Balloon antenna

IPC classes for russian patent Balloon antenna (RU 2318274):

H01Q1/28 - Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons

Another patents in same IPC classes:

Mechanical design of elongated radar antenna array for flying vehicle / 2308129

Proposed elongated radar antenna array for flying vehicle, for instance helicopter, is essentially set of printed-circuit antenna modules installed in array enclosure to form flat effective surface of antenna array by effective sides of module dipoles; antenna array is provided with enclosure-mounted suspension unit for its setting up from horizontal shipment position to vertical operating one and for rotating it in operating position by means of drives disposed in flying vehicle; antenna array has pressurized enclosure combined with antenna module dome whose function is performed by front electromagnetically transparent wall of antenna array enclosure. Antenna modules are installed on internal load-bearing partition of antenna array enclosure and disposed between this partition and mentioned front wall functioning as dome under conditions of forced air supply to antenna modules to abstract internal heat affording utmost use of external air flow during vehicle flight; its cooling facilities are disposed within enclosure, on its rear part, between its rear wall and mentioned load-bearing partition; cooling air is admitted through inlet holes of hollow longitudinal framework member built integral with load-bearing partition and positioned in parallel with antenna-module along antenna array curtain; distribution line; it is provided with inlet cooling air distribution holes on their disposition end to supply cooling air to antenna modules and to area of module clearances accommodating antenna module heat sinks forming cooling ducts for air passage through circulation ports of internal load-bearing partition to rear part of array enclosure; the latter is composite structure built of several (say, three) longitudinal parts joined together; capacity of cooling facilities is sufficient to ensure total flow not over 1.32 (l/s) x W^-1 per unit heat power released by antenna modules.

Ball antenna / 2308128

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Folding antenna / 2304328

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Helicopter radar antenna-feeder assembly / 2291525

Proposed radar antenna-feeder assembly designed for trouble-free operation under variable- and vibratory-load conditions due to enhanced strength incorporated in its mechanical design and improved aerodynamic properties of elongated antenna array and feeder circuit has its receiving-radiating components forming flat elongated antenna array and high-frequency feeder circuit physically integrated with functional units; antenna array case accommodates its suspension unit for turning it by means of helicopter-mounted drive from horizontal transport position under helicopter fuselage to vertical working position and vice versa. Antenna array modules function as its stiffness ribs. Provision is made for easy disconnection of antenna array from helicopter under emergency conditions.

Spacecraft antenna-feeder assembly (alternatives) / 2276434

Proposed spacecraft antenna-feeder assembly has antennas disposed in diametric opposition to external diameter of spacecraft hull and integrated by feeder system incorporating radio-frequency feeders and power splitters connected to on-board radio system; each antenna has axially symmetric funnel-shaped directivity pattern whose opening angle is regulated by spacecraft flight path. Directions of axial minimum value of directivity pattern of antennas are combined with central direction of sector of communication angles with equipped ground measuring station during oriented flight of spacecraft; installed in immediate proximity of antennas and inserted in feeder system are radio-signal amplifiers. Antenna-feeder assembly for high-power and large-size spacecraft incorporates provision to adapt its power characteristics to spacecraft altitude changes in space, including equally probable spacecraft position in space.

Scanning antenna of helicopter on-board radar (alternatives) / 2263377

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Transceiving antenna / 2249280

Proposed superbroad-band antenna characterized in passband extended to six octaves with fixed low-pass transmission windows is disposed in plane perpendicular to screen and has radiators made in the form of three monopoles that form funnel-shaped directivity pattern in elevation plane and omnidirectional pattern in azimuth plane. Electric length of radiators and distances between axes of central radiator and side ones are stipulated. In addition radiators and matching device or matching device only are disposed in space filled with insulating material having dielectric constant not over 2.0. This space may be shaped as elliptical cylinder or elliptical truncated cone. Other dimensions of antenna are specified. Cone may be interpolated by polyhedron with minimum four apexes whose pointed edges are rounder off at radius of minimum 0.01λ_m.

Helicopter with radar antenna / 2245820

Radar antenna is located under fuselage and is provided with mechanisms for rotating it relative to vertical axis and turning it relative to horizontal axis. Rotation mechanism has body consisting of two parts; one part is secured in fuselage and other part is rotatable relative to first one. Radar antenna is secured on frame through strip on which charge for emergency jettisoning is mounted; said frame is connected with movable part of body by means of supports; one end of each support is connected with movable part of body and other end is connected with frame by means of axle. Rotation mechanism of radar antenna is mounted on movable part of body and is made in form of rod performing reciprocating motion by means of drive; its one end is connected with frame by means of axle and bracket. Mounted on fixed part of body is drive of mechanism turning the radar antenna relative to vertical and horizontal axes.

Helicopter with radar antenna / 2245820

Transceiving antenna / 2249280

Scanning antenna of helicopter on-board radar (alternatives) / 2263377

Spacecraft antenna-feeder assembly (alternatives) / 2276434

Helicopter radar antenna-feeder assembly / 2291525

Folding antenna / 2304328

Ball antenna / 2308128

Mechanical design of elongated radar antenna array for flying vehicle / 2308129

Balloon antenna / 2318274

Proposed balloon antenna has metal container and metal rod secured coaxially to the latter at metal-rod base. External end of rod mounts two loop radiators orthogonal relative to one another, their outputs being integrated and connected by means of metal ring to central conductor of coaxial output of radio station disposed in metal container; connected to this central conductor is antenna counterpoise in the form of radially diverging conductors and additional conductor sections connected to their external ends. Optimal proportion of antenna structural component dimensions are determined.

Balloon container antenna / 2321109

Proposed balloon container antenna has metal container in the form of two identical coaxially installed metal blocks with conductor leads connected to their peripheral ends. Rectangular metal plates are installed on opposite edges of blocks on each of butt-ends abutting against each other. Planes of all plates are relatively parallel and perpendicular to butt-end plane. Output coaxial feeder running from radio station is connected through shielding screen to vertex of one of triangular plates and through central conductor, to vertex of other plate. Optimal proportions of dimensions of components affording desired effect are evaluated.

FIELD: antenna engineering, balloon-raised omnidirectional ultrahigh-frequency transceiving antennas.

SUBSTANCE: proposed balloon antenna has metal container and metal rod secured coaxially to the latter at metal-rod base. External end of rod mounts two loop radiators orthogonal relative to one another, their outputs being integrated and connected by means of metal ring to central conductor of coaxial output of radio station disposed in metal container; connected to this central conductor is antenna counterpoise in the form of radially diverging conductors and additional conductor sections connected to their external ends. Optimal proportion of antenna structural component dimensions are determined.

EFFECT: reduced windage and mass without reduction of operating frequency band with respect to coordination.

4 cl, 4 dwg

The invention relates to antenna technique and can be used as an omnidirectional antenna raised aircraft lighter than air (balloons, probes and the like).

Known directional antennas low directivity, which can be used on balloons (see, for example, Reznikov G.B. Antenna aerial vehicles. - M, Owls. Radio, 1967, SCR-299). Known antennas are different kinds of emitters (Daisy-chain, loop etc)installed on the body of the container that hosts the radio. Known analogues are characterized by simplicity of design and form the pattern (DN) of the required form. The disadvantage of such analogs is their low diapazonului, which limits their use in conjunction with multi-radio and radio-relay stations. Attempts to achieve the desired diapazonului lead to unnecessary increase in the size and weight of devices.

Most are similar in their technical nature of the claimed is "Balloon antenna," U.S. Pat. Of the Russian Federation No. 2097880 from 27.11.97, IPC H01Q 1/28. The antenna prototype consists of a metal container (MK), coaxially with which the fixed metal terminal (MS). On both sides of the rod is placed conductors, the upper ends of which are connected to the top of the rod, the bottom - to exit the station, located in M is. To the chassis MC connected radial conductors, made in the form of a loop.

The disadvantage of the prototype is relatively large windage and weight, due to the necessity of application of loop-like metal radial conductors for the effective influence of the counterweight on the achievement of the required electrical parameters of the antenna input impedance, radiation resistance, quality approvals, the coefficient of performance (COP), gain (KU) and the like).

The aim of the invention is to develop a balloon antenna (AA) with less windage and weight without reducing the operating frequency range in agreement.

Declared balloon antenna expands the Arsenal of tools for this purpose.

This objective is achieved in that in the known balloon antenna (AA)containing a metal container (MK) placed in it a radio station (PC), coaxially mounted with the axis of the MK metal rod (MS), one end electrically and mechanically connected with MK, and the other end connected to the middle point of the first loop radiator (RI), the input of which is connected to the output of the PC, and counterweight in the form of conductors radiating from MK and connected to his body, in addition to MS orthogonal to the first connected the same as the second RI.

Guides about what ivovic are angled α =40÷50° to the vertical axis AA. The outer end of each of the conductors of the counterweight is connected to an additional segment of wire (OPTIONAL). The deletion of R(x) of arbitrary cross-section of each STAGE from the vertical axis AA is

where x is the distance along the axis AA, which removed the considered section of the STAGE from the point of its connection to the conductor of the counterweight; R₀- remove the STAGE from the axis AA at the point of its connection to the conductor of the counterweight.

The diameter d of the cross-section MS is selected in the range d=(0,015 0,02...)λ_minthat λ_min- the minimum wavelength of the working wave range of AA. The height h and the width "b" of the first and second RI is selected from the conditions h≥0,15λ_min;=(0,3÷0,35)h.

Length l_CReach of the conductors of the counterweight is selected in the interval (0,17÷0,19)λ_minand correlated with length l_SSAPPR as l_CR/l_SS=0,4...0,5.

Thanks to this new essential features at smaller transverse dimensions of the wires of the counterweight and a simultaneous increase in their total length in the claimed antenna remain unchanged its input parameters, conditions of approval release of PC and, therefore, retains its effectiveness (KU). The possibility of combining SS with suspension system antenna to the balloon causes the decrease is aronesty and weight of AA as a whole.

The analysis of the prior art showed that the analogs characterized by the set of characteristics is identical for all features of the declared AA, there are no known sources of information that indicates compliance of the device to the condition of patentability "novelty".

Search results known solutions in this and related areas of technology in order to identify characteristics that match the distinctive features of the prototype of the existing features of the declared AA, showed that they do not follow explicitly from the prior art. The prior art also revealed no known effect provided the essential features of the transformations on the achievement of the technical result. Therefore, the claimed object meets the condition of patentability "inventive step".

The claimed device is illustrated by drawings on which is shown:

figure 1 shows a General view of the antenna,

figure 2 - the option of mounting the antenna to the balloon;

figure 3, 4 - experimental results.

Balloon antenna, shown in figure 1, consists of a MK 1 with a height "a" and with a square base of side "C". Coaxially with the vertical axis (the axis o-o′) MK 1 fixed 2 MS with diameter 2r, with surface MK 1 electrical contact. Symmetrically about the relative axis of the rod mounted in mutually orthogonal planes of the first and second RI 3 height "h" and width "b" (see also figa). The General form of AA (figure 1) to simplify the second RI 3 are not shown. Side RI 3, adjacent to the base of the MK 1, deviating from its surface at a distance "d". The top 2 MS / point ("to") electrically connected to the middle points of RI 3. Inputs RI 3 is electrically connected to the metal ring Μl. 4. Ál. 4 has no electrical contact with the surface 2 MS (for example, can be isolated by a dielectric sleeve). In the plane of each RI 3 is installed with an equal interval "h" parallel to the axis 2 MS segments of conductors 5 are electrically connected to opposite sides of the frame. Segments of conductors 5, adjacent to terminal 2, separated from it by a distance "m". The conductors of the counterweight 6 length l_CRone end connected to the chassis MC at its base (see also figb) and installed with tilt up at an angle α on the vertical axis. The outer ends of the conductors 6 counterweight connected to the corresponding ends of the STAGE 7. Every STAGE 7 has a length l_CRand installed in such a manner that the deletion of R(x₁) random wire cross-section, for example, at point "p" in figure 1 and spaced from the point x=0 along the vertical axis of the Oh′ at a distance of x₁is determined by the expression (1).

The ratio of the lengths of the wires of the counterweight 6 l_CRand add 7 l_SSselected within the l_CR/l_SS=0,45 0,4..., Adelina l _CRconductors counterweight 6 is (0,17...0,19)λ_min. Structurally, this form of STAGE 7 can be achieved by installation of a dielectric or metal spacer rings 8. The diameter of the corresponding spacer ring (RK) 8 is determined by the x coordinate of the location along the axis of the Oh′ AA. Additionally, the process of working out the design experimentally determined following the optimum ratio of the structural elements of the antenna:

2r=0,011 0,01...λ_min; d=0,015 0,02...λ_min;

in/h=0,35 0,3....

Appropriate framework emitter to perform one of the conductors with diameter cross-section, comprising 0,002-0,003 λ₀where λ₀- the average wavelength of the working wavelength range AA.

The feeder from the exit station through a coaxial connector 9 of the Central conductor is connected to the MCL. 4, and display the shell to the chassis MK 1.

The claimed device operates as follows. While turning the radio on its input is loaded impedance, including:

- the resistance of the vibrator, one arm of which is a set of conductors of the counterweight 6 and STAGE 7, and the other equivalent to the shoulder formed by two RI 3, which take into account running in them common-mode currents;

two reactance, Bukovina course on REESE antiphase currents. The shape of the bottoms of such antenna looks like dipole in free space. It is known that in the operating range maximum DN of such a vibrator is in the plane "N" (in this case, the plane "H" coincides with the horizontal plane).

From the point of view of the input parameters of the proposed antenna is a loop vibrator. Through a set of correlations of the elements of his designs can widely provide mutual compensation of the reactive components of the impedance connected to the input of the radio. It is known that the input parameters loop (shunt) vibrators are determined by the size ratio of the components of its structure. In this case, size: 2r, "n","", "h", "m".

Selection rules specified sizes to achieve the required input parameters are known and described, for example, in the book: Antennas, part I, Ed. by Muraviev J.K. - L., YOU, 1963, str...271.

The above ratio required to achieve this goal, determined experimentally in the process of working out the design of the device. Experiments have shown that the failure to comply with these ratios will not allow to achieve the technical result of the use of declared AA.

A concrete implementation of the claimed device is determined range the EBM working parts f _min...f_max.

It is important that in this scheme, the size of the container is practically no influence on the parameters of the antennas in General, and depend on the geometry of the wires 6 of the counterweight and additional pieces of wire 7. Therefore designed for the specified range, the device requires minimal modification when changing the dimensions of the container.

The form of the location of the wires of the counterweight 6 and STAGE 7 allows you to eliminate the influence of the mechanical capacity of the counterweight and to ensure smooth coordination of different form shoulders AA, i.e. to preserve the conditions matching the antenna with the output of the station.

So, balloon antenna, designed for operation in the range of 30...80 MHz, in which the container used in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped height α=300 mm and a square base with×C=300×300 mm, has the following dimensions of the main structural elements:

h=1500 mm; 2r=40 mm; m=h=50 mm, d=70 mm; α=45°;

l_CR=700 mm, l_SS=1600 mm; b=450 mm, R₀=645 mm,

the number of conductors counterweight - 8, number of EXTRA 7-8 pieces; the conductors 6 of the counterweight and the STAGE 7 is made of copper conductors with a diameter of 3 mm; number of rectilinear conductors 5 in the plane of each frame - 6 pieces (three on each side of the axis) and 10 mm in diameter; coaxial cable brand RC-50.

Experimental validation confirmed theoretical pre is silky. Shown in figure 3 the results of measuring IPM (declared antenna - solid line; the prototype - dashed line) indicates almost the same character level measurement LWD≥0.5 in a given frequency range. From DN figure 4 shows that over the entire operating range maximum NAM is oriented in the plane "H". Due to the presence of two framework emitters installed orthogonal to the azimuthal plane, DN practically isotropic.

At almost the same electrical parameters compare antennas declared AA has 40% less weight and 30-40% less windage.

Thus, when using the claimed device in comparison with the prototype, you should expect the following technical advantages:

- maintaining constant electrical parameters (IPM, NAM);

- reduced overall size and sail;

- reducing the likelihood of breakage of the device, damage to the membrane of the balloon and injury prevention staff when raising and lowering the antenna.

Listed technical advantages give reason to expect that improving the reliability of radio and radiodetermination communication lines with the use of the claimed balloon antenna.

1. Balloon antenna containing a metal container and placed in it a radio station, coaxially mounted with IU aliceson container metal rod, one end electrically and mechanically connected to the metal container and the other to the middle point of the first frame of the emitter, the input of which is connected to the output of the radio station, and a counterweight in the form of radiating from the metal container and connected to his body conductors, characterized in that in addition to the metal rod orthogonal to the first connected the second framework emitter, identical to the first conductors of the counterweight are arranged at an angle α to the vertical axis of the balloon antenna and the outer end of each of the conductors of the counterweight is connected to an additional segment of the wire, and the deletion of R(x) of arbitrary cross-section each additional segment the wires from the vertical axis of the balloon antenna is

R(x)=R₀exp[-(5...6)·10^-4x],

where x is the distance along the axis of the balloon antenna, which removed the considered cross-section from the point of connection of additional wire cut to the conductor counterweight; R₀- remove additional wire cut from the vertical axis of the balloon antenna at the point of its connection to the conductor of the counterweight.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that the metal rod is made with a diameter d of the cross section in the range d=(0,015 0,02...)λ_minand the height h and the width "b" of the first and second framework emitters selected terms and conditions

h≥0,15λ_min;=(0,3-0,35)h,

where λ_min- minimum wavelength operating range of the waves.

3. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that the length l_CReach conductor of the counterweight is (0,17...0,19)λ_minand correlated with length l_SSadditional wire cut as l_CR/l_SS=0,45 0,4...where λ_min- minimum wavelength operating range of the waves.

4. The antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle αunder which are the conductors of the counterweight relative to the vertical axis of the antenna selected in the interval α=40...50°.