Utility Pole Antenna Concealment Shroud Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for concealing antenna systems on utility poles require complete replacement of the pole, which is costly and does not meet aesthetic regulations, as they need to match existing infrastructure, and interfere with existing equipment.
Innovation Solution
A concealment enclosure kit that attaches to existing utility poles using a mounting bracket, equipment mounting plates, and a concealment shroud formed from roll-formed aluminum panels with ventilation slots, allowing existing structures to protrude and maintaining the pole's appearance, along with a radome cap for concealment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If antenna systems are placed openly on utility poles, then installation is simple and cost-effective, but aesthetic requirements are violated and community regulations are breached
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is nested within a concealment enclosure that fits over the existing utility pole. The enclosure contains the antenna equipment while maintaining the pole's external appearance, allowing the antenna to be hidden inside the enclosure structure that attaches to the pole.
Solution Approach 2:
A concealment enclosure acts as an intermediary between the antenna system and the external environment. This enclosure mediates by providing a aesthetic cover that hides the antenna equipment while still allowing the antenna to function, thus resolving the conflict between open placement and aesthetic requirements.
2Shape
If existing utility poles are replaced with specialized concealment poles, then antenna systems can be concealed, but costs increase significantly and existing equipment is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The solution is segmented into separate components: the existing utility pole remains in place, and a separate concealment enclosure is attached to it. This segmentation allows the antenna system to be concealed without replacing the entire pole structure, significantly reducing costs while maintaining the pole's functionality and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The concealment enclosure is designed to be pre-assembled and then attached to the existing pole. This preliminary preparation allows for cost-effective installation without the need for expensive pole replacement operations, disrupting existing equipment minimally while achieving the concealment goal.
3Shape
If utility poles are replaced to match local aesthetic requirements, then aesthetic consistency is maintained, but multiple pole types must be manufactured and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The concealment enclosure is designed as a universal solution that can be attached to various types of existing utility poles regardless of their specific design or local aesthetic requirements. This multi-functional approach allows the same enclosure type to be used across different pole styles, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple specialized pole types while maintaining aesthetic consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for concealing electronic equipment on a utility pole, the utility pole having an arm supporting at least one lamp. The system includes a mounting bracket, to be positioned on the utility pole; at least one equipment mounting plate, attachable to the mounting bracket. Each at least one equipment mounting plate is constructed and adapted to support a corresponding piece of communication equipment attached thereto; a concealment shroud having at least one slot and attachable to the mounting bracket; a bottom portion, attachable to the mounting bracket. A top part of the bottom portion has substantially the same shape as a bottom part of the concealment shroud. A cap is attachable to the mounting bracket. A bottom part of the cap has substantially the same shape as a top part of the concealment shroud.