Abstract
Florida International University (FIU) is seeking a business partner to develop and commercialize novel Morphing Origami Multi-functional and Reconfigurable Antennas. Antennas that can cover multiple frequency bands and serve different purposes are highly beneficial for wireless communication systems. When applied to satellite communications systems, antennas with a light weight, compact volume, high durability, and high directionality are the preferred configuration. Additionally, the foldable property of origami structures offers a solution to the limitations associated with the storage and transportation of antennas. A multi-functional antenna can morph in order to change geometrical shape and thereby change its antenna radiation characteristics. Such characteristics can include. e.g., radiation pattern, bandwidth, beamwidth, and directivity. The antenna can therefore be multifunctional such that one single antenna can serve multiple applications and/or have multiple operating frequencies. Origami reconfigurable antennas can reduce payload costs while decreasing volume. The design is based on the Nojima origami structure that has been utilized in the past to establish low-cost deployable aerospace structures. Additionally, it allows for versatility as varying kinds of Nojima wrapping models can be developed by utilizing different central hub shapes and creating different angles between segments.
Benefit
Antenna can change from dipole to conical spiralPerformance can be changed from omnidirectional to directionalPerformance can be changed from narrow band to broadbandAllows compact storage of a large dipole in a cylindrical spaceAllows deployment of a conical spiral from a flat dipole design and vice versaAntenna also operates in geometrical states between two extreme states (dipole in unfolded and conical spiral in folded state) to reconfigure its performance such as gain, radiation pattern, operating frequency, bandwidth, return loss, beamwidth etc
Market Application
Spaceborne and airborne applicationsCommercial communication (telephone, television, internet)Military use in tactical antennas, field antennas, and other portable antennas
Brochure
