System for forming a frequency selective pattern

摘要

A system and method for forming a conductive pattern. In the illustrative embodiment, the system includes an applicator for applying a conductive substance onto a surface of a structure and a mechanism for precisely moving the applicator such that the conductive substance is applied in a desired pattern. In an illustrative embodiment, the mechanism includes a robotic arm driven by commands from a computer, and the conductive pattern is designed to manipulate the electromagnetic properties of the structure. The system can be used to apply a conductive pattern directly onto an electromagnetic component, such as a radome, IR dome, multi-mode dome, or flat plate EM window, or to apply a conductive pattern onto a component mold during the component fabrication process. In the latter case, the conductive pattern is an integrated part of the component.

主权项

1. A system for forming a frequency selective pattern on a curved surface of a dome, the system comprising:
a fixed stand for holding the dome in place; a dispensing applicator to precision-apply a stream having a predetermined line width of a conductive substance onto the curved surface, the dispensing applicator comprising a highly controlled sized needle-like nozzle configured to receive a supply of the conductive substance and output the stream of the conductive substance in liquid form; and a robotic arm for precisely moving said dispensing applicator in response to control signals from a computer to apply the conductive substance in a desired pattern without movement of the dome, the desired pattern being configured to manipulate electromagnetic properties of the dome, wherein a flow of the conductive substance through the nozzle of the dispensing applicator is controlled by the computer to achieve the predetermined line width.