Rooftop Sector Frame Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rooftop sector frames face challenges in meeting strength and Effective Projected Area (EPA) requirements while needing increased adaptability to support multiple antennas on sloped commercial building tops and varying installation environments, with existing designs often increasing EPA due to additional components.
Innovation Solution
A sector frame with adjustable joints allowing rotation in multiple axes and modular extensions for anchoring, including ballast sleds with adjustable footprints, to accommodate different substrate orientations and loads without penetrating the rooftop, thereby enhancing adaptability and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added to increase adaptability for different installation environments, then the frame can support sloped rooftops and various anchoring mechanisms, but the Effective Projected Area (EPA) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sector frame is divided into modular components including adjustable legs, interchangeable anchoring mechanisms, and separable structural elements. This segmentation allows the frame to adapt to different installation environments (flat roofs, sloped roofs, penetrating vs. non-penetrating anchors) without requiring a completely different frame design, thereby managing EPA while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates adjustable and movable components such as telescopic legs with adjustable lengths, rotatable anchoring points, and reconfigurable structural members. These dynamic elements enable the frame to adapt to varying installation conditions (different roof slopes, anchor types, and positioning requirements) without permanently increasing the EPA, as the adjustments are made within the existing structural footprint.
2Strength
If the frame is designed to support increased antenna loads and multiple antennas, then the strength requirements increase, but the structural complexity and EPA increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sector frame is designed with universal mounting points, standardized attachment mechanisms, and multi-functional structural elements that can support multiple antennas of varying sizes and weights. The same basic frame structure serves multiple functions: supporting antennas, providing mounting surfaces, enabling various anchoring methods, and accommodating different configurations without requiring additional complex structural additions that would increase EPA.
3Reliability
If non-penetrating anchoring with ballast is used, then the frame can be installed without penetrating the rooftop, but the load pressure on the rooftop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast sled design incorporates adjustable parameters including variable ballast weight, adjustable sled footprint area, and configurable distribution patterns. By changing these parameters, the system achieves the necessary anchoring reliability for non-penetrating installation while managing the load pressure on the rooftop to remain within safe limits. The adjustable nature allows optimization for different roof load capacities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to mounts for antennas and radio equipment, and more particularly to mounts for antennas on and radio equipment on the top of a building or commercial structure. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a sector frame. The sector frame may have a plurality of structural members, including antenna pipes for the mounting of electronic equipment, and a face pipe along which the antenna pipes are disposed. In some embodiments, the antenna pipes and the face pipe may form an antenna pipe array which is rotatable about three perpendicular axes. Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for adapting a sector frame to a substrate. The method includes the step of attaching an extension to a base of the sector frame, wherein a portion of the base of the sector frame is in contact with the substrate, and wherein a portion of the extension is in contact with the substrate.