Multi-piece Fastener for Base Station Antenna Parasitic Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting parasitic elements on base station antennas are costly and inefficient due to the need for variously sized and shaped insulating gaskets, which are sensitive to metal burrs and require convex hulls, increasing manufacturing costs and stress concentration.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece fastener system comprising a first and second element, where the first element spaces and electrically isolates the parasitic element from the reflector, eliminating the need for insulating gaskets and convex hulls, using clamping elements to secure the parasitic element without the need for precise gasket placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If insulating gaskets are used to electrically isolate the parasitic element from the reflector, then electrical isolation is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to the need for variously sized and shaped gaskets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical isolation function and the clamping function into a single integrated fastener structure. The fastener includes an insulating body that provides electrical isolation between the parasitic element and reflector, while also incorporating clamping elements (such as resilient arms or threading mechanisms) that secure the parasitic element without requiring separate insulating gaskets. This merging eliminates the need for multiple components and reduces device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it provides electrical isolation through its insulating material, mechanically clamps the parasitic element using resilient or threaded clamping elements, and serves as a mounting structure. This multi-functional design allows a single component type to be used across different parasitic element configurations, eliminating the need for variously sized and shaped insulating gaskets.
2Reliability
If insulating gaskets are used with conventional fasteners, then electrical isolation is provided, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to sensitivity to metal burrs and need for convex hulls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable insulating gasket component from the assembly and replaces it with an integrated fastener structure. The insulating function is built into the fastener body itself, eliminating the need for separate gaskets that are sensitive to metal burrs and require precise placement. This extraction removes the manufacturing precision requirements associated with gasket installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is pre-formed with integrated clamping elements and insulating properties before assembly. The resilient arms or threading mechanisms are built into the fastener structure in advance, eliminating the need for on-site gasket cutting, shaping, and precise positioning. This preliminary preparation of the fastener eliminates manufacturing precision requirements during the assembly process.
3Reliability
If convex hulls are stamped in parasitic elements to prevent burr formation, then electrical isolation reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and stress concentration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the convex hull requirement from the parasitic element by using an integrated fastener with built-in insulating properties. The fastener's insulating body provides the necessary electrical isolation without requiring any modification to the parasitic element geometry, eliminating the need for costly convex hull stamping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive fastener components made from insulating materials that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Rather than investing in complex convex hull stamping processes for each parasitic element, the solution employs affordable, pre-fabricated fasteners that provide the same electrical isolation function without the manufacturing complexity.
4Reliability
If convex hulls are formed in parasitic elements, then burr formation is prevented, but stress concentration increases on the clamping connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the convex hull feature from the parasitic element by using an integrated fastener with built-in clamping and insulating capabilities. The fastener's resilient arms or threading mechanisms provide secure clamping without requiring any stress-concentrating geometric modifications to the parasitic element, maintaining structural strength while ensuring reliable connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-piece fastener for mounting a parasitic element to a reflector of a base station antenna comprises first and second elements. The first element or the second element is configured to be anchored on the reflector. The first element is configured to space apart and electrically isolate the parasitic element from the reflector. The first element has a first clamping element, the second element has a second clamping element, and the first clamping element and the second clamping element are configured to clamp the parasitic element therebetween.