FAKRA Antenna Mounting Device with Offset Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for motor vehicle antennas require complex assembly processes and large mounting openings, especially when using standardized FAKRA connectors, which limits space efficiency and increases installation complexity.

Innovation Solution

A central fastening device with tensioning elements placed closer to the antenna base than the connector insertion opening, allowing for one-hand assembly and minimizing the assembly opening size by positioning essential components below the connector level, using spring steel sheets for consistent force application and avoiding plastic components that yield over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standardized FAKRA connectors are integrated into the fastening device, then connector functionality is achieved, but the overall height and mounting opening size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector functionalityVSAvoidoverall height
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector housing is integrated into the fastening device structure such that the connector is nested within the overall assembly. The connector housing forms part of the fastening device's structural envelope, allowing the connector functionality to be incorporated without proportionally increasing the overall height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector insertion opening is positioned at the front of the fastening device, creating a spatial arrangement where the connector access direction is perpendicular to the main fastening direction. This dimensional separation allows connector integration without directly increasing the mounting opening size in the primary fastening plane.

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

2Volume of stationary object

If tensioning elements are positioned closer to the antenna base than the connector insertion opening, then assembly space is minimized, but connector access becomes more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly opening sizeVSAvoidconnector access
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the connector insertion opening at the front for cable access, the tensioning elements positioned centrally closer to the antenna base, and the mounting opening at the rear. This spatial segmentation allows each function to operate independently without interference, minimizing overall assembly opening while maintaining connector accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If spring steel sheets are used instead of plastic components, then force consistency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce consistencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The material parameter is changed from plastic to spring steel sheet, fundamentally altering the mechanical properties of the tensioning element. This material substitution provides consistent elastic force over time and temperature variations, eliminating the yielding behavior of plastic components. The spring steel sheet is formed into the required geometry through stamping or bending operations, which are standard metal forming processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables efficient, space-saving antenna mounting with standardized FAKRA connectors, ensuring secure attachment and maintaining sealing effectiveness despite environmental influences, while allowing for easy assembly and reducing the overall height of the fastening device.

Implementation Method 1

using spring steel sheets for consistent force application

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1928054B1Mounting device for a mounted part, especially in a shape of a vehicle antenna
Publication Date: 2011.05.18 KATHEIN WERKE KG
  • EP1928054B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1928054B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1928054B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The device has a FAKRA connecting system provided with a connector and arranged offset to a screw element, which pressurizes a tensioning and/or locking device. The tensioning and/or locking device and/or the screw element lie in a region or in a plane parallel to a mounting opening (3) and/or a mounting wall (5) e.g. body sheet (5'), which surrounds the mounting opening. The mounting wall is arranged in a mounting and plug-in direction of a mounting device subsequent to another plane, which is defined by a plug-in opening of the connector.