Antenna Mount Double-Joint Locking for Safe Position Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current antenna support and position adjustment devices in naval applications have limited adjustability, often with protruding parts that pose safety hazards and interfere with surrounding objects, and fail to accommodate varying orientations and inclinations of boats.

Innovation Solution

A support and position adjustment device featuring a double joint mechanism with a base, connection element, antenna support, and spacer, allowing for rotational adjustments via a pin that locks or unlocks to prevent accidental movement, ensuring the antenna can be positioned optimally without protruding parts that could cause harm or interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lever is used to lock/unlock the antenna position adjustment mechanism, then the antenna position can be secured, but the lever creates protruding parts that pose safety hazards and can cause accidental hooking or impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna position stabilityVSAvoidsafety hazard from protruding lever
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the traditional lever component entirely from the design. Instead of using a lever to engage or disengage the locking mechanism, the invention employs a push-button release system where the button itself becomes part of the locking mechanism body, eliminating protruding parts that could cause safety hazards while maintaining reliable position locking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates the release button directly into the locking mechanism body, merging what were previously separate components (button and locking body) into a single integrated unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate levers or protruding release mechanisms, reducing safety hazards while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the antenna support device has a compact design, then safety hazards are reduced, but the number of position adjustment positions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety hazard reductionVSAvoidposition adjustment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a friction-based locking mechanism that allows continuous position adjustment along the adjustment hole rather than discrete fixed positions. The friction lock can be engaged at any point along the trajectory, providing infinite position variability within the adjustment range while maintaining a compact structure without protruding levers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a spherical connection element that can be positioned at various locations along a curved trajectory defined by the adjustment hole geometry. This transforms the adjustment mechanism from linear discrete positions to a multi-dimensional continuous adjustment space, enabling versatile positioning within a compact form factor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the connection element has a simple structure, then manufacturing is easier, but the number of rotation axes and adjustment positions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection element fabricationVSAvoidrotation axis configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical connection element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a bearing surface for rotational movement, provides positioning through its interaction with the adjustment hole, enables friction-based locking, and allows trajectory definition for position adjustment. This multi-functional design achieves complex adjustment capabilities with a relatively simple spherical geometry that is easy to manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device provides enhanced flexibility and safety by allowing precise antenna positioning on inclined surfaces, reducing the risk of user injury and interference with surrounding objects, while maintaining a compact and ergonomic design.

Implementation Method 1

a friction lock which, in use, constrains the pin in such a way as to block the relative movement between the antenna support and the connection element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a friction lock which, in use, constrains the pin in such a way as to block the relative movement between the antenna support and the connection element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4379950A1Support and position adjustment device for an antenna
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 BANTEN SNC DI AMBROGI FURIO & C
  • EP4379950A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4379950A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4379950A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Support and position adjustment device for an antenna, comprising a base releasably mountable on a surface, a connecting member extending parallel to a first axis, having a first end connected to the base so as to define a movement of rotation of the connection element with respect to the base about the first axis, and extending said connection element up to a second end, on which a first hole is made parallel to a second axis transverse to the first axis; the position support and adjustment device, further comprising an antenna support on which a second hole is made, and said antenna support having at least a section of perimeter surface on which a cavity is made which extends radially into the antenna support housing the second end of the connection element, and including a pin inserted axially inside the first and second holes, rotatably connecting the antenna support to the connection element, said pin being axially mobile along the second axis and shaped in such a way as to have a retracted position defining a condition of release of the support device and adjustment of the position, in which the pin is disengaged from the first hole and a radial clearance is defined between said pin and said first hole, so as to implement the rotation of the antenna support about the first axis and to the second axis; and such pin being movable in such a way to have an advanced position defining a locking condition of the support device and position adjustment, where in the pin is engaged in the first hole closing the radial clearance between said pin and said first hole in such a way to cause blocking of the rotation of the antenna support about the first axis and the second axis..