ViaSat has been granted a patent for an innovative AMC antenna apparatus featuring a ground plane with a flexible antenna element layer. The system includes a latch mechanism and inflatable bladder system for deployment, ensuring optimal performance. GlobalData’s report on ViaSat gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

According to GlobalData’s company profile on ViaSat, Satellite communication systems was a key innovation area identified from patents. ViaSat's grant share as of January 2024 was 53%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Inflatable amc antenna apparatus with latch mechanism

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: ViaSat Inc

A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11876280B2) discloses an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) antenna apparatus designed for use in various applications, including on unmanned carriers such as orbital satellites. The apparatus comprises a ground plane with a base layer, a frequency selective surface layer, and a flexible antenna element layer. A unique latch mechanism and inflatable bladder system are incorporated to ensure proper deployment and functionality of the antenna. The inflatable bladder system, consisting of two portions, inflates during deployment to create the necessary force for the latch mechanism to transition to a latched state, fixing the separation between the conductive base surface and the FSS layer at a predetermined distance.

Additionally, the patent includes a method for stowing and deploying the AMC antenna on an unmanned carrier, such as an orbital satellite. The method involves storing the antenna in a retaining structure in a coiled state and using an actuator to remove it during deployment. The inflatable bladder system plays a crucial role in transitioning the latch mechanism to the latched state, ensuring the proper separation between the conductive base surface and the FSS layer. The method also includes unrolling a flexible antenna feed stored in a coiled shape within the retaining structure, further enhancing the functionality and deployment process of the AMC antenna apparatus.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.