUDING BOBBIN-NET OR CARBONISED LACE; BRAIDING MACHINES; BRAID; LACE
- D04C1/00—Braid or lace, e.g. pillow-lace; Processes for the manufacture thereof
- D04C1/06—Braid or lace serving particular purposes
Definitions
- This invention relates to antenna apparatus for radiating and/or receiving electromagnetic wave signals, and to methods for making same.
- it relates particularly to helical antennas suitable for launching into, and use in, space, for example in launched satellite applications.
- Usual antenna structures particularly for use at extremely high frequencies, (for example at UHF or L-band frequencies) are known which, because of their desired electrical characteristics, tend inherently to be rather fragile.
- One such antenna structure is the helical antenna, which consists generally of a helix of a suitable conductor, such as copper; one or more of such antenna structures may be assembled in an array on a reflector, although they are also useful when used individually.
- Such helical antennas are normally cantilever-mounted at one end, and therefore rely upon their own strength and rigidity to maintain their geometric integrity. While in some ground-based applications this may be feasible, when the antenna structure is to be launched into space on a satellite, such self-supporting structures are subject to deformation or destruction, or at least some damage to their operating characteristics.
- antenna support structure for such types of antennas, the supporting structure being intended to provide the desired rigidity and strength without interfering with the electrical properties of the antenna itself.
- such supporting structure should be highly resistant to the shock and vibration of launching, of relatively light weight, transparent to the electromagnetic waves with which it is to operate, and chemically inert. It is also desirable that it be inexpensive and easy to fabricate in exactly the desired configuration, and it preferably includes, integral therewith, a suitable means, such as a flange at one end, for mounting it.
- antenna support structures are known which may provide one or several of the above-mentioned desired features, applicants are not aware of any which provides a majority, or all, of these features in one structure to the extent desired.
- Another object is to provide such an antenna structure which is highly resistant to shock, which will accommodate a relative large range of temperatures, which is light in weight, and which is chemically stable.
- a further object is to provide a method for making such antenna structure which is simple, inexpensive, and does not require any machining steps.
- an antenna structure comprising a braided sleeve of substantially inert material substantially transparent to electromagnetic waves, on which the conductive material of the antenna element is placed.
- This assembly is impregnated with and covered by an inert, hardened resin which is also substantially transparent to electromagnetic waves and highly resistant to mechanical damage or deformation in response to high levels of shock and vibration, while also tolerating a wide range of temperatures.
- the antenna structure is preferably made by providing a mandrel the outer surface of which has a shape like that desired of the supporting structure, but of somewhat lesser diameter, and then forming on the exterior of that mandrel a braided sleeve of a suitable material, of which fiberglass is an example; the conductive antenna material, for example copper foil, is then placed on the exterior of the braided cover and the assembly placed in a closely fitting mold into which a liquid resin is delivered to suffuse the braid and helical strip. The liquid resin so supplied impregnates the braid and covers the conductive antenna material and bonds it to the braid in the desired antenna configuration. The resin is then cured, as by heating, the assembly removed from the mold, and the mandrel removed.
- the mandrel is of a shape to be held captive in the braided sleeve, it is originally made of a frangible or soluble material, so it can be removed by breaking or dissolution, while if it is not held captive it may be made of a suitable metal, such as aluminum, and removed merely by pulling it out.
- the antenna element is in the form of a helical strip of metal foil, wound around the braided sleeve, and the sleeve terminates in an outwardly- extending mounting flange, produced by providing a similar flange on the original mandrel and braiding the braid material over and around the upper side and periphery of the mandrel flange prior to potting of the assembly. Electrical contact may be made to the helical entennas by removing a small amount of the resinous coating near the flange and securing a conductor to the thus-exposed metal foil.
- the thickness and hence strength of the mounting flange is enhanced by placing one or more impregnable lamina against a face of the flange prior to application of the resinous material.
- the copper strip is embedded in and protected by the potting resin, and the impregnated braid provides a strong, shock-resistant and vibration-resistant supporting structure as desired, which is transparent to electromagnetic waves and which tolerates a wide range of temperature variation; in addition, it is light because of the low densities of the fiber and the resin, and because it is hollow; it is configured exactly as desired for the selected antenna geometry; and it is made by a process which does not require any machining . .
- the mounting flange is provided without requiring any separate and expensive steps.
- Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a completed antenna structure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, with parts broken away, and which is circularly symmetrical about its longitudinal axis.
- Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of Fig. 1;
- Figure 3 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, showing the annular lamina preferably used to build up the thickness of the final flange;
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of such an annular lamina
- Figure 5 is a side view of a braided mandrel suitable for use in making an antenna structure in accordance with the invention
- Figure 6 is a side view of a portion of the braided mandrel, with the helical foil wrapped about it to form the antenna;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of the completed antenna structure.
- an antenna structure such as is shown in Figures 1 and 2, which consists of a resin-impregnated braided sleeve 10 carrying a helical strip 12 of copper which is embedded in the same resinous body 14 as is the braided sleeve.
- This assembly is provided with an integral resin-impregnated flange 16 at one end thereof by which the antenna structure is to be mounted, for example on an electromagnetic wave reflector.
- the mandrel may be of aluminum, and in the shape shown it is easily withdrawn from the final molded object at the end of the process; in other cases where the mandrel is shaped so as to be captured in the molded assembly it may be made of a soluble or readily frangable nature so that it can be removed it from the final product.
- the outside of the mandrel 20 has the dimensions desired for the final product, less the thickness of the material of the final product; that is, it defines an appropriate size and shape for the interior surface of the final cylindrical antenna support structure.
- the L-band antenna structure is to have approximately the following dimensions:
- Length of cylindrical portion of structure about 4.356X10 "1 meters
- Thickness of flange 16 along longitudinal axis of antenna about 5.1xl0 "3 meters, with a diameter of about 1.3X10 "1 meters.
- the mandrel 20 is placed vertically in position along the vertical axis of a conventional braider with its conical end facing upwardly, and is gripped by a controlled vertical lifting device which moves upwardly while the braiding machine operates.
- a 72 carrier braider may be employed to produce a conventional two-over, two-under braid, the braiding material being 250-yield fiberglass and the braiding being accomplished in the usual "maypole" fashion, suitably by a commercial braiding machine such as is manufactured by Wardwell Branley Company, Central Falls, R.I.
- a lifting rate of the order of 2.5 meters per second will normally produce the preferred 45° angle braid over the exterior of the mandrel.
- a flange 16 of the desired thickness it is preferred, before the braiding operation, to install on and against the flange at least several thin, gasket-shaped annular pads or laminas such as 40 (Figs. 4 and 5), typically of woven fiberglass, which are slid onto the mandrel 20 by way of its tapered end until they seat against the flange.
- at least several thin, gasket-shaped annular pads or laminas such as 40 (Figs. 4 and 5), typically of woven fiberglass, which are slid onto the mandrel 20 by way of its tapered end until they seat against the flange.
- about 30 such pads each about 3 mils in thickness may be used.
- the copper helix 12 is preferably a foil of about 3 mils thickness and about 1.3xl0 ⁇ 2 meters width.
- the pitch of the helix which it forms around the braided mandrel is about 14.5°, giving 9.5 turns ih all, two of these turns being on the conically tapered end section of the braided support structure.
- the exact configuration of the helical antenna strip is determined by the electrical characteristics desired by the designer, and for the purposes of this invention may take.any of a relatively wide variety of forms in different applications.
- the potting or resin-embedding can be of a standard type -commonly referred to as resin transfer molding (RTM), using an epoxy resin.
- RTM resin transfer molding
- the mold contains a female cavity which fits closely around the exterior surface of the braided mandrel, with a very slight clearance sufficient to permit some flow of the liquid resin when it is under pressure.
- the pressurized resin in flowable form is applied through an opening near the bottom of the mold, the top of the mold typically being open to atmosphere, or provided with a degree of vacuum to assist the flow of the resin through the interior of the mold.
- Pressure differentials of approximately 3.4xl0 5 Pascals are typical, although these parameters may be varied substantially to achieve optimum conditions for the particular application.
- What is desired is to assure that after a predetermined, relatively short, interval of time, the braid is uniformly impregnated with the resin, and a thin continuous smooth coating of the resin is formed on the exterior of the assembly in the very small space between the mold and the exterior of the braiding.
- the thickness of the exterior layer of the resin is about 3 mils or even less.
- Typical curing times are about 2 hours with a mold temperature of about 150°C, these parameters again being variable depending on the exact size and nature of the product being potted and the resins used.
- the completed part is then removed from the mold and, after cooling, the central mandrel is removed.
- the mandrel can be pulled out from the flange end; in other applications wherein the mandrel has both increased and reduced diameters at both ends or in the interior portions of the product, the trapped mandrel is preferably made of a soluble or frangible material which at this point in the process is dissolved or broken up to remove it from the interior of the braided sleeve and to the desired completed antenna structure.
- holes such as 50 may be drilled through the flange 16 to accommodate supporting screws or bolts.
- relatively large numbers of such antenna structures are mounted on a common reflector to form what is known as an "antenna farm", useful in space satellites.
- electrical contact may be made to the helical antenna by removing a small portion of the resin covering the end of the helix next to the flange, and securing an electrical lead thereto.
- the resultant structure is of accurate dimensions and is relatively light in weight, is transparent to electromagnetic wave, is highly resistant to shock and vibration, and tolerates a wide range of temperature changes.
- the copper helix is firmly supported and held in place, while at the same time being protected by a thin layer of hardened resin.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Details Of Aerials (AREA)
- Aerials With Secondary Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Structure d'antenne dans laquelle l'antenne revêt la forme d'une bande hélicoïdale (12) s'enroulant autour d'une gaine cylindrique creuse (10), l'une et l'autre étant enroulées de résine. Un flasque de fixation intégral (16) est prévu à une extrémité. La structure est réalisée à l'aide d'un noyau cylindrique (20) comportant un flasque à une extrémité qu'on gaine d'un manchon (10) de fibre de verre, par exemple, sur lequel est enroulé ensuite un conducteur (12) tel qu'une bande de cuivre, pour former l'antenne, l'ensemble étant ensuite revêtu d'une résine appropriée et le noyau retiré. L'épaisseur et la résistance du flasque de fixation (16) sont obtenus, de préférence par superposition de multiples disques évidés (40) centrés autour du noyau cylindrique et plaqués contre le flasque avant l'opération de revêtement.Antenna structure in which the antenna takes the form of a helical strip (12) which is wound around a hollow cylindrical sheath (10), both of which are wound with resin. An integral mounting flange (16) is provided at one end. The structure is produced using a cylindrical core (20) having a flange at one end which is sheathed with a sleeve (10) of fiberglass, for example, on which is then wound a conductor (12 ) such as a copper strip, to form the antenna, the assembly then being coated with an appropriate resin and the core removed. The thickness and the resistance of the fixing flange (16) are obtained, preferably by superposition of multiple hollowed discs (40) centered around the cylindrical core and pressed against the flange before the coating operation.
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US50375090A | 1990-04-03 | 1990-04-03 | |
US503750 | 1990-04-03 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0531312A1 true EP0531312A1 (en) | 1993-03-17 |
EP0531312A4 EP0531312A4 (en) | 1993-09-29 |
Family
ID=24003357
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19910908749 Withdrawn EP0531312A4 (en) | 1990-04-03 | 1991-04-03 | Antenna structure and method of making same |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0531312A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH05505922A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1991015621A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0666612B1 (en) * | 1994-02-04 | 2001-10-24 | Orbital Sciences Corporation | Self-deploying helical structure |
SE9502610D0 (en) * | 1995-07-14 | 1995-07-14 | Allgon Ab | A combination of at least one helically wound coil and carrier therefor for use in a helical antenna, and a method for the manufacture of such combination |
SE9804498D0 (en) | 1998-04-02 | 1998-12-22 | Allgon Ab | Wide band antenna means incorporating a radiating structure having a band shape |
JP3855253B2 (en) * | 2000-06-13 | 2006-12-06 | アイシン精機株式会社 | Bar antenna and manufacturing method thereof |
JP4290744B2 (en) | 2007-03-12 | 2009-07-08 | 株式会社日本自動車部品総合研究所 | Antenna device |
DE112009005121B4 (en) | 2009-08-06 | 2018-07-05 | Indian Space Research Organisation Of Isro | Printed, quasi-conical striped spiral array antenna |
US8201294B1 (en) | 2010-01-28 | 2012-06-19 | Haewon Lee | Triple helix horizontal spanning structure |
US8970447B2 (en) | 2012-08-01 | 2015-03-03 | Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation | Deployable helical antenna for nano-satellites |
CN104476776A (en) * | 2014-11-14 | 2015-04-01 | 中航飞机股份有限公司西安飞机分公司 | Composite material spiral antenna forming manufacturing method |
CN106374185A (en) * | 2016-11-15 | 2017-02-01 | 中国人民解放军国防科学技术大学 | Flexible, foldable and adjustable liquid spiral antenna |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3725944A (en) * | 1971-01-26 | 1973-04-03 | M Valeriote | Free standing fiberglass antenna |
US4349824A (en) * | 1980-10-01 | 1982-09-14 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Around-a-mast quadrifilar microstrip antenna |
US4500888A (en) * | 1983-02-25 | 1985-02-19 | Valcom Limited | Antenna construction |
US4847063A (en) * | 1987-12-02 | 1989-07-11 | Fiber Materials, Inc. | Hollow composite body having an axis of symmetry |
-
1991
- 1991-04-03 WO PCT/US1991/002310 patent/WO1991015621A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1991-04-03 JP JP91508318A patent/JPH05505922A/en active Pending
- 1991-04-03 EP EP19910908749 patent/EP0531312A4/en not_active Withdrawn
Non-Patent Citations (2)
Title |
---|
No further relevant documents disclosed * |
See also references of WO9115621A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPH05505922A (en) | 1993-08-26 |
EP0531312A4 (en) | 1993-09-29 |
WO1991015621A1 (en) | 1991-10-17 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
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17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19921102 |
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AK | Designated contracting states |
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A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 19930811 |
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STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
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18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 19931104 |