Removable Antenna Mounting Device with Cable Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna mounting solutions for portable electronic devices face challenges in providing easy removal, proper cable management, and compatibility with non-ferrous materials like aluminum aircraft skins and composite boat surfaces, while also avoiding interference with magnetic compasses and withstanding high-speed winds, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device comprising a dock and base mechanism made from plastic, attached to the antenna and a surface using screws, which allows for easy removal and storage of the antenna and its cable, incorporating features like cable spools and secure connectors to ensure transportability and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic mounting is used for easy installation and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates on non-ferrous materials and in high-speed wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a base unit with cable management features and an antenna element that can be independently attached and removed. This segmentation allows the antenna to be easily installed and removed while the base remains securely mounted on the vehicle surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mounting bracket or base unit as an intermediary between the antenna and the vehicle surface. This intermediary provides secure mechanical attachment while allowing the antenna element to be easily attached and removed from the base, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and mounting reliability.
2Reliability
If permanent fasteners such as screws and adhesive are used for secure mounting, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to tool requirements and installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is pre-mounted to the vehicle surface using permanent fasteners during the initial installation phase. This preliminary action ensures reliable and secure mounting, while subsequent antenna attachments can be easily performed without tools by simply connecting to the pre-installed base.
3Reliability
If internal mounting is used to avoid wind forces and shorten cable lengths, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to interference with magnetic compasses and limited installation locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from internal dashboard mounting to external surface mounting on vehicle exteriors such as roofs, hoods, or trunks. This dimensional change from interior to exterior mounting provides better signal reception by avoiding interference with magnetic compasses and dashboard shielding, while the modular base-antenna design maintains installation flexibility across different vehicle surfaces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple permanent antenna installations are used for portability across locations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is designed as a universal mounting platform that can be installed on various vehicle surfaces and accommodates different antenna types. This multi-functional design allows a single base unit to serve multiple locations and purposes, reducing the need for multiple specialized antenna installations and thereby lowering overall system complexity and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device for an antenna device and its method for mounting, and removing the antenna utilizes a dock unit and a base unit. In addition to providing a mounting mechanism, the capture or mounting of the device incorporates a storage feature for the antenna cable to make it transportable. The apparatus provides a means for connecting an antenna to a housing, storing a cable in the housing, and capturing the housing to a docking mechanism while allowing for easy removal of the antenna, and cable storage feature.