2025 Volume 68 Issue 3 Pages 123-135
This study aimed to improve the stowage efficiency of solid deployable reflector antennas by proposing a novel structure, the deployable scissor-supported petal reflector (DSPR). Traditional petal-type antennas have prioritized reducing stowage width over height, limiting compactness. To address this, we introduced scissor structures that allow the reflector surface to fold both radially and circumferentially. This concept enables simultaneous reductions in both stowage width and height. Theories and constraints essential for the design were derived, and a DSPR example was developed. Calculations showed expected stowage efficiencies of 0.32 for width and 0.27 for height, demonstrating significant improvement in height stowage efficiency compared to prior studies while maintaining competitive width stowage efficiency. CAD modeling verified these efficiencies and ensured no component interference in the stowed state. A 3D-printed prototype validated the compact stowage concept but revealed challenges in mechanical implementation. The DSPR design concept provides a promising solution for compact solid deployable reflector antennas, offering a notable advantage in height stowage efficiency compared to existing technologies.
