Motorized Shade Antenna Bracket for Stable Radio Signal Reception

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Solution Overview

Problem

Concealment devices with motorized drive systems face issues where the radio antenna is not properly maintained in position, leading to degraded radio signal performance and potential damage due to contact with metal surfaces or being dragged by the screen.

Innovation Solution

A support structure is introduced to house the radio antenna outside the trunk, maintaining it at a safe distance from metal surfaces and preventing damage, while ensuring optimal signal performance and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the radio antenna is left free outside the trunk without being held in position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the radio signal performance is degraded and the antenna may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidradio signal performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A support structure acts as an intermediary element between the trunk and the radio antenna. The support comprises a housing that receives and holds the radio antenna in a fixed position outside the trunk, preventing it from contacting metal surfaces or being damaged by screen movement, while maintaining radio signal performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the trunk containing the electronic control unit, the support structure housing the radio antenna, and the screen assembly. This segmentation allows the radio antenna to be positioned optimally for signal performance while being protected from damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the radio antenna is held in position outside the trunk using a support structure, then the radio signal performance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio signal performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it holds the radio antenna in position for optimal signal performance, protects the antenna from damage by screen movement and metal surface contact, and provides a mounting structure that can be attached to the trunk or building surface. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the radio antenna is placed close to metal surfaces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the radio signal transmission and reception is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidradio signal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure with its housing acts as an intermediary that positions the radio antenna at an optimal distance from metal surfaces. The housing provides physical separation between the antenna and the trunk or building surface, ensuring adequate clearance for radio signal transmission while maintaining a compact overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If the radio antenna is left exposed outside the trunk, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the antenna may be damaged by screen movement or pulled away from the electronic control unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidantenna durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure provides beforehand protection for the radio antenna by enclosing it in a housing and securing it in a fixed position. This prevents the antenna from being damaged by screen movement, pulled away from the electronic control unit, or folded back on itself during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure serves as a protective intermediary between the moving screen and the stationary radio antenna, preventing direct interaction that could cause damage to the antenna while allowing the screen to move freely

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3954857B1Shade device comprising a motorised drive device
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 SIMU
  • EP3954857B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3954857B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3954857B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A blackout device (3) comprises a housing (9), a screen (2), and a motorized drive device. The motorized drive device comprises an electromechanical actuator, an electronic control unit, and a radio antenna (25). The electromechanical actuator comprises an electric motor. The electronic control unit is electrically connected to the electric motor. The electronic control unit is located inside the housing (9). The radio antenna (25) is electrically connected to the electronic control unit. The blackout device (3) further comprises a bracket (26). The bracket (26) comprises a housing (32). The bracket (26) is located outside the housing (9). The radio antenna (25) is partially located inside the housing (32) of the bracket (26).