Antenna Mount with Covered Ratchet Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna mounts for boats and water vehicles face issues with corrosion, wear, and safety due to exposed ratcheting mechanisms, which affect durability and precision of adjustments, and can be obstructed or pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A closed, nutless, four-way ratchet mount design with interlocking teeth and a streamlined structure that allows for adjustments in two planes without additional tools, featuring a base assembly, link arm, and locking handle with internally housed teeth for improved durability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If exposed ratcheting mechanisms are used to allow antenna adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to corrosion and wear from weather exposure
Solution Approach 1:
A polymer cover encloses the ratchet mechanism, protecting the metal teeth from corrosion while allowing the mechanism to function. The cover acts as a protective barrier against weather exposure while maintaining operational capability through the cam-based release system.
2Ease of operation
If exposed ratcheting mechanisms are used for adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to obstruction by other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer cover shields the ratchet teeth from external objects that could cause obstruction or damage. The cover allows the mechanism to operate freely while preventing debris, ice, or other objects from interfering with the tooth engagement.
3Ease of operation
If exposed ratcheting mechanisms are used, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to safety concerns from exposed teeth contact
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer cover completely encloses the ratchet teeth, preventing direct contact between exposed teeth and persons or clothing. The cover eliminates the safety hazard while maintaining the mechanical function through the cam-based release mechanism.
4Measurement precision
If finer pitch angle teeth are used for precise adjustment, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates as teeth become too easily corroded
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer cover protects the fine-pitch teeth from corrosion, allowing precise adjustment angles to be maintained over time. The cover creates a barrier that prevents moisture and corrosive elements from degrading the精细 teeth structure.
5Ease of manufacture
If standard threaded fasteners are used for assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity worsens due to additional fasteners and nuts
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket integrates the fastener function directly into the structure, eliminating the need for separate nuts and multiple fasteners. The bracket itself serves as the securing mechanism, reducing part count while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna mounting system for a vehicle that allows easy adjustments without the need of additional tools after initial installation. The antenna mount comprises internal interlocking teeth between an antenna base and a link arm that engage with the tightening of a fastener. The antenna mount also includes internal interlocking teeth between the link arm and an antenna arm. Forceable movement of a lever causes an arm cam and hub cam to allow a biasing spring to disengage the link arm teeth from the antenna arm teeth. In this condition, the antenna arm is allowed to be rotatably moved into a desired orientation whereupon the lever arm can re-engage the cams and with one another so as to tighten and maintain a selected orientation. In addition to the internal interlocking teeth, antenna arm has a skirt to further preclude contaminants from entering the area where the teeth and teeth engage one another.