EP2808943A1 - Method for producing an antenna reflector with formed surface, reflector with formed surface obtained by said method and antenna comprising such a reflector - Google Patents
Method for producing an antenna reflector with formed surface, reflector with formed surface obtained by said method and antenna comprising such a reflector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2808943A1 EP2808943A1 EP14169359.8A EP14169359A EP2808943A1 EP 2808943 A1 EP2808943 A1 EP 2808943A1 EP 14169359 A EP14169359 A EP 14169359A EP 2808943 A1 EP2808943 A1 EP 2808943A1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- flexible membrane
- reflector
- antenna
- membrane
- different
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q15/00—Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
- H01Q15/14—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
- H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
- H01Q1/28—Adaptation for use in or on aircraft, missiles, satellites, or balloons
- H01Q1/288—Satellite antennas
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q15/00—Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
- H01Q15/14—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures
- H01Q15/141—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing reflecting surfaces
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q15/00—Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
- H01Q15/14—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures
- H01Q15/141—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing reflecting surfaces
- H01Q15/142—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing reflecting surfaces using insulating material for supporting the reflecting surface
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q15/00—Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
- H01Q15/14—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures
- H01Q15/147—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures provided with means for controlling or monitoring the shape of the reflecting surface
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q15/00—Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
- H01Q15/14—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures
- H01Q15/16—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures curved in two dimensions, e.g. paraboloidal
- H01Q15/168—Mesh reflectors mounted on a non-collapsible frame
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q19/00—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic
- H01Q19/10—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
- Y10T29/49016—Antenna or wave energy "plumbing" making
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method of producing a shaped surface reflector, a shaped surface reflector obtained by this method, and an antenna having such a formed surface reflector. It applies to the field of passive satellite telecommunications antennas and more particularly to the field of Ku-band or C-band telecommunications.
- a single source associated with a single or double surface-formed reflector system that is to say a surface having a specific geometry defining on the ground a specific coverage area with a non-circular contour, for example a country or a group of countries.
- the optical path variations between the source and different points of the reflector make it possible to generate beams having a phase and amplitude diagram corresponding to the characteristics of the desired radiation pattern.
- a shaped surface reflector is generally made using a dedicated mold whose shape corresponds to a predetermined antenna coverage. With each change of cover, it is therefore necessary to redo a different new mold. So that the mold does not deform in temperature during the cooking and makes it possible to make a reflector having the specified profile, the molds used are made of a material with a low coefficient of thermal expansion CTE, for example a material comprising carbon or a material consisting of a steel alloy such as Invar (trademark) consisting of iron alloy and nickel fibers.
- Invar trademark
- the manufacturing time of the mold is approximately of the order of four to six months.
- the precise definition of the coverage area to be achieved is therefore defined very early in the course of the program phases so as to start manufacturing the mold at the earliest.
- the manufacturing time of the mold is therefore a very important constraint for the progress of a program and after the launch of the manufacture of the mold, there is no longer any flexibility to redefine the area of coverage to be made later.
- the reconfigurable reflectors require the presence of a large number of mechanical actuators, fixed on the lower surface of the membrane at selected positions, which push or pull on the membrane to deform and give it the desired shape.
- These mechanical actuators often comprise rotary drive electric motors that can be coupled either with a ball joint or with a nut system associated with a worm, the nut being fixed on the membrane.
- the problem is that the presence of a large number of actuators greatly increases the manufacturing cost of the reflector and its weight which is detrimental in the case of a spatial application.
- the object of the invention is to provide a method of producing a shaped surface reflector which can not be reconfigured in service and which does not have the drawbacks of existing manufacturing processes, which does not require the production of a specific mold for each desired antenna coverage area, which has no actuators, which allows a very significant reduction in the reflector manufacturing time and delay, when starting a satellite program, the moment where the choice of geographical area of ground cover should be fixed.
- the N holding bars are spaced from each other and fixed on a rear face of the flexible membrane in N different holding points of the flexible membrane.
- the N holding bars also have different angles of inclination with respect to the surface of the flexible membrane.
- the mechanical model determines a deformed surface of the flexible membrane
- the radiofrequency model determines and analyzes the radiation performance on the geographical coverage made on the ground corresponding to the deformed surface produced by the mechanical model at iteration. corresponding.
- the method consists of determining the N optimal local deformations to be applied at N different points of the flexible membrane by minimizing the differences in radiation performance obtained. at each iteration by relative to the radiation performance objectives to be achieved in the two selected geographical coverage areas.
- the invention also relates to a shaped surface antenna reflector obtained by this embodiment method, the reflector comprising a rigid shell having a predefined shape profile, a flexible membrane with a deformable surface and a front face reflecting radio waves, N bars.
- the N support bars may have a section of square or circular shape.
- the N support bars can be divided into a regular mesh square or hexagonal or triangular
- the N support bars can be distributed in an irregular mesh.
- the flexible membrane may comprise in thickness in a Z direction, at least one inner layer made of a carbon fiber fabric, the carbon fibers being arranged parallel to an XY plane of the flexible membrane and extending in two directions. orthogonal directions, and a reflective outer layer made of a conductive elastomeric material, the conductive elastomeric material being made of a silicone material loaded with metal or carbon particles.
- the invention also relates to an antenna comprising at least one such shaped surface reflector.
- the invention consists, in a first step 100, of defining radiation performance objectives to be achieved over a selected geographical area of ground coverage and of selecting an antenna architecture and a reflector structure.
- the invention consists in defining a new shaped-surface reflector structure that can be made from a rigid preform with a predefined shape surface, for example parabolic form, obtained by molding in a standard reflector mold and forming a rigid support on which will be fixed a flexible membrane by means of rigid support bars.
- the rigid preform preferably consists of a thick rigid shell whose front face has a predefined shape profile, for example a profile of parabolic shape.
- the invention consists, from the mechanical properties of the flexible membrane and at least one radiation performance objective to be respected in each point of the geographical coverage area to be made on the ground, to choose the number and the positions of the holding points to be applied to the rear surface of the flexible membrane and to define, by successive iterations, optimal local deformations to be applied to the flexible membrane at the different holding points to obtain a radiation pattern of the antenna having performance corresponding to the objectives set for the chosen ground coverage area.
- the local deformations applied to the membrane, at each holding point depend directly on the different lengths of each corresponding holding bar.
- the local deformations to be applied to the membrane are optimized by the optimization process shown in the block diagram of the figure 2 .
- a step 400 from the deformed surface obtained in step 300 and the parameters of the corresponding holding bars, the holding bars are formed, each holding bar being cut to the length corresponding to the optimal local deformations to be applied to the membrane.
- the location of each holding bar is located on the surface of the reflector shell.
- the support bars can be evenly distributed on the surface of the reflector shell and in a square or hexagonal or triangular mesh. Alternatively, the support bars can also be distributed in an irregular mesh that improves the radio frequency performance of the antenna.
- a foam positioning template can be used to help precise positioning of the support bars.
- the foam template can be made by machining and have holes facilitating access to the bar links.
- the foam template is positioned on the surface of the reflector shell and may include an imprint identifying the locations of the second ends of the retaining bars on the flexible membrane.
- a first end of each holding bar is then positioned and glued on the surface of the reflector shell, at the previously marked locations.
- the support bars may have a square section or circular to facilitate their positioning.
- the flexible membrane is then bonded to each second end of the holding bars. The assembly is carried out without constraint thanks to the orientation and to the adequate length of the bars of maintenance.
- the optimization method used in step 300 comprises an initialization step 320 in which the initial parameters of the holding bars are defined. These parameters initially chosen for each holding point of the flexible membrane are the number, the location, the lengths and possibly the angle of inclination of the holding bars. Successive iterative loops then allow, from the initial shape of the membrane surface defined by the initial parameters of the holding bars at each holding point, to optimize the parameters of the holding bars, and in particular their respective lengths. at the different holding points of the membrane, to achieve the fixed radiation performance.
- the optimization method uses a mechanical model 321 of the reflector which determines a deformed surface 322 of the membrane and an RF radiofrequency model 323 which determines and analyzes the radiation performance 326 over the geographical coverage area achieved on the ground corresponding to the deformed surface 322 produced by the mechanical model 321.
- the mechanical model 321 is a model of finite elements comprising N holding points, where N is an integer greater than one, and takes into account the geometry of the selected reflector, the material chosen for the membrane and the deformation properties of the membrane.
- the mechanical model 321 makes it possible, at each iteration k considered, from a hypothesis concerning deformation values applied locally to the different holding points of the membrane, to determine the shape of the surface of the membrane corresponding to the deformations applied locally. From the shape of the surface of the membrane delivered by the mechanical model 321 at the iteration k considered, the radiofrequency model 323 then determines the performance 326 of the antenna radiation pattern obtained over the geographical coverage area on the ground to achieve.
- Differences 327 between the radiation performances obtained and the fixed performance target 324 is then calculated at different points in the ground coverage area and compared to a maximum threshold.
- a difference minimization algorithm 328 is used to define a new assumption of values of the parameters of the holding bars 329, corresponding to new values of local deformations to be applied to the membrane, making it possible to minimize , at the next iteration k + 1, the differences obtained and to get closer to the fixed objective.
- the values of the parameters of the holding bars are validated in step 330 when the performance differences obtained at the last iteration considered are below the maximum threshold.
- the objective may relate to levels of performance of one or more parameters of the antenna radiation pattern such as, for example, in the case of an antenna operating in linear double-polarization, a target for a maximum level and a minimum level of co-polarization and a goal for a maximum level of cross-polarization.
- the performance levels to be achieved relate to several different parameters
- the performance level objectives corresponding to the different parameters may be weighted by different weights. Optimization can also be performed for several different frequencies.
- the performance objectives to be achieved on the two geographical coverage areas are taken into account and the optimization is carried out following the same steps for each coverage area.
- the method consists in defining performance objectives to be achieved on the two different geographical zones and in determining the optimal N local deformations 14 to be applied at N different points of the flexible membrane by minimizing the differences in radiation performance obtained at each iteration k with respect to the radiation performance objectives to be achieved on the two geographical coverage areas chosen.
- the algorithm optimization for minimizing performance gaps.
- the algorithm optimization called the MiniMax algorithm, of minimizing the maximum value of m functions of different deviations f i (x), where each function f i is a performance difference obtained with respect to a fixed objective, m is the total number of fixed objectives, i is an integer varying between 1 and m, x is a vector containing n variables corresponding to the respective lengths of the n holding bars, m being greater than or equal to n.
- the MiniMax algorithm it is also possible to use the optimization algorithm, called the least-square algorithm, which consists of minimizing the sum of the squares of the m functions. different fi (x) differences.
- the initial shape of the membrane may, for example, be chosen as a parabolic shape identical to the shape of the thick shell of the reflector, which corresponds to the same length of support bars.
- the antenna architecture chosen may for example be a simple offset antenna architecture and comprise a single reflector 10 as represented for example on the figure 5a , or a Gregorian antenna architecture, as represented for example on the figure 5b , and include a main reflector 10 and a subreflector 15.
- the main reflector 10 is surface formed and is defined and manufactured in accordance with the manufacturing method of the invention. It is also possible to use a sub-reflector 15 with a formed surface.
- the Figures 3, 4a and 4b represent an example of a surface-shaped antenna reflector structure formed in accordance with the embodiment method of the invention.
- the reflector 10 comprises a rigid support consisting of a rigid shell 11 having a thick front face of predefined shape, for example parabolic, and a flexible membrane 12, deformable and having a reflective front face, the rear face of the flexible membrane being fixed rigidly on the rigid shell 11 by N transverse holding bars 13 of different predetermined lengths, where N is an integer greater than one.
- the rigid shell of the reflector is preferably made by molding in a standard reflector mold.
- the N support bars can also be positioned at angles different inclination relative to the surface of the flexible membrane 12.
- Each retaining bar 13 has two opposite ends rigidly fixed respectively on the front face of the rigid shell 11 and on the rear face of the flexible membrane 12, by any means known rigid fastening, for example by gluing or riveting.
- the holding bars 13 are spaced from each other and positioned at predetermined different holding points.
- the holding points may be located over the entire surface of the rear face of the flexible membrane 12 as shown in FIG. figure 4b with the exception of a peripheral region of the flexible membrane which is not connected to the rigid shell 11 and remains free on the peripheral edges of the reflector 10.
- the flexible membrane 12 being free on the peripheral edges of the reflector 10, the retaining bars closest to the edges of the reflector define the deformations on the edges of the flexible membrane 12 and make it possible to optimize the discrimination of the crossed polarization and the secondary lobes of the antenna radiation pattern.
- a hexagonal distribution of the holding bars makes it possible to better control the deformations on the edges of the flexible membrane than a square distribution. It is also possible to add a few holding bars on the peripheral edges of the reflector to improve the control of the peripheral region of the membrane.
- Each holding bar 13 applies, at the point of attachment to the flexible reflective membrane 12, a local deformation 14 depending on the length of the corresponding holding bar 13.
- the reflective front face of the flexible membrane 12 thus conforms to a shape that depends on the length of each holding bar 13.
- the lengths of each holding bar 13 are predetermined, at each holding point, and defined according to the architecture and dimensions of the antenna chosen to accomplish the satellite mission and the desired radiation performance so as to optimize the antenna radiation pattern over a ground coverage area corresponding to that desired.
- the flexible membrane 12 may be attached directly to the holding bars 13 or via double finger or dry fiber ball joints.
- the use of double spherical bonds has the advantage of allowing local membrane movements in its local plane and minimizing the impact of thermoelastic effects on the deformed membrane and the corresponding stresses in the membrane material. .
- the shell 11 of the reflector 10 may be made of composite material and comprise a multilayer structure, symmetrical in thickness, such as an internal honeycomb layer sandwiched between two external deposits of carbon.
- the holding bars 13 may be made of carbon and have different lengths typically between 50mm and 100mm.
- the flexible membrane 12 may comprise, in thickness in a direction Z, one or more inner layer which may consist for example of a carbon fiber fabric, the carbon fibers being arranged parallel to the XY plane of the membrane and extending in two orthogonal directions, and a reflective outer layer placed on the front face of the membrane, the outer layer being able to consist for example of a conductive elastomeric material, the conductive elastomeric material being able to consist of a silicone material resistant to Electromagnetic radiation and charged with metal particles or carbon.
- a conductive elastomeric material has the advantage of having elastic properties which allow deformations of the membrane outside its XY plane, in contrast to a pure metal material which can, under the effect of the thermoelastic deformations, generate micro-cracks.
- a conductive elastomeric membrane or having layers of biaxial carbon fiber fabric and an outer layer of conductive elastomeric material has very good radiofrequency reflectivity performance and generates few intermodulation interfering signals in the reception band.
- a silicone material loaded on the front face of the membrane is not mandatory. This use is dependent on specified intermodulation signal level. Any other type of deformable membrane or deformable fabric may be used as reflective surface of the reflector.
- any flexible reflective membrane meeting the desired radio frequency requirements can be used.
- the deformations or the surfaces accessible by the flexible membrane depend on the mechanical properties of said membrane, that is to say, that two different flexible membrane technologies can result in different surfaces but at comparable levels of performance.
- the rigid shell of the reflector may be made of a material other than that specifically described since it has the mechanical properties required by the mission to achieve and can have a predefined shape that is not parabolic.
- the radiofrequency performance achieved with the flexible membrane reflector is comparable to the performance achieved with conventional formed reflector technologies.
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Abstract
Le procédé consiste : - à définir (100) au moins un objectif de performances de rayonnement à réaliser sur une zone de couverture au sol choisie, - à réaliser (200) une coque rigide (11) ayant un profil de forme prédéfinie - à réaliser la membrane flexible (12), - à déterminer (300), par itérations successives, à partir d'un modèle mécanique du réflecteur et d'un modèle de rayonnement radiofréquence de l'antenne, N déformations locales (14) optimales à appliquer en N points différents de la membrane flexible, - à réaliser (400) N barres de maintien (13) rigides de longueurs fixes différentes correspondant aux déformations locales optimales à appliquer à la membrane flexible, - à positionner et fixer (500) rigidement la membrane flexible (12) sur la coque rigide (11) par l'intermédiaire des N barres de maintien (13).The process consists of: defining (100) at least one radiation performance objective to be achieved on a selected ground coverage area, - to realize (200) a rigid shell (11) having a predefined shape profile to produce the flexible membrane (12), - To determine (300), by successive iterations, from a mechanical model of the reflector and a radiofrequency radiation pattern of the antenna, N optimal local deformations (14) to be applied at N different points of the flexible membrane , to produce (400) N rigid holding bars (13) of different fixed lengths corresponding to the optimal local deformations to be applied to the flexible membrane, - Positioning and fix (500) rigidly the flexible membrane (12) on the rigid shell (11) via N holding bars (13).
Description
La présente invention concerne un procédé de réalisation d'un réflecteur à surface formée, un réflecteur à surface formée obtenu par ce procédé et une antenne comportant un tel réflecteur à surface formée. Elle s'applique au domaine des antennes passives de télécommunications par satellite et plus particulièrement au domaine des télécommunications en bande Ku ou en bande C.The present invention relates to a method of producing a shaped surface reflector, a shaped surface reflector obtained by this method, and an antenna having such a formed surface reflector. It applies to the field of passive satellite telecommunications antennas and more particularly to the field of Ku-band or C-band telecommunications.
Pour obtenir un diagramme de rayonnement ayant un contour prédéfini, il est connu d'utiliser une source unique associée à un système de réflecteur(s) simple ou double à surface formée, c'est-à-dire une surface ayant une géométrie spécifique définissant au sol une zone de couverture spécifique ayant un contour non circulaire, par exemple un pays ou un groupe de pays. Les variations de chemin optique entre la source et différents points du réflecteur permettent de générer des faisceaux ayant un diagramme de phase et d'amplitude correspondant aux caractéristiques du diagramme de rayonnement souhaité.In order to obtain a radiation pattern having a predefined contour, it is known to use a single source associated with a single or double surface-formed reflector system, that is to say a surface having a specific geometry defining on the ground a specific coverage area with a non-circular contour, for example a country or a group of countries. The optical path variations between the source and different points of the reflector make it possible to generate beams having a phase and amplitude diagram corresponding to the characteristics of the desired radiation pattern.
Il est également possible, avec un même réflecteur et en utilisant deux sources placées au plus proche du foyer du réflecteur, d'obtenir deux diagrammes de rayonnement différents permettant de couvrir deux zones de couvertures géographiques différentes.It is also possible, with the same reflector and using two sources located closest to the focus of the reflector, to obtain two different radiation patterns for covering two different geographical coverage areas.
Un réflecteur à surface formée est généralement réalisé en utilisant un moule dédié dont la forme correspond à une couverture d'antenne prédéterminée. A chaque changement de couverture, il est donc nécessaire de refaire un nouveau moule différent. Pour que le moule ne se déforme pas en température lors de la cuisson et permette de réaliser un réflecteur ayant le profil spécifié, les moules utilisés sont réalisés dans un matériau à faible coefficient d'expansion thermique CTE, par exemple un matériau comportant des fibres de carbone ou un matériau constitué d'un alliage d'acier tel que l'Invar (marque déposée) constitué de fibres en alliage de fer et de nickel. Le problème est que pour un fonctionnement en bande Ku, il est nécessaire d'atteindre une précision de fabrication très fine ce qui entraîne un grand nombre d'itérations pendant lesquelles le profil du moule est repris et affiné. Ainsi, pour un réflecteur de deux mètres de diamètre, le temps de fabrication du moule est environ de l'ordre de quatre à six mois. Pour ne pas retarder l'avancement d'un nouveau programme de satellite, la définition précise de la zone de couverture à réaliser est donc définie très en amont dans le déroulement des phases du programme de façon à lancer la fabrication du moule au plus tôt. Le temps de fabrication du moule est donc une contrainte très importante pour l'avancement d'un programme et après le lancement de la fabrication du moule, il n'existe plus aucune flexibilité pour redéfinir ultérieurement la zone de couverture à réaliser.A shaped surface reflector is generally made using a dedicated mold whose shape corresponds to a predetermined antenna coverage. With each change of cover, it is therefore necessary to redo a different new mold. So that the mold does not deform in temperature during the cooking and makes it possible to make a reflector having the specified profile, the molds used are made of a material with a low coefficient of thermal expansion CTE, for example a material comprising carbon or a material consisting of a steel alloy such as Invar (trademark) consisting of iron alloy and nickel fibers. The problem is that for Ku-band operation, it is necessary to achieve a very fine manufacturing precision which results in a large number of iterations during which the profile of the mold is taken up and refined. Thus, for a reflector of two meters in diameter, the manufacturing time of the mold is approximately of the order of four to six months. In order not to delay the progress of a new satellite program, the precise definition of the coverage area to be achieved is therefore defined very early in the course of the program phases so as to start manufacturing the mold at the earliest. The manufacturing time of the mold is therefore a very important constraint for the progress of a program and after the launch of the manufacture of the mold, there is no longer any flexibility to redefine the area of coverage to be made later.
Pour résoudre ce problème de flexibilité, Il est connu de s'affranchir de la fabrication d'un moule et de réaliser une antenne à réflecteur reconfigurable en utilisant une surface réfléchissante flexible déformable. Il existe différents types de surfaces réfléchissantes flexibles déformables telles que par exemple une surface flexible formée d'un tricot ou d'un tissu en maille (en anglais : mesh) comme décrit notamment dans le document
Il est également connu du document
Cependant, les réflecteurs reconfigurables nécessitent la présence d'un grand nombre d'actuateurs mécaniques, fixés sur la surface inférieure de la membrane à des positions choisies, qui poussent ou tirent sur la membrane pour la déformer et lui donner la forme souhaitée. Ces actuateurs mécaniques comportent souvent des moteurs électriques d'entraînement rotatif pouvant être couplés soit avec une rotule, soit avec un système d'écrou associé à une vis sans fin, l'écrou étant fixé sur la membrane. Le problème est que la présence d'un grand nombre d'actuateurs augmente beaucoup le coût de fabrication du réflecteur et son poids ce qui est préjudiciable dans le cas d'une application spatiale.However, the reconfigurable reflectors require the presence of a large number of mechanical actuators, fixed on the lower surface of the membrane at selected positions, which push or pull on the membrane to deform and give it the desired shape. These mechanical actuators often comprise rotary drive electric motors that can be coupled either with a ball joint or with a nut system associated with a worm, the nut being fixed on the membrane. The problem is that the presence of a large number of actuators greatly increases the manufacturing cost of the reflector and its weight which is detrimental in the case of a spatial application.
Le but de l'invention est de réaliser un procédé de réalisation d'un réflecteur à surface formée qui ne peut pas être reconfiguré en service et qui ne présente pas les inconvénients des procédés de fabrication existants, qui ne nécessite pas la réalisation d'un moule spécifique pour chaque zone de couverture d'antenne souhaitée, qui ne comporte pas d'actuateurs, qui permette de diminuer de façon très importante le temps de fabrication du réflecteur et de retarder, lors du démarrage d'un programme de satellite, le moment où le choix de la zone de couverture géographique au sol doit être figé.The object of the invention is to provide a method of producing a shaped surface reflector which can not be reconfigured in service and which does not have the drawbacks of existing manufacturing processes, which does not require the production of a specific mold for each desired antenna coverage area, which has no actuators, which allows a very significant reduction in the reflector manufacturing time and delay, when starting a satellite program, the moment where the choice of geographical area of ground cover should be fixed.
Pour cela, l'invention concerne un procédé de réalisation d'un réflecteur d'antenne à surface formée, consistant à réaliser une coque rigide, une membrane flexible et à positionner et fixer la membrane flexible sur la coque rigide par l'intermédiaire de N barres de maintien rigides en N points de maintien différents de la membrane flexible, où N est un nombre entier supérieur à 1, de façon à appliquer N déformations locales sur la membrane flexible par rapport à la surface du réflecteur. Le procédé consiste :
- à définir au moins un objectif de performances de rayonnement à réaliser sur une zone de couverture géographique au sol choisie,
- à choisir une coque rigide ayant un profil de forme prédéfinie et à choisir une forme initiale de la surface de la membrane flexible,
- à partir de la forme de la coque rigide et de la forme initiale de la surface de la membrane flexible, à déterminer, par itérations successives, à l'aide d'un modèle mécanique du réflecteur et d'un modèle du rayonnement radiofréquence de l'antenne, N déformations locales optimales à appliquer aux N points de maintien différents de la membrane flexible, les N déformations locales optimales étant déterminées par minimisation des écarts de performances de rayonnement délivrés à chaque itération, par le modèle du rayonnement radiofréquence de l'antenne, par rapport aux objectifs de performances de rayonnement à réaliser sur la zone de couverture géographique choisie,
- à réaliser N barres de maintien rigides de longueurs différentes, les valeurs des longueurs des N barres de maintien étant figées et correspondant respectivement aux N déformations locales optimales.
- defining at least one radiation performance objective to be achieved over a selected geographical area of ground coverage,
- choosing a rigid shell having a predefined shape profile and choosing an initial shape of the surface of the flexible membrane,
- from the shape of the rigid shell and the initial shape of the surface of the flexible membrane, to be determined, by successive iterations, using a mechanical model of the reflector and a model of the radiofrequency radiation of the antenna, N optimum local deformations to be applied to the N holding points different from the flexible membrane, the optimal N local deformations being determined by minimizing the radiation performance deviations delivered at each iteration, by the model of the radiofrequency radiation of the antenna , in relation to the radiation performance objectives to be achieved over the selected geographical coverage area,
- to realize N rigid holding bars of different lengths, the values of the lengths of the N holding bars being fixed and corresponding respectively to the N optimal local deformations.
Avantageusement, les N barres de maintien sont espacées les unes des autres et fixées sur une face arrière de la membrane flexible en N points de maintien différents de la membrane flexible.Advantageously, the N holding bars are spaced from each other and fixed on a rear face of the flexible membrane in N different holding points of the flexible membrane.
Avantageusement, les N barres de maintien ont en outre des angles d'inclinaison différents par rapport à la surface de la membrane flexible.Advantageously, the N holding bars also have different angles of inclination with respect to the surface of the flexible membrane.
Avantageusement, à chaque itération, le modèle mécanique détermine une surface déformée de la membrane flexible, et le modèle radiofréquence détermine et analyse les performances de rayonnement sur la couverture géographique réalisée au sol correspondant à la surface déformée élaborée par le modèle mécanique à l'itération correspondante.Advantageously, at each iteration, the mechanical model determines a deformed surface of the flexible membrane, and the radiofrequency model determines and analyzes the radiation performance on the geographical coverage made on the ground corresponding to the deformed surface produced by the mechanical model at iteration. corresponding.
Avantageusement, dans le cas où des objectifs de performance de rayonnement doivent être réalisés sur deux zones géographiques différentes, le procédé consiste à déterminer les N déformations locales optimales à appliquer en N points différents de la membrane flexible par minimisation des écarts de performances de rayonnement obtenus à chaque itération par rapport aux objectifs de performances de rayonnement à réaliser sur les deux zones de couverture géographiques choisies.Advantageously, in the case where radiation performance objectives must be achieved in two different geographical areas, the method consists of determining the N optimal local deformations to be applied at N different points of the flexible membrane by minimizing the differences in radiation performance obtained. at each iteration by relative to the radiation performance objectives to be achieved in the two selected geographical coverage areas.
L'invention concerne aussi un réflecteur d'antenne à surface formée obtenu par ce procédé de réalisation, le réflecteur comportant une coque rigide ayant un profil de forme prédéfinie, une membrane flexible à surface déformable et à face avant réfléchissant les ondes radiofréquence, N barres de maintien rigides de longueurs fixes différentes et prédéterminées, espacées les unes des autres et fixées directement sur la coque rigide et sur la membrane flexible en N points de maintien différents de la membrane flexible, les longueurs des N barres de maintien correspondant à N déformations optimales à appliquer à la membrane flexible aux N points de maintien.The invention also relates to a shaped surface antenna reflector obtained by this embodiment method, the reflector comprising a rigid shell having a predefined shape profile, a flexible membrane with a deformable surface and a front face reflecting radio waves, N bars. rigid holding means of different fixed and predetermined lengths, spaced from one another and fixed directly on the rigid shell and on the flexible membrane in N different holding points of the flexible membrane, the lengths of the N holding bars corresponding to N optimal deformations to be applied to the flexible membrane at the N holding points.
Avantageusement, les N barres de maintien peuvent avoir une section de forme carrée ou circulaire.Advantageously, the N support bars may have a section of square or circular shape.
Avantageusement, les N barres de maintien peuvent être réparties selon une maille régulière carrée ou hexagonale ou triangulaireAdvantageously, the N support bars can be divided into a regular mesh square or hexagonal or triangular
Alternativement, les N barres de maintien peuvent être réparties selon une maille irrégulière.Alternatively, the N support bars can be distributed in an irregular mesh.
Avantageusement, la membrane flexible peut comporter en épaisseur selon une direction Z, au moins une couche interne constituée d'un tissu de fibres de carbone, les fibres de carbone étant disposées parallèlement à un plan XY de la membrane flexible et s'étendant selon deux directions orthogonales, et une couche externe réfléchissante constituée d'un matériau élastomère conducteur, le matériau élastomère conducteur étant constitué d'un matériau en silicone chargé de particules de métal ou de carbone.Advantageously, the flexible membrane may comprise in thickness in a Z direction, at least one inner layer made of a carbon fiber fabric, the carbon fibers being arranged parallel to an XY plane of the flexible membrane and extending in two directions. orthogonal directions, and a reflective outer layer made of a conductive elastomeric material, the conductive elastomeric material being made of a silicone material loaded with metal or carbon particles.
L'invention concerne également une antenne comportant au moins un tel réflecteur à surface formée.The invention also relates to an antenna comprising at least one such shaped surface reflector.
D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront clairement dans la suite de la description donnée à titre d'exemple purement illustratif et non limitatif, en référence aux dessins schématiques annexés qui représentent :
-
figure 1 : un schéma synoptique du procédé de réalisation du réflecteur, selon l'invention ; -
figure 2 : un schéma synoptique du procédé d'optimisation de la forme de la surface de la membrane du réflecteur, selon l'invention ; -
figure 3 : une vue, en coupe transversale, d'un exemple de portion de réflecteur d'antenne, selon l'invention ; -
figures 4a et 4b : deux schémas, en perspective, d'un réflecteur d'antenne à surface formée, selon l'invention ; -
figure 5a : un exemple d'antenne simple offset à un seul réflecteur avec une membrane réfléchissante montée sur le réflecteur, selon l'invention; -
figure 5b : un exemple d'antenne Grégorienne à double réflecteur avec une membrane réfléchissante montée sur le réflecteur principal, selon l'invention
-
figure 1 : a block diagram of the process for producing the reflector, according to the invention; -
figure 2 : a block diagram of the method for optimizing the shape of the surface of the reflector membrane, according to the invention; -
figure 3 : a cross-sectional view of an exemplary antenna reflector portion according to the invention; -
Figures 4a and 4b : two diagrams, in perspective, of a shaped surface antenna reflector, according to the invention; -
figure 5a : an example of a simple single-reflector offset antenna with a reflective membrane mounted on the reflector, according to the invention; -
figure 5b : an example of a Gregorian antenna with double reflector with a reflecting membrane mounted on the main reflector, according to the invention
Comme représenté sur le synoptique de la
Dans une étape 200, la préforme rigide et la membrane flexible sont réalisées. La préforme rigide est de préférence constituée d'une coque rigide épaisse dont la face avant a un profil de forme prédéfinie, par exemple un profil de forme parabolique.In a
Dans une étape 300, l'invention consiste, à partir des propriétés mécaniques de la membrane flexible et d'au moins un objectif de performances de rayonnement à respecter en chaque point de la zone de couverture géographique à réaliser au sol, à choisir le nombre et les positions des points de maintien à appliquer sur la surface arrière de la membrane flexible et à définir, par itérations successives, des déformations locales optimales à appliquer à la membrane flexible aux différents points de maintien pour obtenir un diagramme de rayonnement de l'antenne ayant des performances correspondant aux objectifs fixés sur la zone de couverture au sol choisie. Les déformations locales appliquées à la membrane, en chaque point de maintien, dépendent directement des différentes longueurs de chaque barre de maintien correspondante. Les déformations locales à appliquer à la membrane sont optimisées par le procédé d'optimisation représenté sur le schéma synoptique de la
Dans une étape 400, à partir de la surface déformée obtenue à l'étape 300 et aux paramètres des barres de maintien correspondants, les barres de maintien sont réalisées, chaque barre de maintien étant coupée à la longueur correspondant aux déformations locales optimales à appliquer à la membrane.In a
Dans une étape 500, l'emplacement de chaque barre de maintien est repéré sur la surface de la coque du réflecteur. Par exemple, les barres de maintien peuvent être réparties régulièrement sur la surface de la coque du réflecteur et selon une maille carrée ou hexagonale ou triangulaire. Alternativement, les barres de maintien peuvent également être réparties selon une maille irrégulière qui permet d'améliorer les performances radiofréquence de l'antenne. Il est également possible d'utiliser un gabarit de positionnement en mousse pour aider au positionnement précis des barres de maintien. Le gabarit en mousse peut être réalisé par usinage et comporter des trous facilitant l'accès aux liaisons des barres. Le gabarit en mousse est positionné sur la surface de la coque du réflecteur et peut comporter une empreinte repérant les emplacements des secondes extrémités des barres de maintien sur la membrane flexible. Une première extrémité de chaque barre de maintien est alors positionnée et collée sur la surface de la coque du réflecteur, aux emplacements préalablement repérés. Par exemple, les barres de maintien peuvent comporter une section de forme carrée ou circulaire pour faciliter leur positionnement. La membrane flexible est ensuite collée à chaque seconde extrémité des barres de maintien. Le montage est réalisé sans contrainte grâce à l'orientation et à la longueur adéquate des barres de maintien.In a
Comme représenté sur la
A chaque itération k, le procédé d'optimisation utilise un modèle mécanique 321 du réflecteur qui détermine une surface déformée 322 de la membrane et un modèle radiofréquence RF 323 qui détermine et analyse les performances de rayonnement 326 sur la zone de couverture géographique réalisée au sol correspondant à la surface déformée 322 élaborée par le modèle mécanique 321.At each iteration k, the optimization method uses a
Le modèle mécanique 321 est un modèle d'éléments finis comportant N points de maintien, où N est un nombre entier supérieur à un, et tient compte de la géométrie du réflecteur sélectionné, du matériau choisi pour la membrane et des propriétés de déformations de la membrane. Le modèle mécanique 321 permet, à chaque itération k considérée, à partir d'une hypothèse concernant des valeurs de déformations appliquées localement aux différents points de maintien de la membrane, de déterminer la forme de la surface de la membrane correspondant aux déformations appliquées localement. A partir de la forme de la surface de la membrane délivrée par le modèle mécanique 321 à l'itération k considérée, le modèle radiofréquence 323 détermine ensuite les performances 326 du diagramme de rayonnement de l'antenne obtenues sur la zone de couverture géographique au sol à réaliser. Des écarts 327 entre les performances de rayonnement obtenues et l'objectif de performances fixé 324 sont alors calculés en différents points de la zone de couverture au sol et comparés à un seuil maximal. Lorsque les écarts sont supérieurs au seuil maximal, un algorithme 328 de minimisation des écarts est utilisé pour définir une nouvelle hypothèse de valeurs des paramètres des barres de maintien 329, correspondant à des nouvelles valeurs de déformations locales à appliquer à la membrane, permettant de minimiser, à l'itération suivante k+1, les écarts obtenus et de se rapprocher de l'objectif fixé. Les valeurs des paramètres des barres de maintien sont validées à l'étape 330 lorsque les écarts de performances obtenus à la dernière itération considérée sont inférieurs au seuil maximal.The
L'objectif fixé peut concerner des niveaux de performances d'un ou de plusieurs paramètres du diagramme de rayonnement de l'antenne tel que par exemple, dans le cas d'une antenne fonctionnant en double polarisation linéaire, un objectif concernant un niveau maximal et un niveau minimal de co-polarisation et un objectif concernant un niveau maximal de polarisation croisée. Lorsque les niveaux de performances à réaliser concernent plusieurs paramètres différents, les objectifs de niveaux de performances correspondant aux différents paramètres peuvent être pondérés par des poids différents. L'optimisation peut en outre être réalisée pour plusieurs fréquences différentes.The objective may relate to levels of performance of one or more parameters of the antenna radiation pattern such as, for example, in the case of an antenna operating in linear double-polarization, a target for a maximum level and a minimum level of co-polarization and a goal for a maximum level of cross-polarization. When the performance levels to be achieved relate to several different parameters, the performance level objectives corresponding to the different parameters may be weighted by different weights. Optimization can also be performed for several different frequencies.
Dans le cas où le réflecteur doit couvrir deux zones de couvertures géographiques différentes en utilisant deux sources placées au plus proche du foyer du réflecteur, les objectifs de performances à réaliser sur les deux zones de couverture géographiques sont pris en compte et l'optimisation est réalisée en suivant les mêmes étapes pour chaque zone de couverture. Dans ce cas, le procédé consiste à définir des objectifs de performance à réaliser sur les deux zones géographiques différentes et à déterminer les N déformations locales 14 optimales à appliquer en N points différents de la membrane flexible par minimisation des écarts de performances de rayonnement obtenus à chaque itération k par rapport aux objectifs de performances de rayonnement à réaliser sur les deux zones de couverture géographiques choisies.In the case where the reflector has to cover two different geographical coverage areas by using two sources located closest to the reflector focus, the performance objectives to be achieved on the two geographical coverage areas are taken into account and the optimization is carried out following the same steps for each coverage area. In this case, the method consists in defining performance objectives to be achieved on the two different geographical zones and in determining the optimal N local deformations 14 to be applied at N different points of the flexible membrane by minimizing the differences in radiation performance obtained at each iteration k with respect to the radiation performance objectives to be achieved on the two geographical coverage areas chosen.
Différents algorithmes de minimisation des écarts de performances peuvent être utilisés. Par exemple, il est possible d'utiliser l'algorithme d'optimisation, appelé algorithme MiniMax, consistant à minimiser la valeur maximale de m fonctions d'écarts fi(x) différentes, où chaque fonction fi est un écart de performance obtenu par rapport à un objectif fixé, m est le nombre total d'objectifs fixés, i est un nombre entier variant entre 1 et m, x est un vecteur contenant n variables correspondant aux longueurs respectives des n barres de maintien, m étant supérieur ou égal à n. Au lieu de l'algorithme MiniMax, il est également possible d'utiliser l'algorithme d'optimisation, appelé algorithme des moindres carrés (en anglais the least-square algorithm), qui consiste à minimiser la somme des carrés des m fonctions d'écarts fi(x) différentes.Different algorithms for minimizing performance gaps can be used. For example, it is possible to use the algorithm optimization, called the MiniMax algorithm, of minimizing the maximum value of m functions of different deviations f i (x), where each function f i is a performance difference obtained with respect to a fixed objective, m is the total number of fixed objectives, i is an integer varying between 1 and m, x is a vector containing n variables corresponding to the respective lengths of the n holding bars, m being greater than or equal to n. Instead of the MiniMax algorithm, it is also possible to use the optimization algorithm, called the least-square algorithm, which consists of minimizing the sum of the squares of the m functions. different fi (x) differences.
La forme initiale de la membrane peut, par exemple, être choisie comme une forme parabolique identique à la forme de la coque épaisse du réflecteur, ce qui correspond à des barres de maintien de longueurs identiques.The initial shape of the membrane may, for example, be chosen as a parabolic shape identical to the shape of the thick shell of the reflector, which corresponds to the same length of support bars.
L'architecture d'antenne choisie peut par exemple être une architecture d'antenne simple offset et comporter un seul réflecteur 10 comme représenté par exemple sur la
Les
La membrane flexible 12 peut être fixée directement aux barres de maintien 13 ou par l'intermédiaire de liaisons à double rotules à doigt ou à fibres sèches. L'utilisation de liaisons à double rotules présente l'avantage d'autoriser des mouvements locaux de la membrane dans son plan local et de minimiser l'impact des effets thermo-élastiques sur la membrane déformée et les contraintes correspondantes dans le matériau de la membrane.The
Selon un exemple de réalisation, la coque 11 du réflecteur 10 peut être réalisée en matériau composite et comporter une structure multicouches, symétrique en épaisseur, telle qu'une couche interne en nid d'abeille prise en sandwich entre deux dépôts externes en carbone. Les barres de maintien 13 peuvent être réalisées en carbone et ont des longueurs différentes comprises typiquement entre 50mm et 100mm. La membrane flexible 12 peut comporter, en épaisseur selon une direction Z, une, ou plusieurs, couche interne pouvant être constituée par exemple d'un tissu de fibres de carbone, les fibres de carbone étant disposées parallèlement au plan XY de la membrane et s'étendant selon deux directions orthogonales, et une couche externe réfléchissante placée en face avant de la membrane, la couche externe pouvant être constituée par exemple d'un matériau élastomère conducteur, le matériau élastomère conducteur pouvant être constitué d'un matériau en silicone résistant aux radiations électromagnétiques et chargé de particules de métal ou de carbone. Un matériau élastomère conducteur a l'avantage de comporter des propriétés élastiques qui autorisent des déformations de la membrane hors de son plan XY contrairement à un matériau en métal pur qui peut, sous l'effet des déformées thermo-élastiques, engendrer des micro-fissures et devenir source potentielle de signaux d'intermodulation. En outre, une membrane en élastomère conducteur ou comportant des couches en tissu de fibres de carbone biaxe et une couche externe en matériau élastomère conducteur a de très bonnes performances en réflectivité radiofréquence et engendre peu de signaux parasites d'intermodulation dans la bande de réception. Cependant, l'utilisation d'un matériau en silicone chargé en face avant de la membrane n'est pas obligatoire. Cette utilisation est fonction du niveau de signaux d'intermodulation spécifié. Tout autre type de membrane déformable ou de tissu déformable peut être utilisé comme surface réfléchissante du réflecteur.According to an exemplary embodiment, the
Bien que l'invention ait été décrite en liaison avec des modes de réalisation particuliers, il est bien évident qu'elle n'y est nullement limitée et qu'elle comprend tous les équivalents techniques des moyens décrits ainsi que leurs combinaisons si celles-ci entrent dans le cadre de l'invention. En particulier, toute membrane réfléchissante flexible répondant aux exigences radiofréquences souhaitées peut être utilisée. Les déformations ou les surfaces accessibles par la membrane flexible dépendent des propriétés mécaniques de ladite membrane, c'est à dire, que deux technologies différentes de membrane flexible peuvent aboutir à des surfaces différentes mais à des niveaux de performances comparables. De même, la coque rigide du réflecteur peut être réalisée en un autre matériau que celui précisément décrit dès lors qu'il possède les propriétés mécaniques requises par la mission à réaliser et peut avoir une forme prédéfinie qui n'est pas parabolique. Les performances radiofréquence obtenues avec le réflecteur à membrane flexible sont comparables aux performances obtenues avec les technologies des réflecteurs formés classiques.Although the invention has been described in connection with particular embodiments, it is obvious that it is not limited thereto and that it includes all the technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations if they are within the scope of the invention. In particular, any flexible reflective membrane meeting the desired radio frequency requirements can be used. The deformations or the surfaces accessible by the flexible membrane depend on the mechanical properties of said membrane, that is to say, that two different flexible membrane technologies can result in different surfaces but at comparable levels of performance. Similarly, the rigid shell of the reflector may be made of a material other than that specifically described since it has the mechanical properties required by the mission to achieve and can have a predefined shape that is not parabolic. The radiofrequency performance achieved with the flexible membrane reflector is comparable to the performance achieved with conventional formed reflector technologies.
Claims (11)
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FR1301239A FR3006504B1 (en) | 2013-05-31 | 2013-05-31 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN ANTENNA REFLECTOR WITH A FORMED SURFACE, REFLECTOR WITH A FORMED SURFACE OBTAINED BY THIS METHOD AND ANTENNA COMPRISING SUCH A REFLECTOR |
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CN106887713A (en) * | 2017-04-27 | 2017-06-23 | 中国电子科技集团公司第五十四研究所 | A kind of processing method of ring-focus antenna minor face rotary press modelling |
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CN107210536B (en) * | 2014-12-05 | 2021-07-30 | Nsl通讯有限公司 | Remotely tunable antenna assemblies and sub-reflectors therefor and related methods |
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FR3006504B1 (en) | 2016-09-02 |
ES2758675T3 (en) | 2020-05-06 |
US9627771B2 (en) | 2017-04-18 |
CA2853113C (en) | 2021-09-21 |
US20140354501A1 (en) | 2014-12-04 |
FR3006504A1 (en) | 2014-12-05 |
CA2853113A1 (en) | 2014-11-30 |
EP2808943B1 (en) | 2019-10-02 |
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