Clamshell Pole Cover Assembly for Hidden Antenna Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mounting devices such as antennas on poles can spoil the view around the pole and degrade antenna electrical properties due to the obstruction of electromagnetic wave propagation paths.

Innovation Solution

A cover assembly comprising two hollow cylindrical covers made of fiber-reinforced plastic, with a hinge mechanism allowing them to form a clamshell structure around the pole, using a mounting mechanism with ring-shaped parts, brackets, and bolts to securely attach the covers without obstructing the electromagnetic wave path, allowing efficient device mounting while minimizing visual impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices such as antennas are mounted on brackets that project horizontally from the pole, then device mounting is enabled, but the view around the pole is spoiled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice mounting capabilityVSAvoidvisual appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into multiple segments that can be independently assembled around the pole. Each segment contains mounting structures, allowing devices to be mounted while the segments collectively form a complete circumferential cover that maintains aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting brackets and devices are nested within the cover structure itself rather than projecting outward. The cover encloses the pole and mounted devices, creating a streamlined external shape that preserves the pole's visual appearance while providing functional mounting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If brackets project horizontally from the pole to mount devices, then device mounting is achieved, but electromagnetic wave propagation paths are obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice mounting capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic wave obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Devices are mounted within the enclosed space of the cover rather than on external brackets. This nesting arrangement keeps the external surface smooth and continuous, allowing electromagnetic waves to propagate along the pole surface without being scattered or blocked by protruding structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting approach transitions from external horizontal projection to internal circumferential enclosure. Devices are positioned in the radial dimension within the cover, while the cover's external surface remains smooth in the tangential dimension, enabling electromagnetic wave propagation without obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11848490B2Cover assembly

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 DENKI KOGYO CO LTD

AI summary

Various devices are efficiently mounted on a pole while reducing the probability of spoiling the view around the pole. A cover assembly 100 includes a plurality of covers 1 and 2, the outer shapes of the covers being respectively shapes obtained by dividing a hollow elongated body at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, each of the covers having an internal housing space portion; and mounting mechanisms 5 to 8 for mounting the covers on a pole 9 located to be surrounded by the inner peripheral face of each of the covers in a state in which the covers are arranged to form a hollow elongated body as a whole.