Antenna Support Bracket Using Swing Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
The attachment of antennas to aircraft airframes creates hard points that are costly, heavy, and require additional structural support due to forces and vibrations, which increases maintenance needs and weight.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a planar member and support members attached to the aircraft airframe, where the planar member has an opening to receive antennas and is connected using swing links that absorb changes in the airframe's shape, reducing the number of hard points and the need for reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If antennas are attached directly to the aircraft airframe, then the antennas can be securely mounted, but hard points are created that require additional structural support, increasing weight and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a radome attachment plate as an intermediary component between the antenna and the aircraft airframe. The plate is attached to the radome (which is already mounted on the aircraft) rather than directly to the airframe, thereby avoiding the creation of additional hard points on the aircraft structure. This intermediary approach maintains secure antenna mounting while eliminating the need for extra structural reinforcement and reducing overall weight.
2Stability of the object's composition
If antennas are attached to the aircraft airframe, then stable mounting is achieved, but forces and vibrations increase maintenance needs and structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The radome attachment plate serves as a mediator that decouples the antenna mounting system from the aircraft airframe. By attaching the plate to the radome rather than directly to the airframe, the system isolates vibration and force transmission, reducing the complexity of structural support requirements while maintaining stable antenna positioning.
3Strength
If hard points are created on the aircraft for antenna attachment, then secure mounting is possible, but weight and cost increase due to reinforcement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The radome attachment plate acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for additional hard points on the aircraft airframe. The plate is mounted to the radome (which is already structurally integrated with the aircraft), allowing antenna attachment without creating new load paths that would require airframe reinforcement. This approach maintains mounting strength while avoiding extra weight from structural modifications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the number of hard points on the aircraft, minimizing weight and cost by allowing antennas to be attached to a radome attachment plate rather than the airframe, thereby decreasing structural complexity and maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
swing links that absorb changes in the airframe's shape
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus comprising a planar member (600) and a number of support members (602). The planar member (600) may be configured to be attached to an airframe of an aircraft. The number of support members (602) may be configured to connect the number of antennas (604) to the planar member. The apparatus provides a reduction in the number of aircraft hard points, which are part of the airframe that does not expand and contract much with changing atmospheric pressures relative to other parts of the aircraft.