Crossed Air Column Buffer for Base Station Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock-absorbing materials like foam and expanded polyethylene for base station antennas are inadequate in providing high-strength protection, are costly, occupy excessive space, and are not waterproof, leading to performance issues during transport.
Innovation Solution
A shock-absorbing buffer system comprising an inner and outer buffer member made from inflatable air bags forming crossed air columns, which provide high-strength protection and are waterproof, meeting International Safe Transit Association standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If foam and expanded polyethylene materials are used to protect base station antennas, then protection is provided, but the protection strength is insufficient for harsh operations
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer is divided into multiple independent air columns segmented by partitions within the inflatable bag. Each air column acts as an independent shock-absorbing unit, and the segmented structure distributes impact forces across multiple zones, preventing single-point failure and providing comprehensive protection for the antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer transitions from a deflated state to an inflated state by changing the volume and pressure parameters of the air columns. When inflated, the air columns become rigid enough to resist harsh operations while maintaining the ability to deform and absorb impact energy, thus achieving high protection strength and reliability.
2Strength
If foam and expanded polyethylene materials are used, then protection is provided, but transport cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer uses an inflatable bag structure that can be deflated and reused multiple times, replacing expensive disposable foam materials. The bag is a simple, low-cost component that can be inflated at the destination and deflated for return, significantly reducing material costs while maintaining protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer system allows recovery and reuse of the inflatable bag structure. After use, the bag can be deflated and returned to the origin for reuse, eliminating the need to discard expensive protective materials and reducing overall transport costs through multiple cycles of use.
3Strength
If foam and expanded polyethylene materials are used, then protection is provided, but storage space occupation is large
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer transitions between two states: an inflated state providing high-strength protection that occupies minimal space around the antenna, and a deflated state for compact storage and transport. This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to provide excellent protection when needed while occupying negligible storage space when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer uses a thin inflatable bag structure that, when inflated, creates a rigid protective shell around the antenna. The thin film material occupies minimal space in both inflated and deflated states, providing high protection strength without increasing storage volume significantly.
4Strength
If foam and expanded polyethylene materials are used, then protection is provided, but waterproof performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable bag forms a continuous flexible shell around the antenna that acts as a waterproof barrier. The sealed membrane structure prevents water penetration, protecting the antenna from water erosion while maintaining the shock-absorbing protection function of the air columns.
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 shock-absorbing buffer system effectively protects base station antennas from impacts and harsh operations during transport, while being cost-effective and space-efficient, with the crossed air column structure preventing deformation and ensuring constant protection.
Implementation Method 1
The inflatable air bag can form a plurality of air columns after being inflated. At least a part of the air columns of the inner buffer member cross each other, or at least a part of the air columns of the outer buffer member cross each other
Implementation Method 2
shock-absorbing buffer for base station antenna... the inflatable air bag can form a plurality of air columns after being inflated... effectively protects base station antennas from impacts and harsh operations during transport
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a shock-absorbing buffer for a base station antenna. The base station antenna includes a first end portion having a first end surface, a second end portion having a second end surface, and a protruding element which is at least provided on the first end surface and protrudes outward. The shock-absorbing buffer includes an inner buffer member and an outer buffer member. The inner buffer member is configured to at least partially cover the protruding element, the first end portion, and the second end portion, and the outer buffer member is configured to sleeve the inner buffer member and at least partially cover the first end portion and the second end portion. The inner buffer member and the outer buffer member are respectively made into a pre-formed structure from an inflatable air bag, and the inflatable air bag can form a plurality of air columns after being inflated. At least a part of the air columns of the inner buffer member cross each other, or at least a part of the air columns of the outer buffer member cross each other, or at least a part of the air columns of the inner buffer member and at least a part of the air columns of the outer buffer member cross each other, so as to enhance the performance of the shock-absorbing buffer through a synergistic effect.