Satellite Feed Mounting Bayonet Coupling for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional satellite antennas for mobile applications require special tools and hardware for assembly, which can be difficult or impossible to use in hazardous environments, such as those requiring Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear, and hinder rapid deployment and packaging efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a housing with radially projecting members that engage with slots in a cup with a resilient gasket lining, allowing for secure attachment of the satellite antenna feed structure to the reflector unit without tools or hardware, using a frictional biasing force for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional mounting hardware (screws, brackets) is used to attach antenna to feed, then secure connection is achieved, but special tools are required and assembly becomes difficult under MOPP gear conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional mounting hardware (screws, brackets, tools) from the system entirely. Instead, it uses an integrated bayonet-style coupling mechanism where the antenna and feed structure connect directly through complementary geometric features (protrusions and recesses) that interlock without external fasteners, eliminating the need for tools and simplifying assembly under MOPP gear conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is merged into the structural design of the antenna and feed assembly themselves. The bayonet coupling features are integrated directly into the components rather than being separate hardware elements, combining the structural support and mounting functions into a single unified interface that requires no additional parts or tools
2Reliability
If special tools are required for antenna assembly, then secure mounting is achieved, but deployment time increases and packaging size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet coupling mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The geometric compatibility between protrusions and recesses automatically guides proper orientation during insertion, and the interlocking features secure the connection without requiring external tools or complex adjustment procedures, enabling rapid tool-free assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting interface is pre-configured with complementary bayonet features during manufacturing. The protrusions and recesses are precisely formed in advance, so that during field deployment the components simply need to be brought together in the correct orientation, with the pre-formed geometric features automatically ensuring proper alignment and secure engagement
3Strength
If mounting hardware is used for antenna attachment, then firm connection is achieved, but hardware can be lost or misplaced in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is merged into the structural design of the antenna and feed assembly themselves. The bayonet coupling features are integrated directly into the components rather than being separate hardware elements, combining the structural support and mounting functions into a single unified interface that requires no additional parts or tools
4Ease of operation
If conventional antenna/feed assembly configuration is used, then functional connection is achieved, but packaging size increases and deployment efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna and feed structure are designed to nest within each other when not in use. The compact bayonet coupling allows the components to be stored in a space-efficient configuration, with the antenna able to fold or retract into the feed structure housing, minimizing packaging volume while maintaining full functionality when deployed
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
Enables quick, reliable, and tool-free assembly and disassembly of satellite antennas, suitable for hazardous environments and military applications, reducing assembly time and packaging size while ensuring secure connections.
Implementation Method 1
biasing a mating portion of the housing against the resilient gasket lining of the cup bottom interior surface, so that the housing is engaged firmly within the cup by a frictional biasing force exerted by the lining
Data Source
AI summary
An article, integrated device, apparatus and a method for mounting a satellite antenna feed structure to an antenna reflector unit. The device comprises, in combination, a housing associated with the feed structure and a cup mounted to the antenna reflector unit. The housing includes a plurality of members projecting radially therefrom, the members being arranged and configured for cooperative engagement with slots correspondingly arranged and configured in the cup, a resilient gasket lining at least a bottom interior surface of the cup. Alternatively, the cup includes a plurality of inwardly projecting members arranged and configured for cooperative engagement with slots correspondingly arranged and configured in the housing. Upon positioning the housing axially relative to, and in mating engagement with, the cup, engaging the members with and sliding them into receiving ports of the slots, rotating the housing such that the members engage with and slide along the slots, and thereby biasing a mating portion of the housing against the gasket lining, the housing is engaged firmly within the cup.