Radome - Reflector Assembly Mechanism

摘要

In one embodiment, a radome-reflector assembly for, e.g., a microwave antenna, has (i) two semi-circular rims that receive the peripheries of the radome and the reflector and (ii) fixed and adjustable clamps that secure the ends of the rims together. The rims are designed with slanted inner surfaces that engage the periphery of the reflector, such that, when the adjustable clamp is tightened circumferentially, the periphery of the reflector is forced laterally to abut other rim structure to form a metal-to-metal RF seal between the reflector and the rims. Certain assemblies with low profiles and low circumferential forces can be assembled without special tooling using plastic clamps and still achieve good RF seals.

主权项

1. Apparatus for securing a radome to a reflector, the apparatus comprising:
(a) one or more rims, each rim comprising:
(1) a circumferential body;(2) a first radial leg extending from a distal end of the body;(3) a second radial leg extending from an intermediate location of the body, wherein the body and the first and second legs define a first cavity for receiving a periphery of the radome;(4) a third leg extending from a proximate end of the body, wherein the body and the second and third legs define a second cavity for receiving a periphery of the reflector; and (b) one or more clamps, each configured to connect one or more pairs of adjacent rim ends together, wherein:
the third leg has an angled portion configured such that, when (i) the one or more rims are applied to secure the radome to the reflector with the first cavity receiving the periphery of the radome and the second cavity receiving the periphery of the reflector and (ii) the one or more clamps are applied to connect the one or more pairs of adjacent rim ends together, the angled portion of the third leg forces the periphery of the reflector towards the second leg.