Utility Pole Antenna Mount Assembly for Low-Scattering Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of metrocell base station antennas is hindered by the lack of suitable mounting locations on utility poles, leading to sub-optimum configurations that increase vandalism risk and degrade performance due to beam scattering, especially with the rise of 5G systems.
Innovation Solution
An antenna mounting assembly comprising upper and lower bracket assemblies with convex-tapered edges and pins/washers, and clamping brackets, allowing for secure and efficient installation of metrocell antennas around utility poles, ensuring optimal positioning and reduced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If metrocell antennas are mounted on top of utility poles, then optimal positioning is achieved, but suitable mounting locations are unavailable in many areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical mounting (on top of poles) to horizontal/wrapping mounting (around the pole circumference). The antenna assembly is configured to wrap around substantially substantially the entire circumference of the utility pole, utilizing the radial dimension to achieve mounting in locations where traditional top-mounted configurations are not available.
2Adaptability or versatility
If metrocell antennas are mounted offset down utility poles, then mounting location constraints are satisfied, but beam scattering increases and performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly wraps around the pole in a horizontal configuration rather than mounting vertically on top or offset down the pole. This dimensional change positions the antenna elements away from the pole surface in the radial direction, preventing beam scattering while maintaining mounting flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna assembly is divided into multiple antenna elements (typically three linear arrays) that are distributed around the circumference of the pole. Each element is positioned on a separate reflector panel, allowing the system to maintain optimal radiation patterns while wrapping around the pole structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If metrocell antennas are mounted offset down utility poles, then mounting constraints are satisfied, but visibility and vandalism risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly is nested around the utility pole, with the enclosures wrapping around substantially the entire circumference of the pole. This nested configuration integrates the antenna system into the existing pole structure, making it less visible and more difficult to access for vandalism while utilizing the pole as a protective enclosure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex mounting structures are used to wrap around poles, then mounting flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly integrates multiple functions into a unified structure: the brackets secure the antenna enclosures to each other, the clamping bracket attaches the assembly to the utility pole, and the configuration itself provides both structural support and vandal resistance. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to an antenna mounting assembly. The assembly includes upper and lower bracket assemblies. The upper bracket assembly includes a first bracket with a pair of apertures each having a convex tapered edge and a second bracket with a pair of pins extending upwardly therefrom. Each pin is configured to be received by a respective aperture of the first bracket to define an engagement point between the first and second brackets. The lower bracket assembly includes a first bracket having opposing flanged ends extending downwardly, each flanged end having an aperture, and a second bracket having opposing flanged ends extending downwardly, each flanged end having an aperture. The flanged ends of the first bracket are configured to align with the flanged ends of the second bracket such that fasteners are received through the aligned apertures to define an engagement point between the first and second brackets.