Motorized Steerable TV Antenna with WiFi Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing television antennas lack the ability to automatically steer towards desired signal transmitting antennas, requiring manual placement for optimal reception of digitally formatted broadcast signals.
Innovation Solution
A smart antenna system with a steerable directional antenna mounted on a pedestal, controlled by electronic circuitry and powered by stepper motors, which receives directional information via WiFi or Bluetooth signals from smartphones or computers to point the antenna towards desired broadcast television signal sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional omni-directional antenna is used, then the antenna can receive signals from all directions, but it cannot automatically steer towards a desired transmitting antenna
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static omni-directional antenna into a dynamic directional antenna system. The antenna is mounted on a motorized pedestal that enables it to rotate and change its orientation automatically. This allows the antenna to dynamically adjust its main lobe direction towards desired transmitting antennas based on control signals received via WiFi or Bluetooth, thereby achieving automatic steering while maintaining signal reception capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the antenna system to automatically determine and steer towards transmitting antennas without manual intervention. The system uses electronic circuitry to receive directional information from mobile devices, processes this information to calculate optimal antenna orientation, and automatically positions the antenna using the motorized pedestal. This eliminates the need for users to manually place or adjust the antenna for optimal reception.
2Reliability
If the antenna is placed manually for optimal reception, then signal strength can be maximized, but user time and effort are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the antenna in a motorized mounting structure with built-in directional control capabilities. The system预先 (in advance) prepares the antenna for automatic steering operations by integrating the motorized pedestal and control electronics before deployment. When the system is activated, it can immediately begin automatic orientation towards transmitting antennas without requiring users to perform manual placement or adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the optimal orientation and steering towards desired transmitting antennas without requiring user intervention. The electronic circuitry receives directional information from mobile devices, calculates the optimal antenna orientation, and automatically positions the antenna using the motorized pedestal, thereby eliminating the time and effort users would otherwise spend on manual setup and adjustment.
3Extent of automation
If a directional antenna with motorized steering is added, then automatic steering capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional integrated system where the motorized pedestal serves multiple purposes: it provides structural support for the antenna, enables rotational movement for steering, and incorporates control electronics for receiving and processing directional information. The system can operate with different mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) through standard WiFi or Bluetooth protocols, making it universally compatible and reducing the need for device-specific components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements merging by combining the antenna element, motorized pedestal, control electronics, and wireless communication modules into a single integrated system. Rather than having separate components for each function, the design merges these elements into one unified device that performs all necessary operations (signal reception, directional control, motor actuation, and wireless communication) through a coordinated system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system for receiving over-the-air broadcast television signals includes a steerable directional antenna, a pedestal on which the directional antenna is rotatably mounted, a stepper motor to effect rotation of the steerable directional antenna, and a control circuit. The control circuit receives a control signal and causes the stepper motor to effect rotation of the steerable directional antenna. The directional antenna is steered such that its main lobe is generally directed to a television signal transmitting antenna selected by the user of the antenna system. The steering of the directional antenna is based on geographic location information associated with the television signal transmitting antenna.