| 摘要 |
Certain present antenna assemblies require that their antenna structure be first rotated to a predetermined azimuth orientation prior to being retracted translationally along an axis to a stowed state so that it may conform to the surface of the antenna supporting structure which it is designed to rest against. An antenna assembly which requires no such prior maneuvering of the antenna structure before retraction thereof is disclosed. Retraction of the antenna structure in accordance with the present invention may occur at any random azimuth orientation of the antenna structure. In one embodiment, at least one cam follower bearing is fixedly coupled to a support housing of the antenna assembly and positioned to engage one of a plurality of integral cam grooves disposed on the surface of a shaft which supports the antenna structure and used to extend and retract the antenna structure with respect to the support housing surface. During the translational retraction movement of the antenna structure, the cam follower bearing guides the drive shaft and associated antenna structure rotationally along the engaged cam groove which terminates at a common angular position of the drive shaft which corresponds to the predetermined azimuth orientation of the antenna structure. In this manner, the antenna structure is rotated in azimuth to the predetermined angular orientation automatically as it is being retracted from its deployed state to its stowed state against the surface of the support housing.
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