Antenna Support Rod Layout for Wind Load Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Antennas face challenges in maintaining stability and alignment due to external forces like wind and vibrations, and the addition of devices for processing radio frequency signals increases wind load and mass, leading to instability.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a supporting rod arranged outside a virtual plane associated with the support plate to provide a rigid and reliable attachment of the antenna to a structure, which can be reinforced to enhance stability and resist external forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices for processing radio frequency signals are attached to the antenna, then the antenna's signal processing capability is improved, but the wind load and mass increase leading to reduced stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a supporting rod extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the reflector and support plate, adding a third spatial dimension to the structural support system. This dimensional extension provides additional stability against wind loads without interfering with the signal processing devices attached to the antenna.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If the antenna structure is reinforced to resist external forces, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the support structure into distinct functional segments: the support plate for mounting, the supporting rod for lateral stability, and the reflector assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation and maintenance while providing comprehensive stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If a supporting rod is added to increase rigidity, then the stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies particular parameters for the supporting rod including its cross-sectional shape (rectangular or circular), dimensions (width, height, length), and material properties to achieve the desired rigidity-to-complexity ratio. These parameter specifications enable standardized manufacturing processes while ensuring adequate structural reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4287398A1Antenna and method of manufacturing an antenna
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 NOKIA SOLUTIONS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • EP4287398A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4287398A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4287398A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An antenna comprising a reflector, a support plate for attaching the reflector to a structure, for example a mounting pole, a housing for a first radio device, wherein the housing is attached to the support plate, and a first supporting rod attached to the housing, wherein the first supporting rod is arranged outside of a virtual plane associated with the support plate and is configured to connect the housing to the structure.