초록 ▼

An antenna structure, such as an antenna reflector, comprises a collapsible mesh and catenary tie/cord attachment structure, retained in tension by a plurality of variable geometry spreader-standoffs connected to an inflatable tubular support hoop. The standoffs decouple the energy-focusing geometry

An antenna structure, such as an antenna reflector, comprises a collapsible mesh and catenary tie/cord attachment structure, retained in tension by a plurality of variable geometry spreader-standoffs connected to an inflatable tubular support hoop. The standoffs decouple the energy-focusing geometry of the antenna surface from the hoop, so as to reduce the sensitivity of the shape of the surface to variations in the shape of the tubing. Each spreader-standoff is connected to the hoop at a hinge joint of a pair of spreader-standoff elements, by a radial connection element retained in tension by the adjoining tubing. The hinge joint of a respective spreader-standoff pair is adjacent to an inner diameter side of the hoop, while distal locations of the spreader-standoff elements are located beyond an outer diameter side of the inflated hoop. As a consequence, the inflatable hoop may have a relatively small cross-section, which reduces its size and weight, as long as it is capable of effectively maintaining its intended configuration when inflated/deployed. Since the only connection between a respective pair of spreader-standoff elements and the tubular support hoop is through a radial connection element at the hinge joint, the inflatable hoop is self-centering, with radial loading effectively maintaining the antenna in its deployed state.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [1.] An antenna structure comprising:an inflatable support structure;a tensionable material configured to form a focusing surface for energy incident thereon;an attachment structure coupled to said tensionable material; anda plurality of variable geometry standoffs arranged in a

[ What is claimed:] [1.] An antenna structure comprising:an inflatable support structure;a tensionable material configured to form a focusing surface for energy incident thereon;an attachment structure coupled to said tensionable material; anda plurality of variable geometry standoffs arranged in a prescribed distribution relative to said inflatable support structure, and being coupled to said inflatable support structure, said tensionable material and said attachment structure in such a manner as to effectively decouple energy-focusing geometry of said focusing surface from said inflatable support structure, while still using support capability of said inflatable support structure to deploy said antenna, effectively reducing the sensitivity of the shape of said focusing surface to variations in the shape of said inflatable support structure.