Metal space frame radome

Abstract

A radome with constructed panels that are mechanically fastened to each other to form a truncated faceted spherical structure. Each panel is constructed of a metal frame and a membrane attached to the frame. The mechanically fastened frame beams panel-to-panel contact spaces are sealed to prevent water ingress.

Claims

1. A radome comprising: panels that are mechanically fastened to each other to form a faceted spherical structure; cut edges and holes on every panel membrane sealed from water contact; encapsulating said cut edges and adjacent holes within a sealing-film-channel around said membrane periphery fused to a membrane film-coating on both sides of said membrane.

2. The radome of claim 1 wherein said cut edges of said panel membranes to be sealed use a film wrapped over said membranes edge to form a channel.

3. The radorne of claim 1 wherein said sealing-film-channel and said membrane film-coating are fused when subjected to an optimal temperature, pressure and time cycle.

4. The radome of claim 1 wherein all fastener through-holes cut into said panel membranes are larger than diameter that is necessary to allow each mechanical fastener to pass through said film-coated panel membrane, through-hole diameter oversize amount is dependent on mechanical fastener diameter, temperature, pressure and time fusing cycle.

5. The radome of claim 1 wherein during process of fusing said sealing-film-channel to said membrane film-coating, said sealing-film-channel sides fuse to each other over each through-hole, forming a single film that bridges each oversized through-hole.

6. The radome of claim 5 wherein when piercing said single sealing-film that bridges over through-holes to smaller diameter of said mechanical fastener passing through it, edge of each hole remains sealed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a panel of a radome.

(2) FIG. 2 is a cross section of A-A of FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 shows a panel to panel sealing.

(4) FIG. 4 shows a cross section through A-A in a gasket through uncompressed state.

(5) FIG. 5 is a cross section through A-A of a gasket in the compressed state.

(6) FIG. 6 shows the cluster sealing.

(7) FIG. 7 shows the stepped cluster gasket.

(8) FIG. 8 shows the adjustable panel beam corner joining structure in the unassembled view.

(9) FIG. 9 shows the adjustable panel beam corner joining structure in the assembled view.

(10) FIG. 10 shows the panel of a radome.

(11) FIG. 11 shows through cross section A-A the film coated panel membrane.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(12) FIG. 1 shows a panel 10 of a radome.

(13) FIG. 2 shows section A-A of panel 10 which comprises a membrane 20, panel outside beam 22, panel inside beam 24, pinch point 26 and attachment hardware, 28 which in one embodiment is a rivet.

(14) FIG. 3 shows 2 panels sealed together 30.

(15) FIG. 4 shows the cross section A-A of the panels sealed together 30, with the gasket 40 in the uncompressed state. The detail of the uncompressed state is shown in A of 45.

(16) FIG. 5 shows the cross section A-A of the panels sealed together 30 with the gasket 50 in the compressed state. The detail of the compressed stated is shown in B of 55.

(17) FIG. 6 shows the cluster sealing complex 60 that is comprised of panel membranes 62, joined beams 64, a cluster gasket 66, an outer metal cluster cap cover 68, an inner metal cluster cap cover 70, and shoulder bolts 72. FIG. 7 shows the stepped cluster gasket 80.

(18) FIG. 8 shows an adjustable panel beam corner joining structure 90 unassembled. Structure 90 is comprised of a lower hinge 92, an upper hinge 94, a gusset 96, shoulder bolt 98 and split bushings 100. FIG. 9 shows the adjustable panel beam corner joining structure 110 assembled.

(19) FIG. 10 shows a panel 120 of a radome. The panel 120 comprises a film coated panel membrane 122 and a sealing film channel 124. FIG. 11 shows section A-A of FIG. 10 showing the film coated panel membrane 122 and the seal film channel 124.