Near-linear drive systems for positioning reflectors
AssigneeHarris Corporation
InventorMark Evans
Life of this patent
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Abstract
System for positioning a reflector includes a base (112), yoke (104) and a reflector in the form of a lens mirror assembly (10). A motor (120) is mounted and remains substantially stationary with respect to rotation about a first axis while the yoke rotates about the first axis. A connecting rod (152) actuated for movement by the motor is mechanically coupled to the reflector so that movement of the connecting rod in relation to the yoke imparts rotation to the reflector about the second axis when the reflector is supported by the yoke. A mechanical drive system couples an output shaft of the motor to the connecting rod. The mechanical drive system is arranged so that it varies an angular position of the reflector at a rate which is linearly related to the rotation of the output shaft.
Claims10
A system for positioning a reflector, comprising:
- a base;
- a yoke mounted on the base for rotation about a first axis in relation to the base and being capable of supporting the reflector so that the reflector can rotate about a second axis in relation to the yoke;
- a elevation control motor mounted on the base so that the elevation control motor remains substantially stationary with respect to rotation about the first axis while the yoke rotates about the first axis;
- a connecting rod actuated for movement by the elevation control motor and mechanically coupled to the reflector so that movement of the connecting rod in relation to the yoke imparts rotation to the reflector about the second axis when the reflector is supported by the yoke;
- and
- a mechanical drive system which couples an output shaft of the elevation control motor to the connecting rod, the mechanical drive system arranged so that it varies an angular position of the reflector in a near linear relationship with respect to the rotation of the output shaft.
An antenna system, comprising:
- a spar formed from a metallic or dielectric material;
- a reflector disposed within the radome;
- an active element mounted on the spar so that the active element radiates inwardly toward the reflector and/or receives radiant energy reflected from the reflector;
- and
- a system for mounting the reflector, comprising:
- a base;
- and
- a yoke mounted on the base for rotation about a first axis in relation to the base and being capable of supporting the reflector so that the reflector is operable to rotate about a second axis in relation to the yoke;
- an elevation control motor fixed to the base, the elevation control motor including an output shaft;
- and
- a mechanical drive system coupled to the output shaft and arranged to cause the reflector to rotate about the second axis at a near-constant angular velocity responsive to a constant rotation of the output shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.