Millimeter Wave Antenna Position Adjuster for EHF Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of high-frequency EHF antennas is challenging due to their narrow beam widths, leading to difficulties in establishing effective communication links as poor alignment results in either no signal or a degraded signal.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adjustor system with a nut having inner threads and a preload mechanism that allows precise adjustments along elevation, azimuth, or polarization coordinates using a single tool and hand, incorporating a locknut for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mounting methods are used for EHF antennas, then the antenna can be installed, but the narrow beam width makes alignment difficult resulting in poor signal or no signal
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustor divides the mounting element into multiple adjustable portions, allowing independent adjustment of each section to achieve precise alignment. The mounting element is segmented into a first portion and a second portion that can be adjusted relative to each other along the longitudinal axis, enabling fine-tuning of antenna position and orientation for optimal beam alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustor transforms a static mounting structure into a dynamic, adjustable system. The threaded bore and adjustor nut enable continuous adjustment of the mounting element's position along the longitudinal axis, allowing the antenna to be dynamically aligned with the narrow beam width requirements of EHF frequencies.
2Measurement precision
If precise adjustment mechanisms are added to improve alignment, then alignment precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustor nut serves multiple functions: it adjusts the position of the first portion of the mounting element along the longitudinal axis, maintains preload through the external fastening mechanism, and enables fine-tuning of antenna alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustor nut with the threaded bore is nested within the adjustor structure, and the preload mechanism is integrated into the same component. This nesting approach consolidates multiple adjustment and fastening functions into a compact, integrated assembly, minimizing the overall complexity increase despite adding precise adjustment capabilities.
3Productivity
If manual adjustment methods are used, then the structure remains simple, but the time and effort required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustor nut is pre-configured with the threaded bore and external fastening mechanism, allowing the mounting element to be quickly assembled in a preliminary state. The preload is pre-applied through the integrated mechanism, enabling rapid initial assembly followed by fine adjustment, thereby reducing total installation time and effort.
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
The adjustor system enables efficient and precise antenna alignment, reducing the time and effort required for installation while ensuring stable communication links by allowing for precise adjustments and secure locking of the antenna position.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the bore has inner threads configured to engage corresponding threads on a first portion of the mounting element positioned within the bore. Rotation of the adjustor nut around the longitudinal axis causes movement of the first portion of the mounting element along the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
The adjustor has a preload nut configured to engage the external fastening mechanism and configured to apply a load onto a second portion of the mounting element positioned between a portion of the adjustor nut and the preload nut
Implementation Method 3
The tapered shoulder of the locknut wedged against the tapered region of the adjustor nut can narrow the one or more slits of the tapered region and can reduce an inner diameter of the tapered region. Reduction of the inner diameter can lock the adjustor nut onto the first portion of the mounting element
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustor configured to position an antenna coupled to a mounting element includes an adjustor nut having a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the adjustor nut. At least a portion of the bore has inner threads configured to engage corresponding threads on a first portion of the mounting element positioned within the bore. A tool interface is positioned near a proximal end region of the adjustor nut and an external fastening mechanism positioned near a distal end region of the adjustor nut. A preload nut configured to engage the external fastening mechanism and configured to apply a load onto a second portion of the mounting element is positioned between a portion of the adjustor nut and the preload nut. Rotation of the adjustor nut around the longitudinal axis causes movement of the first portion along the longitudinal axis while the load is applied onto the second portion.