Rotatable Antenna Mounting for Vehicle Maintenance Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for fixing antennas to vehicle chassis are time-consuming and require frequent repositioning during maintenance, hindering efficient communication and increasing downtime in public transport systems.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable antenna support system that allows access behind the antenna without dismantling it, enabling precise repositioning without repeating tedious test and adjustment phases, by pivoting the antenna on its support and maintaining optimal communication alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the antenna is fixed to the vehicle chassis, then optimal communication positioning is achieved, but access to equipment behind the antenna is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess to equipment behind antennaVSAvoidCommunication positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is made rotatable relative to the base, transforming a static antenna mounting into a dynamic system. This allows the antenna to be rotated between different positions (first position for communication, second position for equipment access) while maintaining stable mounting through the rotatable connection between support and base.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If the antenna is removed to access equipment behind it, then equipment maintenance is enabled, but the antenna must be repositioned requiring time-consuming testing

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEquipment maintenance accessVSAvoidTesting and adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable support structure is prepared in advance with multiple fixing positions. When equipment maintenance is needed, the antenna can be quickly rotated to the second position without removal. After maintenance, the antenna is rotated back to the first position, eliminating the need for time-consuming repositioning tests since the pre-configured rotational mechanism preserves positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the antenna is positioned on the exterior of the vehicle, then communication with ground-based devices is optimized, but access to nearby equipment is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCommunication signal qualityVSAvoidAccess to equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna mounting system incorporates a rotatable support that enables the antenna to be dynamically repositioned. In the first position, the antenna extends outward for optimal communication. In the second position, the antenna is rotated to allow access to equipment behind it, thus resolving the contradiction between communication optimization and equipment accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of repair

If frequent antenna repositioning is performed during maintenance, then equipment servicing is enabled, but communication reliability deteriorates due to repeated testing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEquipment servicing frequencyVSAvoidCommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable support with pre-configured fixing positions allows the antenna to be quickly repositioned during maintenance without compromising its mounting precision. The multiple second holes and corresponding first holes enable the antenna to be secured at different positions while maintaining optimal alignment, thus preserving communication reliability even during frequent maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4199248A1Antenna mounting device, related assembly and public transport vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 SPEEDINNOV
  • EP4199248A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4199248A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4199248A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mounting device (15) for an antenna (20), intended to be attached to the underside of a public transport vehicle. The mounting device (15) comprises a base (25) and a support. The base (25) is configured to be attached to the underside, the support being configured to support the antenna (20) and to be attached jointly to the antenna (20) and the base (25). The support is rotatable relative to the base (25) between a first position and a second position.