Pivoting Antenna Deployment Hinge

[dbelgiovane]

Hello,

I am an electrical engineering graduate student building an antenna which will be mounted under the fuselage of twin engine airplane which will be taking remote sensing measurements. Besides the antenna design I have also been tasked with developing the method of deployment as well. deployment is required during takeoff and landing because it is 36 inches tall. The antenna is conical in shape with a base diameter of 10 inches.

I have a few ideas about the design, but since I am not a mechanical engineer, I could really use some help.

I seems like some type of pivoting hinge deployment is the simplest. and I have a rough figure of the basic sketch, but basically the pivoting hinge should be able to go from 0 - 90 degrees. Ideally, it should be electronically controlled. I the idea I had uses an air cylinder, but these may be issues due to temperature constraints. Additionally, this design may take up too large of an area. The use of a scissor lift type hinge might be a useful method but, I have not come up with a good implementation yet.

So, a most ideal design would be able to deal with subzero temperatures, be able to be mounted flush with the fuselage, be able to fit inside roughly a 12in by 12in space.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I'm sorry you are not generating any responses at the moment. Is there any additional information you can share with us? Any new findings?

 

[dbelgiovane]

Hey Guys, with regard to this concept, I came across tilt table that goes from 0-90 degrees:

http://www.schapmachine.com/ProductView/215/Automotive/Tilt_Table/

The overall design seems like enough torque can easily be generated it is low profile enough. I plan to install a servo motor which will raise an lower the platform.

My concerns are if I am to move forward with this concept, am I missing any design flaws. Will it be susceptible to icing and will all the joints move freely?