Sub-reflector assemblies and related antenna assemblies
The present disclosure is directed to a sub-reflector assembly for a point-to-point antenna. The sub-reflector assembly includes a main body configured to hold an antenna, a sub-reflector supported by a plurality of support members extending axially outwardly from the main body, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the sub-reflector and at least two of the support members, the adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the position of the sub-reflector relative to the main body to steer an antenna beam from the antenna. Related antenna assemblies are also described herein.
1. A sub-reflector assembly for a point-to-point antenna, the sub-reflector assembly comprising:
a main body configured to hold an antenna;
a sub-reflector supported by a plurality of support members extending axially outwardly from the main body; and
an adjustment mechanism coupled to the sub-reflector and at least two of the support members, the adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the sub-reflector relative to the main body to steer an antenna beam from the antenna.
2. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 1 , further comprising an antenna housing coupled to the main body, the antenna housing containing the antenna, wherein the plurality of support members extend axially outwardly from the housing.
3. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 1 , the assembly comprising three support members equally-spaced apart from each other, wherein at least two of the support members are hollow.
4. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a support plate secured to a free end of each of the support members.
5. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a fourth support member extending axially outwardly from the center of the sub-reflector, the fourth support member configured to secure the sub-reflector to the support plate.
6. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 5 , wherein the fourth support member comprises a ball joint configured to be received by a corresponding ball socket in the center of the sub-reflector to form a ball-and-socket joint.
7. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sub-reflector comprises a plurality of arcuate recesses residing along an outer edge, each recess being positioned relative to a corresponding support member.
8. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 5 , wherein the fourth support member is coupled to the center of the sub-reflector via a universal joint.
9. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises:
a pair of drive motors, each drive motor having a gear shaft extending outwardly therefrom;
a pair of arm members, each arm member coupled to a respective gear shaft and configured to rotate in response to rotation of the gear shaft; and
a pair of levers, each lever coupled to a respective arm member via a mechanical linkage, the opposing end of each lever comprising a ball joint configured to be received within corresponding socket on the sub-reflector.
10. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of support members extend axially outwardly from the antenna housing.
11. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a drive assembly including two drive motors and corresponding gear system, the drive assembly being coupled to the adjustment mechanism.
12. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises three legs coupled together via a first rotating joint, wherein two of the legs are each coupled to a respective drive assembly and the third leg is coupled to a base member via a second rotating joint, and wherein the base member is coupled to the sub-reflector.
13. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a first stepper motor, a second stepper motor, and a rotating member, the first stepper motor coupled to a main body of the rotating member via a first gear rod and the second stepper motor coupled between a pair of opposing arms of the rotating member via a second gear rod, wherein the second stepper motor is secured to the sub-reflector.
14. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises one or more linear actuators.
15. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises two pivot sliders, each pivot slider comprising an arm and a lever coupled to the arm.
16. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 15 , where the adjustment mechanism further comprises a plurality of springs coupled between a support plate and the sub-reflector which are configured to bias the sub-reflector.
17. The sub-reflector assembly of claim 16 , wherein the plurality of springs comprise a tension spring and two compression springs.
18. A sub-reflector assembly for a point-to-point antenna, the sub-reflector assembly comprising: a main body configured to hold an antenna; a sub-reflector supported by a plurality of support members extending axially outwardly from the main body, wherein one of the support members extends axially outwardly from the center of the sub-reflector; and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the sub-reflector and at least two of the support members, the adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the sub-reflector relative to the main body to steer an antenna beam from the antenna, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises: a pair of drive motors, each drive motor having a gear shaft extending outwardly therefrom; a pair of arm members, each arm member coupled to a respective gear shaft and configured to rotate in response to rotation of the gear shaft; and a pair of levers, each lever coupled to a respective arm member via a mechanical linkage, the opposing end of each lever comprising a ball joint configured to be received within corresponding socket on the sub-reflector.
19. A sub-reflector assembly for a point-to-point antenna, the sub-reflector assembly comprising: a main body configured to hold an antenna; a sub-reflector supported by a plurality of support members extending axially outwardly from the main body, wherein one of the support members extends axially outwardly from the center of the sub-reflector; and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the sub-reflector and at least two of the support members, the adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the sub-reflector relative to the main body to steer an antenna beam from the antenna, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a first stepper motor, a second stepper motor, and a rotating member, the first stepper motor coupled to a main body of the rotating member via a first gear rod and the second stepper motor coupled between a pair of opposing Page 6 or 9 arms of the rotating member via a second gear rod, wherein the second stepper motor is secured to the sub-reflector.