| CPC H01Q 15/161 (2013.01) [H01Q 19/12 (2013.01); H01Q 19/132 (2013.01)] | 10 Claims |
|
1. A deployable reflector system, comprising:
a hub;
at least one edge member;
at least one scissoring rib assembly having a first end coupled to the hub and a second end coupled to the edge member;
a reflector surface secured to the at least one edge member and expandable to a shape that is configured to concentrate RF energy in a desired pattern; and
an actuator disposed at the hub and configured to cause scissor motion of the at least one scissoring rib assembly;
wherein the at least one scissoring rib assembly comprises
a first link element with a proximal end that slidingly engages the hub,
a second link element with a proximal end pivotally coupled to the hub, pivotal movement of the second link element being caused by sliding movement of the first link element relative to the hub,
a third link element with a distal end pivotally coupled to the edge member, pivotal movement of the third link element occurs at least during the scissor motion of the at least one scissoring rib assembly, and
a fourth link element having a proximal end that slidingly engages the edge member during pivotal motion of the third link element so as to provide a variable distance between the proximal end of the fourth link element and an end of the edge member which is closest to the reflector surface; and
wherein vertical movement of a peripheral edge of the reflector surface relative to the hub is caused by the edge member while the edge member slidingly engages the fourth link element; and
wherein an elongate central axis of the at least one scissor rib assembly linearly extends perpendicular to the hub when the at least one scissoring rib assembly is in an expanded condition and when the at least one scissoring rib assembly is in a collapsed condition.
|