Log-Periodic Dipole Antenna Radiator Alignment Without Iteration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing iterative process for assembling radiators in an antenna is time-consuming and requires experience, leading to potential misalignment and prolonged assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A mounting gauge with alignment pins and a base body is used to align radiators in a defined manner, ensuring precise assembly by interacting with corresponding openings in the radiators, eliminating the need for iterative alignment adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If radiators are assembled using an iterative process with repeated VSWR measurements and adjustments, then alignment precision can be achieved, but assembly time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment pins are pre-positioned on the mounting gauge at specific locations and orientations that correspond to the required radiator positions. The radiators are designed with matching openings at these predetermined locations, allowing direct alignment without iterative adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting gauge serves as an intermediary tool between the radiators and the assembly process. It provides a reference framework with alignment pins that mediate the positioning of radiators, eliminating the need for direct measurement and adjustment between radiators themselves.
2Manufacturing precision
If radiators are assembled using an iterative VSWR measurement process, then alignment can be verified, but the process requires experienced operators to interpret measurements and make adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting gauge with alignment pins provides self-aligning functionality. The physical geometry of the pins and corresponding openings in the radiators automatically guides the radiators into the correct positions without requiring operator interpretation or decision-making about adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
All alignment information is pre-encoded in the physical geometry of the mounting gauge and alignment pins. The required positions and orientations are predetermined in the tool design itself, eliminating the need for operators to interpret measurements or decide on adjustment directions.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple iterative adjustments are made to radiator positions based on VSWR measurements, then alignment within predefined range is achieved, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is extracted from the iterative measurement and adjustment process and embedded in the physical structure of the mounting gauge. The alignment pins physically embody the alignment criteria, removing the need for complex measurement interpretation and multiple adjustment cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The correct alignment configuration is pre-established in the mounting gauge design. The alignment pins are positioned and oriented in advance to match the required radiator positions, so the complex process of determining and achieving alignment is replaced by a simple mechanical fitting operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention provides a mounting gauge (10) for assembling at least two radiators (24) of an antenna (26), particularly a log-periodic dipole antenna. The mounting gauge (10) comprises a base body (12) and at least two alignment pins (14) distanced from each other by a defined distance (D). The alignment pins (14) are shaped and distanced from each other such that they fit into corresponding openings (30, 32) of the radiators (24), thereby aligning the radiators (24) with respect to each other so as to minimize a misalignment of the radiators (24). Moreover, the invention provides a method of assembling an antenna (26). In addition, a system (40) for assembling an antenna (26) is described.