Antenna array apparatus with conformal mounting structure
First Claim
1. An antenna apparatus having a signal distribution network, the apparatus comprising:
- a. a mounting structure having an exterior skin and a recessed channel;
b. a plurality of conformal antenna units detachably affixed to the mounting structure at the recessed channel;
each conformal antenna unit comprising;
(1) an antenna element having a top surface and an opposing base;
(2) an antenna electrical connecting means in electrical communication with the antenna element;
the antenna electrical connecting means being removably attachable with the signal distribution network;
(3) a carrier structure, of minimal thickness, comprising an upper surface and lower surface;
the upper surface of the carrier structure being permanently affixed to the base of the antenna element, and the lower surface being detachably affixed to the recessed channel of the mounting structure;
c. a fairing for enclosing the recessed channel;
the fairing being substantially flush with the exterior skin of the mounting structure; and
d. dielectric potting of low loss tangent for encapsulating the conformal antenna units within the fairing;
whereby the top surface of each antenna element substantially conforms to the exterior skin of the mounting structure.
17 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A carrier structure apparatus for mounting conformal antenna elements to a non-planar mounting surface as part of an antenna array of an airborne vehicle or ground-based system also comprising a seeker section, fairing and guidance processing system. The carrier structure is a rigid and conductive apparatus that is made to conform to the geometric configuration of both the antenna element as well as the mounting surface. The conformal antenna is rigidly mounted to the carrier structure, which is in turn removably affixed to the non-planar mounting surface. With the carrier structure, each antenna element of the array may be individually tested and replaced prior to and after installation in array.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. An antenna apparatus having a signal distribution network, the apparatus comprising:
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a. a mounting structure having an exterior skin and a recessed channel;
b. a plurality of conformal antenna units detachably affixed to the mounting structure at the recessed channel;
each conformal antenna unit comprising;
(1) an antenna element having a top surface and an opposing base;
(2) an antenna electrical connecting means in electrical communication with the antenna element;
the antenna electrical connecting means being removably attachable with the signal distribution network;
(3) a carrier structure, of minimal thickness, comprising an upper surface and lower surface;
the upper surface of the carrier structure being permanently affixed to the base of the antenna element, and the lower surface being detachably affixed to the recessed channel of the mounting structure;
c. a fairing for enclosing the recessed channel;
the fairing being substantially flush with the exterior skin of the mounting structure; and
d. dielectric potting of low loss tangent for encapsulating the conformal antenna units within the fairing;
whereby the top surface of each antenna element substantially conforms to the exterior skin of the mounting structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A conformal antenna apparatus having a signal distribution network, the antenna apparatus comprising:
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a. a mounting structure having a substantially non-planar surface;
b. a plurality of conformal antenna elements, each antenna element having a top surface and a bottom surface;
the antenna element having a characteristic main beam;
c. a plurality of carrier structures of a conductive material;
each carrier structure having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface of the carrier structure having a forward portion and a rear portion;
the lower surface of each carrier structure being substantially conformal to the mounting structure;
d. bonding means for permanently affixing the bottom surface of the antenna elements to the rear portion of the carrier structures;
e. fastening means for detachably anchoring the carrier structures to the mounting structure;
f. electrical connecting means for bringing the antenna elements in detachable electrical communication with the signal distribution network;
g. a fairing structure attached to the mounting structure for enclosing the antenna elements; and
h. a dielectric potting for encapsulating the antenna elements within the fairing structure after being affixed to the mounting structure. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A carrier structure for affixing an antenna element to a non-planar mounting structure;
- the carrier structure being substantially thin, rigid and electrically conductive;
the carrier structure comprising;a. a leading edge substantially flush with the mounting structure at the conjunction of the carrier structure and mounting structure;
b. an upper surface comprising;
(1) a rear portion for directly and inseparably affixing an antenna element;
the rear portion of the upper surface substantially conformal to the antenna element;
(2) a forward portion having a substantially smooth surface between the leading edge of the carrier structure and the antenna element;
c. a lower surface substantially conformal to the non-planar mounting structure; and
d. mounting means for removably attaching the carrier structure to the mounting structure. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24)
- the carrier structure being substantially thin, rigid and electrically conductive;
Specification