Rotatable Mast Hub Locking for Single-Person Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mast systems for wireless signal reception and transmission, solar panels, and utility devices are costly to install and maintain due to their heavy and bulky construction, requiring multiple technicians and specialized tools to prevent accidental dropping during service, which poses safety risks and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A mast assembly with a rotatable hub and receiver system that allows the mast to be securely positioned between a deployed and service position, featuring a base with a hub and receiver configuration that prevents unwanted rotation, enabling easy installation and maintenance without the need for additional technicians or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional heavy and bulky mast construction is used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase, requiring multiple technicians and specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mast is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to rotate between a deployed vertical position and a service horizontal position. This dynamic transformation enables a single technician to safely service the mast without requiring heavy support trusses or multiple personnel, while maintaining structural integrity in both positions
Solution Approach 2:
The mast system is divided into separable components including the mast itself, the base with hub, and the receiver mechanism. This segmentation allows the mast to be independently manipulated and positioned, enabling easy installation and maintenance by a single technician without requiring complete disassembly or heavy support structures
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional mast support trusses are used, then mast stability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of static support trusses, the invention uses a dynamic locking mechanism where the receiver selectively engages with the mast at specific positions. The mast maintains stability in deployed position through the locking mechanism, but can be easily moved to service position without requiring complex support structures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for heavy metal support trusses by implementing an intrinsic stabilization mechanism. The receiver and hub system provides inherent stability when the mast is in the deployed position, removing the requirement for external support structures and simplifying the overall system
3Reliability
If ancillary means such as additional technicians or purpose-built tools are used, then safety during service is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mast system is designed to be self-servicing, allowing a single technician to safely position and service the mast without requiring additional personnel or specialized tools. The selective engagement mechanism provides inherent safety by preventing uncontrolled movement, enabling one person to perform maintenance tasks that previously required multiple technicians
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver acts as an intermediary mechanism between the mast and the base, providing controlled engagement and disengagement. This intermediary system ensures safe operation during servicing by preventing the mast from dropping or moving uncontrollably, while still allowing single-person operation without requiring additional safety personnel
4Ease of operation
If the mast is positioned in service position, then accessibility for maintenance is improved, but rotational stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mast is designed to be dynamic in the service position, allowing it to be horizontally positioned for accessibility while understanding that this is a temporary state for maintenance only. The system provides controlled instability in service position to enable easy access, but returns to stable vertical positioning when deployed
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a mast having an elongated arm movable between a deployed position and a service position. The elongated arm is attached by a rotatable hub. A receiver is spaced from the hub and configured to selectively prevent rotation of the mast.