Non-Circular Mast Rotary Support for Antenna Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable radio antenna systems face challenges in maintaining optimal performance due to environmental factors like wind, which can unintentionally alter the rotational orientation of the device, making precise adjustments cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A rotary support system with a mast and base featuring a non-circular cross-sectional profile and a rotary mechanism, coupled with an electric motor and sensor modules, allows for precise control of the mast's height and orientation, using a controller to adjust the mast's position and orientation based on input commands or sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rotary support system uses a conventional circular mast cross-section, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the rotational orientation cannot be precisely controlled and may be unintentionally varied by environmental factors such as wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the mast with a non-circular cross-sectional profile (e.g., rectangular, oval, or other asymmetric shapes). This asymmetric geometry creates distinct reference orientations that enable precise rotational positioning. The non-circular shape ensures that the mast can only assume specific rotational orientations, thereby preventing unintended rotation caused by environmental factors like wind while maintaining manufacturability through standard fabrication processes.
2Ease of operation
If the rotary support system relies on manual adjustment mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult or cumbersome to precisely adjust the rotational orientation of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automated motorized rotary mechanism. This substitution enables precise rotational orientation control through electric motors that can be programmed to achieve exact angular positions. The automated system eliminates the cumbersomeness of manual adjustment while providing fine-tuned rotational positioning capability through controlled motor actuation of the non-circular mast.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the mast is allowed to rotate freely to adapt to environmental conditions, then the system becomes more adaptable, but the rotational orientation cannot be maintained at optimal positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that actively maintains the mast at optimal rotational orientations despite environmental disturbances. The motorized rotary mechanism continuously adjusts the mast position in response to feedback from sensors (such as wind sensors, position encoders, or control commands), enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions while stabilizing the rotational orientation at desired positions. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Rotary support systems, associated control devices, and methods of operating the same. Rotary support systems include a mast configured to support an elevated device and a base that includes a rotary mechanism that rotatably couples the mast to the base. The rotary mechanism is configured to selectively rotate the mast. The mast has a cross-sectional profile that is non-circular. Rotary support systems additionally may include a controller configured to interface with an electric motor to rotate the mast with respect to the base. Controller implemented methods for operating a rotary support system include receiving an input command and, responsive to the receiving the input command, sending an output command to an electric motor to rotate the mast relative to the base.