Universal Radio Tray Interface for Fast Multi-Radio Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio systems face challenges in interfacing multiple types of radios with mobile platforms due to varying connectors, form factors, and mounting configurations, leading to impractical swapping and limited mobility and power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A universal radio interface system that includes a radio tray and universal interface housing, allowing different radios to be efficiently swapped without changing cabling or connectors, using a radio tray backing and interface housing with guide ports and stabilizing features to secure and protect the radio module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of radios are used to accommodate different use cases, then the system can handle varying transmission distances, data speeds, and bandwidth requirements, but the device complexity and number of components increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mounting structure with standardized interface housing, tray assembly, connector positions, and cabling configurations that can accommodate multiple radio types and manufacturers. This single universal system replaces the need for multiple specialized mounting hardware sets, allowing the same physical infrastructure to support various radio form factors and connector types through adaptive radio modules rather than adaptive mounting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into standardized modular components: interface housing, tray assembly, radio module, connector assembly, and cabling. Each component has defined interfaces and tolerances that allow them to work together universally. The radio module itself is segmented as a replaceable unit that can be swapped without affecting the mounting infrastructure, separating the variable radio functionality from the fixed universal mounting structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If radios are swapped between applications, then different use cases can be accommodated, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need to replace mounting hardware, connectors, and cabling
Solution Approach 1:
The universal mounting structure with standardized interfaces, connector positions, and cabling configurations allows any radio module to be installed using the same mounting procedure. The standardized tray assembly and interface housing accept various radio form factors without requiring hardware changes, and the fixed connector positions mean cabling remains the same regardless of which radio module is installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting hardware, connectors, and cabling are pre-configured in standardized positions during system installation. The tray assembly is pre-positioned within the interface housing, connectors are pre-located at standardized points, and cabling is pre-routed to match the universal interface. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need to reconfigure these elements when swapping radios, requiring only the radio module itself to be replaced.
3Reliability
If conventional radio mounting systems are used, then each radio type can be securely mounted, but the loss of time increases due to the complex swapping process
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized universal mounting structure maintains secure mounting for all radio types through consistent mechanical interfaces, fastening points, and structural support provided by the tray assembly and interface housing. The same reliable mounting mechanism is used for all radio modules, ensuring equivalent security regardless of radio type while dramatically reducing replacement time through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
All mounting components are pre-configured and pre-positioned during initial system setup. The tray assembly is pre-installed in the interface housing, connectors are pre-located at standardized positions, and cabling is pre-routed and secured. When a radio needs to be replaced, only the radio module itself requires removal and installation, while all other components remain in their predetermined positions, minimizing the time required for radio swapping.
4Weight of moving object
If mobile platforms have limited space and weight capacity, then mobility is improved, but the adaptability to accommodate different radio types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal mounting structure provides a single lightweight infrastructure that can accommodate multiple radio types, eliminating the need to carry multiple specialized mounting hardware sets. The standardized interface housing, tray assembly, and connector system weigh less than the cumulative weight of multiple radio-specific mounting systems while providing equivalent or greater adaptability for different radio form factors and manufacturers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the heavy, fixed mounting infrastructure (interface housing, tray assembly, connectors, cabling) from the lighter, replaceable radio modules. This segmentation allows the mobile platform to carry a single universal mounting structure that provides all necessary support, while radio modules can be swapped as needed without adding to the permanent weight of the platform. The mounting structure is optimized once and reused for all radio types.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an universal radio interface system that allows different types of radios to be installed on a mobile or stationary platform. After a radio is installed, the radio can be efficiently removed and replaced with a different type of radio without having to change cabling, connectors, or mounting hardware. The universal radio interface can include an universal interface housing that can be mounted to the mobile or stationary platform. The universal radio interface also includes a radio tray that is installed in the universal interface housing. The radio tray is configured to accommodate specific types or sizes of radio modules. The universal radio interface system can also include a radio tray backing affixed to the radio tray and the radio module. The radio module, radio tray, and radio tray backing are assembled and secured within an interior cavity of the universal interface housing.