Remote Antenna Deployment Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical antenna latches are not readily accessible to operators, hindering convenience and safety when securing or unlocking antennas for operation, particularly for azimuth movement.
Innovation Solution
A remote antenna deployment latch system with a latch assembly and azimuth pin, coupled to a remote control assembly, allows securement and release of the antenna in a deployed position and unlocks rotation about the azimuth axis, enabling operators to manage the antenna's position without direct access to the latch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latches are used to secure antennas in deployed position, then the antenna can be locked reliably, but the latches are not readily accessible to operators, hindering convenience and safety
Solution Approach 1:
A cable assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism, allowing the operator to remotely actuate the latch from a convenient location. The cable transmits the actuating force from the remote control interface to the latch mechanism, resolving the contradiction between reliable locking and operator accessibility.
2Productivity
If the antenna deployment mechanism is simplified, then the deployment process becomes faster, but the means for deploying are not sufficient to maintain the antenna at the operating angle
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the deployment mechanism for rapid positioning and the separate latch mechanism for maintaining position. This segmentation allows the deployment mechanism to operate quickly while the latch provides independent, reliable position maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If a remote control assembly is added to enable remote latch operation, then operator convenience and safety are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly serves as a simple mechanical intermediary that enables remote operation without requiring complex electrical systems, sensors, or control electronics. This mechanical intermediary approach achieves remote operation capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote antenna deployment latch is disclosed. The remote antenna deployment latch includes a latch assembly having a latch pin movable to alternately secure an antenna in, and release the antenna from, a deployed position. The remote antenna deployment latch also includes an azimuth pin movable to alternately lock and unlock rotation of the antenna about an azimuth axis. In addition, the remote antenna deployment latch includes a remote control assembly operably coupled to the latch pin and the azimuth pin to simultaneously secure the antenna in the deployed position and unlock rotation of the antenna about the azimuth axis.