Convex Gimbal Pivot Mount for Antenna Stress and Alignment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna mounting systems face challenges in distributing mechanical stress and wind loads, leading to wear and alignment issues due to external forces like wind and vibrations, which affect the operation of gimbals used for antenna mounting.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a pivot element with a convex surface and oblong hole for guiding rotational movement, distributing mechanical stress and reducing weight through openings, and utilizing fastening elements to securely attach the gimbal, allowing for precise rotational adjustment and stress distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional mounting system is used, then the antenna can be attached to the structure, but mechanical stress concentrates at specific points causing wear and alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot element features a convex first surface that is differentiable and comprises a radius section with center associated with the axis of rotation. This curved surface geometry distributes mechanical stress evenly across the contact area between the pivot element and gimbal, preventing stress concentration at specific points and thereby maintaining alignment precision and reducing wear during rotational movement.
2Strength
If the gimbal is made robust to handle external forces, then the structural strength improves, but the weight of the antenna system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot element includes one or more openings that segment the solid structure, removing material from non-critical regions. This segmentation maintains structural strength in the load-bearing areas (such as the convex first surface and hole configurations) while reducing the overall weight of the pivot element and consequently the entire antenna system.
3Strength
If the pivot element has a complex shape to distribute stress, then stress distribution improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The convex first surface with radius section centered on the rotation axis can be manufactured using standard rotational forming processes. The differentiable nature of the surface ensures smooth stress distribution while the geometry is simple enough to be produced efficiently through conventional machining or molding techniques, balancing manufacturing ease with stress distribution performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for attaching a gimbal for an antenna to a structure, the apparatus comprising a pivot element for attachment to the structure, wherein the pivot element comprises a first hole for rotatably attaching the gimbal to the pivot element using a first fastening element, wherein the pivot element comprises a second hole, which is an oblong hole, for guiding a rotational movement of the gimbal within a predetermined angular range around an axis of rotation associated with the first hole, wherein a first surface of the pivot element, which faces the gimbal, for example when the gimbal is attached to the pivot element, is convex.