Sighting Bracket for Antenna Alignment Slack Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna alignment methods introduce inaccuracies due to slack in the bracket assembly, particularly when aligning modern beamforming antennas that require tighter tolerances, leading to increased noise floor and reduced network throughput.
Innovation Solution
A sighting bracket that contacts three sides of the antenna assembly and is secured to a structural backbone, providing consistent and accurate alignment by eliminating slack and ensuring precise attachment points for alignment tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional bracket assembly with adjustable strap is used to attach alignment tools to antennas, then the installation process is simple and flexible, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to slack and inconsistency introduced by the strapping method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic adjustable strap component from the bracket assembly and replaces it with a rigid, pre-configured structure that attaches directly to the antenna. This extraction eliminates the source of slack and inconsistency while maintaining installation simplicity through the streamlined design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rigid bracket structure as an intermediary between the alignment tool and the antenna. This intermediary provides a stable, precise mounting platform that eliminates the flexibility-induced errors of strap-based attachment while keeping the overall system easy to install.
2Length of moving object
If beamforming antennas with narrow beamwidths are used for long-distance communication, then the communication range is extended, but the alignment tolerance requirement becomes much stricter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment features and precision mounting structures into the bracket design before installation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the antenna is installed, the alignment can be achieved quickly and accurately without requiring complex post-installation adjustments, thereby meeting the strict tolerance requirements of narrow beamwidth antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the flexible, imprecise mechanical strap system with a rigid mechanical bracket structure that inherently provides the precision required for narrow beamwidth alignment, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining ease of installation.
3Ease of operation
If the bracket assembly allows flexibility for easy installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the consistency and repeatability of alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustable strap component that provides flexibility but compromises consistency. The remaining rigid bracket structure maintains ease of installation through its simplified design while eliminating the variability introduced by manual strapping, thereby achieving both ease of operation and alignment consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna alignment bracket may include a guide member having a first end and a second end, a first end plate disposed at the first end of the guide member to extend away from the guide member in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to a direction of longitudinal extension of the guide member, a second end plate disposed at the second end of the guide member to extend away from the guide member in the first direction, and an extension portion operably coupled to one of the first end plate, the second end plate, or the guide member at a proximal end of the extension portion. The extension portion may be configured to support an alignment tool bracket for holding an alignment tool configured to align an antenna assembly at a distal end of the extension portion. A receiving space is defined between the first and second end plates to receive the antenna assembly.