LNBF Quick Assembly Using Elastic Tenon and Locating Holes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing assembly methods for Low Noise Block Down-converters with Integrated Feed (LNBF) are inefficient and pose safety risks due to complex lockup processes, especially in outdoor environments where workers must use tools on ladders to assemble components.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a connection portion with signal output units and locating holes, a support arm with a chamber and holding holes, and a spring or elastic tenon system that allows for quick and secure assembly by aligning and fixing the LNBF main body relative to the support arm using elastic restoring forces, eliminating the need for tools and simplifying the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If lockup screws are used for fastening the LNBF and support arm, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is divided into separate functional elements: the support arm with locating holes, the LNBF with corresponding holes, and the elastic fastening component. This segmentation allows each part to have a specific function (positioning, fastening, elastic recovery) that together achieve strong connection without complex assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic fastening component (elastic tenon or spring mechanism) automatically engages with the locating holes through its own elastic deformation and recovery, without requiring external tools or complex locking procedures. The elastic component self-positions and self-secures the connection, eliminating the need for screw tightening operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If lockup screws are used for fastening the LNBF and support arm, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locating holes are pre-positioned in both the support arm and LNBF components during manufacturing. The elastic fastening component is pre-configured with its elastic properties. During assembly, these pre-prepared features guide the connection process, allowing workers to simply align and insert components without time-consuming measurement, marking, or sequential tightening operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical screw-and-thread system is replaced with an elastic deformation-based fastening system. The elastic tenon or spring mechanism uses elastic recovery force instead of threaded engagement, reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability through the elastic locking action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If workers use tools to assemble the LNBF on a ladder in high places, then the assembly precision is improved, but the safety risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidsafety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tool requirement is extracted and eliminated from the assembly process. The design removes the need for screwdrivers, wrenches, or other hand tools by using a tool-free elastic fastening mechanism. Workers can perform assembly with empty hands, significantly reducing safety risks associated with tool handling at heights

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic fastening component performs the fastening function automatically through its own elastic properties, without requiring external tool intervention. The component self-secures the connection through elastic recovery, allowing workers to assemble without tools and thereby eliminating the safety hazards of tool usage on ladders

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution enables rapid and secure assembly and disassembly of LNBF components without tools, reducing assembly time and improving safety by reducing the gap between components and simplifying the assembly process, thus enhancing efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

the spring positions the at least one locating protrusion in an engaging state with elastic restoring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic restoring force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the corresponding tenon elastomer makes the at least one elastic tenon in an engaging state with elastic restoring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic restoring force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8287308B2Quick assembly LNBF
Publication Date: 2012.10.16 WISTRON NEWEB CORP
  • US8287308B2 patent drawing
  • US8287308B2 patent drawing
  • US8287308B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A low noise block down-converter with integrated feed (LNBF) capable of being quickly assembled is disclosed, which includes an LNBF main body, a connection portion including at least one LNBF locating hole, a support arm including at least one support arm locating hole, a holder disposed on the support arm including a first holding hole and a second holding hole, an auxiliary shaft including at least one locating protrusion, a spring including a spring body, a first spring arm, a second spring arm, and a pivot for connecting the auxiliary shaft and the spring to the holder, wherein the at least one locating protrusion passes the at least one support arm locating hole and the at least one LNBF locating hole to fix relative position between connection portion and the support arm, and the spring positions the at least one locating protrusion in an engaging state with elastic restoring force.