Television Antenna Cradle Snap-Fit Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio-television antennas with multiple cradles require skilled personnel and specialized tools for installation due to complex assembly processes, particularly with screws and locking mechanisms, making them difficult to install correctly.
Innovation Solution
The antenna design features angularly movable side cradles connected to a central cradle via a joint with distributed holes and a locking bracket that can be rotated between a folded and operating position, utilizing hooking means and snap-fitting pegs for secure engagement without screws, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking brackets with fixing screws are used to secure cradles in position, then the structural stability and reliability of the antenna is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of installation increase, requiring skilled personnel and specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system with a snap-fit engagement system. The locking bracket features engagement protrusions that mate with corresponding recesses in the cradles, eliminating the need for screws and complex tools while maintaining structural stability through simple rotational locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bracket is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing through its rotational mechanism. The bracket automatically engages with the cradles when rotated into position, and the engagement protrusions provide automatic positioning without requiring precise alignment or specialized installation skills.
2Reliability
If traditional screw-based locking mechanisms are used to secure cradles, then the firm positioning and reliability of the antenna structure is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming screw fastening operations with a quick rotational snap-fit mechanism. The locking bracket can be engaged and secured by simply rotating it into position, eliminating the need for multiple screw fastening steps and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining firm positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bracket and cradles are pre-designed with complementary engagement protrusions and recesses that automatically align when the bracket is rotated into position. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that the correct positioning is achieved automatically without requiring time-consuming adjustment or alignment procedures during installation.
3Reliability
If complex locking brackets requiring tools and skilled personnel are used, then the reliability of cradle positioning is improved, but the ease of manufacture and deployment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-component locking mechanisms with a simple integrated locking bracket that uses snap-fit engagement. This simplified design reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining positioning reliability through the geometric interlocking of engagement protrusions and recesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bracket integrates multiple functions into a single component: positioning, locking, and alignment all occur through one rotational motion. The engagement protrusions and recesses are integrated directly into the bracket and cradle structures, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and simplifying both manufacturing and deployment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns an antenna (1) for radio - television signals of the type comprising a central cradle (2) and one, two or more side cradles (3) angularly movable relatively to said central cradle (2) at a rear joint (7). Each cradle (2; 3) is composed of a tubular element provided with holes, a plurality of pole - shaped elements (4; 5) variously connected to the tubular elements of the central cradle (2) and lateral cradle/s (3), and a locking bracket (9) for retaining said cradles (2; 3) in an operating position in which each side cradle (3) is angularly spaced from the central cradle (2). The locking bracket (9) may be swung around a pole - shaped element (4) of the central cradle (2) between a folding position in which each side cradle (3) is substantially moved near the central cradle (2) and said operating position, said locking bracket (9) also having hooking means (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b) removably engaging with the respective pole - shaped elements (5) of each side cradle (3) as said operating position is reached.