Antenna Assembly Rapid Deployment with Adjustable Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna assembly installation requires skilled personnel, leading to high installation costs and time, especially for applications like VSAT systems used in military and maritime communications, due to the need for precise alignment with satellites to minimize signal errors.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system with adjustable support legs and a pivotable bracket, combined with coarse and fine adjustment mechanisms, including automatic actuation, allows for easy alignment and positioning of the antenna without requiring high skill levels, enabling rapid deployment and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional antenna assembly installation methods are used with manual adjustment, then installation accuracy can be achieved, but installation cost and time increase due to requiring skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the antenna assembly at the factory with the bracket in a fixed initial position relative to the support hub, and pre-configuring the adjustment mechanism with defined angular ranges. This pre-preparation eliminates the need for skilled personnel to perform complex alignment calculations and adjustments on-site, reducing both installation time and skill requirements while maintaining accuracy through the controlled adjustment range that ensures optimal satellite signal reception
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the automatic adjustment mechanism that can be operated by unskilled personnel. The adjustment mechanism is designed to be intuitive and self-explanatory, with the bracket movable between storage and in-use conditions via a pivot connection that automatically guides the alignment process. This eliminates the need for expert intervention while maintaining installation accuracy
2Measurement precision
If skilled personnel are used for installation, then installation accuracy is maintained, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the antenna assembly into modular components: the support hub, the bracket with pivot connection, the adjustment mechanism, and the antenna element. Each component is independently manufactured and pre-assembled at the factory with precise tolerances. This modular design allows unskilled personnel to simply connect the pre-assembled modules on-site without requiring complex alignment skills, thereby reducing installation costs while maintaining accuracy through factory-prepared interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary adjustment mechanism that mediates between the fixed support hub and the movable bracket. This intermediary component includes the pivot connection and adjustment mechanism that automatically guide the bracket into the correct position. The intermediary simplifies the alignment process by providing a controlled, limited-range adjustment that ensures accuracy without requiring skilled operational judgment, thus reducing installation costs
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bracket is fixed in position, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability for different usage conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the bracket to be movable rather than fixed, with a pivot connection that allows the bracket to rotate between storage and in-use conditions. The adjustment mechanism provides controlled movement within a defined angular range, ensuring the antenna can be positioned optimally for satellite signal reception while maintaining structural stability through the constrained motion path and secure locking positions. This dynamic design enables adaptability for different usage conditions while preserving structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna assembly for use particularly where relatively rapid deployment and/or disassembly of the same is required thereby making the same available to be used at a location quickly. The assembly includes a hub to which are movably mounted a bracket for attachment of an antenna, which may comprise a plurality of parts, and support legs which are movable between in use and storage positions. First and second adjustments for the azimuth and elevation of the antenna are provided for use when the antenna, bracket and support legs are in the in-use position.