Antenna Guard with Rotatable Mount and Spring Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna protection systems are not sufficiently rugged or responsive to protect directional antennas from physical impacts and resume directional reception immediately after, particularly in scenarios like military applications where antennas are exposed to substantial blows or objects.
Innovation Solution
The antenna guard system includes a rotatable mount and antenna guard that moves the antenna out of the path of incoming objects, utilizing a balance mechanism with springs and a damper to reposition the antenna after the threat has passed, allowing the antenna to return to its operational position without additional sensors or actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a directional antenna is placed in a fixed position for optimal directional reception, then reception performance is improved, but the antenna becomes vulnerable to physical damage from passing objects
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic positionable system. The antenna can be rotated between an operational position (first position) for optimal directional reception and a protected position (second position) when an object is detected, allowing it to adapt its position based on operational conditions and avoid physical damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a sensor to detect passing objects and provides feedback to the control system. When an object is detected in the path of the antenna, the control system activates the actuator to rotate the antenna to the protected position. When no object is present, the antenna returns to the operational position, creating a closed-loop feedback control system that automatically responds to environmental conditions
2Reliability
If an antenna protection system is added to protect against physical impacts, then reliability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is designed to be self-regulating and automatic. The sensor detects objects and the control system automatically actuates the antenna to the protected position without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. The spring mechanism provides automatic return to the operational position, reducing the need for continuous power and complex control electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical protection structures (such as enclosures or shields) with a simpler sensor-based detection system and an actuated positioning mechanism. This substitution reduces overall system complexity by using electronic sensing and control instead of bulky mechanical protection structures
3Reliability
If the antenna is made movable to avoid objects, then protection is improved, but the time to return to operational position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to provide a ready-to-actuate return force. When the antenna is rotated to the protected position, the spring is compressed or tensioned, storing potential energy that immediately propels the antenna back to the operational position once the object passes. This pre-loaded mechanism ensures rapid return without requiring continuous power or complex control during the return stroke
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna operates in periodic cycles: detecting an object, rotating to the protected position, waiting for the object to pass, and returning to the operational position. This periodic operation allows the system to minimize downtime by quickly transitioning between states and maintaining operational readiness for the majority of the time when no objects are present
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 effectively protects directional antennas from physical damage, ensuring immediate resumption of operation and reducing downtime, while being cost-effective and adaptable for various applications without requiring additional calibration or complex systems.
Implementation Method 1
a balance including a spring therethrough movably attached to the rotatable shaft for repositioning the first sub-mount in the approximately vertical position once the passing object is no longer contacting the antenna guard
Implementation Method 2
a damper therethrough movably attached to the rotatable shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A passive antenna guard system includes an antenna guard at a location of the antenna and mounted on a common mount therewith which facilitates movement of the antenna from the path of an object responsive to the object contacting the antenna guard. The system may include a balance system which allows the antenna and antenna guard to spring back into place after the object clears the antenna guard.