Low-Profile Positioning Coupler for Mast Torque and Line-of-Sight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile surveillance systems are cumbersome, expensive, and operationally deficient due to the need for additional retractable structures, which interfere with line of sight and subject the telescoping structure to unnecessary forces, compromising mobility and stability.
Innovation Solution
A modular, low-profile positioning coupler that is coaxially mountable with a retractable telescoping structure, featuring a spool-shaped design with a rotatable arm and motor-driven pulley system, allowing for tool-free mounting of additional surveillance equipment while maintaining a compact profile and reducing torque on the mast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a second retractable structure or cross-bar is used to mount additional surveillance equipment, then the system can accommodate more equipment, but the system size, weight, and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting function for additional equipment directly onto the existing retractable telescoping structure by providing a mounting plate that attaches to the mast. This eliminates the need for separate retractable structures or cross-bars, merging multiple functions into a single integrated system that reduces overall complexity while maintaining equipment accommodation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is designed with multiple mounting brackets that can accommodate various types of surveillance equipment (cameras, radar, sensors, flood lights, loud hailers). This universal mounting solution allows a single structure to serve multiple equipment types without requiring specialized mounting structures for each device
2Adaptability or versatility
If surveillance equipment is mounted on a cross-bar formation, then additional equipment can be installed, but the field of regard and line of sight are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting equipment horizontally on a cross-bar that would block the field of regard, the patent positions the mounting plate and equipment vertically along the telescoping structure. This dimensional change allows equipment to be mounted without interfering with the horizontal line of sight, as equipment is arranged in a vertical configuration that does not obstruct the detection paths
3Adaptability or versatility
If surveillance equipment is offset from the central axis of the telescoping structure, then equipment can be mounted, but bending forces are created that compromise structural integrity and mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is designed with asymmetric positioning features that allow equipment to be mounted at various positions along the telescoping structure. By strategically positioning equipment along the central axis or in balanced configurations, the design minimizes asymmetric loading that would create bending forces, while still providing versatile mounting options
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient mounting of additional surveillance equipment without obstructing the field of regard, reduces the number of required equipment, and enhances the structural integrity and mobility of the system by aligning payloads with the central axis, thus improving operational stability and reducing the overall size and weight of the system.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is mounted to the arm outside the radial extent of the first plate and of the second plate and is configured to rotate the arm about the column
Implementation Method 2
A toothed belt extends between the rotatable drive pulley and the stationary toothed pulley
Data Source
AI summary
A modular coupler coaxially mountable with a mast includes a first plate, a second plate and a column axially extending between the first and second plates. An arm is rotatably attached to the column and generally transversely extends therefrom and beyond a radial extent of the first plate and of the second plate. A mounting bracket projects from the arm along a portion of the arm outside the radial extent of the first plate and of the second plate. The mounting bracket is configured to removably mount a first surveillance equipment thereto. A motor is mounted to the arm outside the radial extent of the first plate and of the second plate and is configured to rotate the arm about the column.