Convex Pivot Mount for Antenna Gimbal Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for antennas are affected by external forces such as wind and vibrations, leading to misalignment and increased mechanical stress, which can cause wear and inefficiencies in antenna operation.
Innovation Solution
A pivot element with a convex first surface and oblong second hole allows for a gimbal to rotate within a predetermined angular range, distributing mechanical stress and reducing wear by ensuring a smooth rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional mounting system is used to attach the gimbal to the structure, then the antenna can be mounted and rotated, but mechanical stress concentrates at specific points leading to increased wear and potential misalignment under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot element features a convex first surface that contacts the gimbal, replacing conventional flat mounting surfaces. This curved geometry distributes mechanical stress across a broader contact area rather than concentrating it at discrete points, reducing wear and improving reliability under external forces such as wind and vibrations
2Ease of operation
If the gimbal is allowed to rotate freely to adjust alignment, then the antenna can be precisely positioned, but the mounting system experiences increased mechanical stress and wear from rotational movements
Solution Approach 1:
The convex first surface of the pivot element provides a curved contact interface that facilitates smooth rotational movement of the gimbal. This curved geometry reduces friction and mechanical stress during rotation while maintaining precise alignment capability, allowing the antenna to be positioned accurately without excessive wear on the mounting system
3Stress or pressure
If a fixed mounting system is used to reduce wear, then mechanical stress is minimized, but the antenna cannot be adjusted for precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The convex first surface enables rotational adjustment while distributing mechanical stress, and the oblong second hole provides guided movement within a predetermined angular range. This combination allows the antenna to be adjusted for precise alignment while minimizing wear and mechanical stress through the stress-distributing curved contact surface
4Measurement precision
If the gimbal is designed to rotate within a predetermined angular range, then alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot element incorporates an oblong second hole that guides the rotational movement of the gimbal within a predetermined angular range. This segmented approach, where the oblong hole's geometry defines the rotation limits, achieves precise alignment control without requiring complex mechanical stops or additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The convex first surface works in conjunction with the oblong second hole to provide both smooth rotation and angular range limitation. The curved contact surface facilitates movement while the oblong hole's shape constrains the rotation to a predetermined range, achieving precision without excessive complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for attaching a gimbal for an antenna to a structure, the apparatus including a pivot element for attachment to the structure, wherein the pivot element includes a first hole for rotatably attaching the gimbal to the pivot element using a first fastening element, wherein the pivot element includes a second hole, which is an oblong hole, for guiding a rotational movement of the gimbal within an angular range around an axis of rotation associated with the first hole, wherein a first surface of the pivot element, which faces the gimbal, when the gimbal is attached to the pivot element, is convex.