Antenna Stabilization Adapter with Counterweight

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable antenna mounts suffer from instability due to internal and external forces, leading to equipment instability and degraded mission performance, especially in expeditionary environments where resources like sandbags or makeshift solutions are not readily available.

Innovation Solution

An integrated stabilization adapter with a clamp, adjustable rod, and counterweight is designed to attach to the antenna, providing counterbalance and stability without requiring disassembly or additional resources, using a modular and adjustable design that can be stored with the antenna.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional portable antenna mounts are used, then the antenna can be easily transported and assembled, but the antenna becomes unstable under internal and external forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidantenna stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a counterweight mechanism where weights are attached to the tripod legs through weight holders. These counterweights offset the instability caused by internal forces (antenna structure) and external forces (wind, movement) by creating a balancing gravitational force that anchors the antenna system to the ground, thereby resolving the stability issue while maintaining portability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Stability of the object's composition

If counterweights are added to stabilize the antenna, then antenna stability improves, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the counterweight function with the existing tripod structure by integrating weight holders into the leg assemblies. Rather than adding completely separate stabilization systems, the counterweights are combined with the support structure, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the desired stability effect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilization system is segmented into modular components: adjustable weight holders that can be attached to individual tripod legs, and separate counterweight masses. This segmentation allows for flexible configuration where only the necessary number of counterweights are deployed, and they can be independently adjusted, thereby managing complexity through modularity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable counterweight positions are provided, then adaptability to different antenna models improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to antenna modelsVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustability where the position of counterweights along the tripod legs can be modified based on different operating conditions and antenna configurations. The adjustable weight holders allow users to slide and lock weights at various heights, providing adaptability to different antenna models and ground conditions without requiring a completely different stabilization system for each scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution effectively prevents antenna tipping and maintains stability under various forces, ensuring reliable operation without the need for external weights or disassembly, enhancing mission capability and adaptability across different antenna models.

Implementation Method 1

The counterweight attaches the rod at its distal end... effectively prevents antenna tipping and maintains stability under various forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10897072B2Balance platform for mobile antenna
Publication Date: 2021.01.19 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
  • US10897072B2 patent drawing
  • US10897072B2 patent drawing
  • US10897072B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A stabilization adapter is provided for a portable antenna. The adapter includes a clamp, a rod and a counterweight. The clamp connects to a stand of the antenna. The rod adjustably attaches at its proximal end to the clamp. The counterweight attaches the rod at its distal end.