Motorized Satellite Antenna Mounting Bracket for Non-Flat Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable satellite antenna systems face challenges with mounting on non-flat surfaces, limited dynamic range when mounted at angles, and cumbersome installation due to their spherical shape and large base footprint, which restricts their use on various vehicles and structures, and require permanent alterations and complex wiring.
Innovation Solution
A portable motorized antenna system with a mounting bracket that includes a support arm and a mounting assembly, allowing secure attachment to vehicles with a smaller footprint and angled sides for easy transport and non-permanent mounting, featuring a dielectric enclosure with a handle for manual transportability and automated operation without volume change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna system uses a spherical shape with a large base footprint for mounting, then the antenna can be securely mounted to flat surfaces, but it becomes cumbersome to mount on non-flat surfaces and requires permanent alterations to the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is divided into multiple components: a support arm with a first end portion for securing to the vehicle and a second end portion for securing the antenna, and a mounting assembly with a planar mounting plate. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables adaptation to various mounting surfaces without requiring permanent structural alterations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket acts as an intermediary between the antenna system and the vehicle mounting surface. It provides a flexible interface that can accommodate non-flat surfaces and various vehicle types (including tractor-trailers) without requiring direct attachment of the spherical antenna base to the mounting surface, thereby eliminating the need for permanent alterations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna system is mounted at an angle or on non-flat surfaces, then it can be installed on various vehicles like tractor-trailers, but the antenna loses dynamic range
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow the antenna to be positioned at optimal angles regardless of the vehicle's mounting surface orientation. The support arm and mounting plate can be configured to maintain proper antenna alignment and dynamic range even when mounted on angled surfaces like tractor-trailer sides, thereby preserving signal reception quality while achieving vehicle compatibility.
3Extent of automation
If the antenna system uses multiple wire harnesses for power and signal communication between remote and antenna, then complete functionality is achieved, but installation becomes difficult and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket integrates multiple functions into a single assembly: mechanical support, electrical connection routing, and grounding. By combining these functions, the system reduces the number of separate wire harnesses and connection points needed, making installation simpler while maintaining complete system functionality for power and signal communication between the remote and antenna.
4Ease of operation
If the antenna system is designed for easy manual transport with handles and foldable configuration, then portability is improved, but setup time increases after transport
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is pre-configured with adjustable components and pre-positioned mounting elements that allow for rapid deployment. The bracket can be quickly assembled or adjusted upon arrival at the destination, minimizing setup time. The design incorporates quick-connect features and pre-established mounting patterns that eliminate time-consuming alignment and adjustment procedures, thereby reducing the time penalty associated with portable, foldable designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable motorized satellite television antenna system is connectable to a separate receiver. The satellite television antenna system can include an enclosure with at least a portion thereof comprising an electromagnetic wave permeable material. A reflector dish can be disposed inside of the enclosure. A low noise block converter can be disposed inside of the enclosure and configured to receive incoming satellite television signals. A first drive motor can be coupled to the satellite television antenna system such that at least one of an azimuth orientation and an elevation orientation of the dish can be adjusted. An electronic control system disposed inside of the enclosure and connected to the first drive motor to control automated aiming of the dish. The electronic control system and first drive motor can be powered solely by the separate receiver though a single conduit that spans between the satellite antenna system and the receiver.