Holster Antenna Flap Pivot for Operator Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable communication systems with protruding antennas restrict operator mobility, especially in dense vegetation or confined urban environments, and require costly modifications or apertures that are undesirable due to sensitivity concerns.
Innovation Solution
A holster-based antenna system with a pivotally connected antenna flap that automatically positions itself perpendicular to the signal propagation path, eliminating the need for a protruding antenna and using a planar dielectric substrate with an impedance matching network, allowing for easy installation and rugged durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protruding antenna is used on the portable communications device, then the antenna can effectively transmit and receive RF signals, but the operator's mobility is restricted especially in dense vegetation or confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is extracted from the portable communications device and relocated to the holster. The holster now contains the antenna while the communications device itself remains antenna-free, allowing the operator to carry the device without the mobility restrictions of a protruding antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is nested within the holster structure. The holster serves as a container that holds both the portable communications device and the antenna, with the antenna positioned to extend outward for effective RF transmission while remaining part of the holster assembly rather than the device itself.
2Ease of operation
If the antenna is embedded within the casing of the portable communications device, then operator mobility is improved, but an aperture or dielectric casing is required which is undesirable due to sensitivity of internal circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is extracted from the device casing entirely and placed in the holster. This eliminates the need for any aperture or dielectric modifications to the device casing, thereby protecting the internal circuitry from potential harmful factors while maintaining mobility benefits.
3Ease of manufacture
If a remote mounting antenna on a vehicle is used, then the portable communications device does not require modifications, but the operator's mobility is still restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is nested within the holster that the operator wears or carries. This allows the antenna to be close to the operator for effective RF transmission while the operator maintains full mobility, unlike vehicle-mounted antennas that restrict movement to the vehicle's location.
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
Enhances operator mobility by eliminating antenna protrusions, maintaining radio frequency performance, and ensuring durability without the need for costly modifications or sensitive apertures, while being easy to install and use.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna radiating element provides the means for the internal circuitry to transmit and receive RF signals
Implementation Method 2
The first pivot coupling is configured to allow the antenna flap to pivot freely on the first pivot coupling responsive to a force of gravity acting on the antenna flap
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system (100, 500) for a portable communication device (112) is provided. The antenna system is comprised of a retaining structure (204), an antenna flap (206), and a first pivot coupling (212). The retaining structure provides a means for securing the retaining structure to the portable communication device. The antenna flap includes an antenna structure (302). The antenna structure is comprised of an antenna radiating element (600) and/or an antenna impedance matching network (652). The first pivot coupling pivotally connects the antenna flap to the retaining structure. The first pivot coupling is configured to allow the antenna flap to pivot freely on the first pivot coupling responsive to a force of gravity acting on the antenna flap. The retaining structure is configured as a holster in which the portable communication device can be disposed.