Antenna Fixing Unit With Deformable Connection Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna fixing units for vehicle roofs have limitations due to the deformability of projecting bodies, which restricts tightening force, leads to excessive parting, and results in loose connections, especially under vibrations, and require additional components and assembly time, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A fixing unit with a reduced number of components that uses a main body and projecting bodies with deformable connection sections to transmit tightening force effectively, eliminating the need for a containment cage, and incorporating guide means for controlled parting and plastic deformation to prevent screw loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the projecting bodies are made elastically deformable to enable snap-fitting, then the ease of installation is improved, but the tightening force is limited and the projecting bodies part excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is divided into a rigid main body and separate elastically deformable projecting bodies connected through deformable connection sections. This segmentation allows the main body to remain rigid for structural integrity while the projecting bodies can deform independently to provide both snap-fitting capability and sufficient tightening force.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the fixing element have different mechanical properties: the main body is rigid to maintain structural integrity, while the connection sections and projecting bodies are elastically deformable to enable snap-fitting and provide tightening force. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between ease of installation and tightening force.
2Force
If a containment cage is added to limit the deformation of projecting bodies, then the tightening force is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of containment and tightening are merged into a single integrated fixing element. The deformable connection sections inherently limit the deformation of projecting bodies while simultaneously providing the tightening force, eliminating the need for a separate containment cage and reducing component complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable connection sections serve multiple functions: they enable snap-fitting by allowing the projecting bodies to deform, they limit excessive deformation to maintain tightening force, and they directly provide the tightening force when deformed. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require separate components.
3Ease of operation
If the projecting bodies are highly deformable to enable snap-fitting, then the ease of installation is improved, but the fixing reliability deteriorates due to spontaneous loosening under vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable connection sections are pre-configured with specific geometric features that guide the deformation process during installation. This preliminary configuration ensures that the projecting bodies deform in a controlled manner to achieve snap-fitting, while the rigid main body and constrained deformation path prevent excessive parting that would lead to loosening under vibrations.
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
The solution provides a robust and cost-effective antenna fixing system with enhanced tightening force transmission, reduced component complexity, and minimized risk of spontaneous loosening, ensuring secure antenna attachment and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
the connection sections (8) are configured so as to be elastically deformable in order to allow the projecting bodies (7) to part
Implementation Method 2
the connection sections (8) are configured so as to undergo plastic deformation when the projecting bodies (7) part
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a unit for fixing an antenna, comprising: a base element suited to support the antenna, provided with a contact surface suited to rest against a plate-like supporting body; a fixing element comprising a main body suited to be connected to the base element through joining means that define a connection direction, and a projecting body mainly developed according to the connection direction and associated with the main body through a deformable connection section. The projecting body has a reference surface facing a corresponding thrust surface of the main body and spaced from it, the connection section being configured so that its deformation makes it possible to move near each other and bring into contact the reference surface and the thrust surface when the fixing element is connected to the base element.