Antenna Mount with Fixed-Position Adjustment Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual adjustment of directional microwave antennas is a time-consuming and hazardous process for field technicians, requiring multiple tools and frequent position changes, leading to reduced accuracy and increased safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device with dual adjustment elements that remain at fixed positions relative to the infrastructure, allowing for secure and accurate alignment of directional antennas in multiple directions, using gear screws and universal joints to simplify the adjustment process and reduce the need for manual locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of directional antenna is performed by field technician climbing the mast, then the antenna can be adjusted to achieve alignment, but the process becomes time-consuming and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into separate adjustment elements (first and second adjustment elements) that can be independently operated. Each adjustment element controls a specific degree of freedom (azimuth and elevation), allowing the technician to adjust one parameter at a time rather than managing multiple tools simultaneously, thus reducing installation time while maintaining alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mounting device as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed infrastructure and the directional antenna. This intermediary provides built-in adjustment capabilities with fixed-position adjustment elements that simplify the adjustment process, eliminating the need for technicians to climb the mast and manually position multiple tools, thereby reducing both time and safety risks while achieving precise alignment
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are used for antenna adjustment, then comprehensive adjustment capability is achieved, but the complexity of the operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions into a single integrated mounting device. The first adjustment element handles azimuth adjustment while the second adjustment element handles elevation adjustment. Both adjustment elements are positioned at fixed locations on the mounting device, allowing comprehensive adjustment capability to be achieved through a unified structure rather than multiple separate tools, thus reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device serves multiple functions: it provides both azimuth and elevation adjustment capabilities, maintains fixed positions for both adjustment elements, and secures the directional antenna to the fixed infrastructure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized tools, simplifying the overall adjustment operation while maintaining comprehensive adjustment versatility
3Ease of operation
If field technician changes positions frequently during adjustment, then access to different adjustment points is achieved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is pre-configured with both adjustment elements positioned at fixed, accessible locations before the adjustment process begins. The first adjustment element is positioned to provide access for azimuth adjustment while the second adjustment element is positioned for elevation adjustment. This preliminary positioning of all adjustment elements within easy reach eliminates the need for technicians to climb or reposition during the adjustment process, ensuring both ease of operation and safety
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting arrangement and an antenna mounting device for mounting a directional antenna to fixed infrastructure. The antenna mounting device comprises a first adjustment element comprising a first end, an infrastructure part for attaching the antenna mounting device to the fixed infrastructure, and an antenna attachment part for attaching the directional antenna to the antenna mounting device. Moreover, the first adjustment element is coupled to the infrastructure part and to the antenna attachment part, and configured to adjust a first orientation of the antenna attachment part relative to an orientation of the infrastructure part, to provide adjustment in a first direction of the directional antenna. Furthermore, the first end of the first adjustment element is configured to remain at a fixed position relative to the infrastructure part, independently of the relative orientation of the infrastructure and the antenna attachment part.