Collapsible Antenna Positioner for Rapid Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna positioners are heavy, bulky, and require multiple workers for setup and alignment, failing to achieve compact storage, ease of transport, and rapid setup, making them unsuitable for portable and remote applications.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, collapsible, and rugged portable antenna positioner that allows single-user operation, featuring adjustable legs, motorized azimuth and elevation motors, and integrated sensors for automated alignment, enabling rapid setup and compact storage in a compact container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional antenna positioners are used, then antenna positioning function is achieved, but weight and bulkiness increase requiring multiple workers for setup
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna positioner is divided into modular components including a collapsible support structure, separable mounting mechanisms, and independent positioning systems. This segmentation allows the heavy structure to be broken into manageable sections that can be assembled by a single user, directly reducing the operational difficulty while maintaining full positioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioner employs dynamic, collapsible support legs and adjustable mounting structures that can be quickly deployed and reconfigured. This dynamic design replaces static, heavy frameworks with adaptive structures that reduce setup complexity and allow single-user operation while achieving stable antenna positioning.
2Volume of moving object
If traditional antenna positioners are used, then stable antenna support is achieved, but storage volume and transport complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure utilizes a nested, collapsible design where legs and mounting components fold into each other during storage, dramatically reducing the volume occupied by the positioner. This nested configuration maintains structural integrity when deployed while achieving compact storage suitable for portable applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a static, bulky form to a dynamic, collapsible configuration. Adjustable and foldable support elements allow the positioner to maintain stability during operation while compressing to a minimal storage volume, directly resolving the contradiction between structural stability and storage compactness.
3Productivity
If manual setup and alignment is used, then setup process is simple, but setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioner incorporates sensors and alignment detection systems that provide real-time feedback on antenna orientation and positioning status. This feedback mechanism automatically guides the alignment process, enabling rapid setup without requiring complex manual calculations or iterative adjustments, thus increasing productivity while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system includes self-aligning features and automated positioning capabilities that perform alignment operations without extensive manual intervention. The system autonomously adjusts antenna orientation based on detected signals or pre-programmed parameters, dramatically reducing setup time while the integrated automation manages the complexity of the alignment process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A low power, lightweight, collapsible and ragged antenna positioner for use in communicating with geostationary, geosynchronous and low earth orbit satellite. By collapsing, invention may be easily carried or shipped in a compact container. May be used in remote locations with simple or automated setup and orientation. Azimuth is adjusted by rotating an antenna in relation to a positioner base and elevation is adjusted by rotating an elevation motor coupled with the antenna. Manual orientation of antenna for linear polarized satellites yields lower weight and power usage. Updates ephemeris or TLE data via satellite. Algorithms used for search including Clarke Belt fallback, transponder/beacon searching switch, azimuth priority searching and tracking including uneven re-peak scheduling yield lower power usage. Orientation aid via user interface allows for smaller azimuth motor, simplifies wiring and lowers weight. Tilt compensation, bump detection and failure contingency provide robustness.