Polymeric Cable Hanger Adapter for Low-PIM Tower Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable hanger systems face challenges in efficiently securing multiple cables to structures without pre-formed holes, particularly in reducing or eliminating passive intermodulation (PIM) that can impact antenna performance.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric adapter with specific geometrical features such as side walls, a ceiling, end walls, and cradles with mounting holes and recesses, allowing for versatile mounting configurations using straps and threaded rods, and accommodating various mounting structures like poles and ladders, while minimizing PIM.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If metal cable hangers are used to secure multiple cables to antenna towers, then the number of cables mountable to a single attachment point increases, but passive intermodulation (PIM) is generated that negatively impacts antenna performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polymeric adapter as an intermediary component between the metal antenna tower and the cable hangers. This adapter has a polymeric body with mounting holes that receive cable hangers, and it is secured to the metal tower using metal fasteners. The polymeric material acts as a mediator that isolates the cable hanger system from direct metal-to-metal contact with the tower, thereby eliminating PIM while still allowing multiple cables to be mounted.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is constructed from polymeric material, creating a composite structure that combines the advantages of different materials. The polymeric body provides PIM elimination properties, while metal fasteners provide secure attachment to the metal tower. This composite approach allows the system to mount multiple cables without generating PIM.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are introduced to mount cable hangers on structures without pre-formed holes, then mounting versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed as a universal mounting component that can be used on various structures including antenna towers, poles, and other support structures with or without pre-formed holes. It provides multiple mounting holes for different cable hanger configurations and can be secured using various methods (bolts through pre-formed holes or straps around structures without holes). This multi-functionality achieves mounting versatility without requiring multiple different adapter designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed as a modular component that can be independently installed and removed. It segments the mounting function into a separate adapter unit rather than integrating it directly into the tower structure, allowing for easier installation, maintenance, and configuration changes without affecting the entire antenna system.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for a cable hanger includes: first and second opposed side walls; a ceiling spanning the first and second side walls; and first and second end walls spanning the first and second side walls and merging with the ceiling. At least one of the first and second side walls and the ceiling includes a mounting hole. At least one cradle is mounted to and extends away from one of the first or second side walls, the first or second ends walls, or the ceiling.