Spring-Loaded Antenna Mount for Damage-Free Ceiling Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna solutions for in-building environments are difficult to install and may damage the structural components, requiring significant modifications and potentially compromising wireless coverage and signal integrity.
Innovation Solution
The development of a spring-loaded mount apparatus with a radome and quarter wave monopole antenna, which includes a housing with torsion springs and spring arms for easy installation without removing ceiling tiles, serving both mechanical and electrical functions, and providing an omnidirectional radiation pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used (drilling holes, removing ceiling tiles, securing with nuts and washers), then the antenna can be securely mounted, but the installation process damages structural components and requires significant modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spring-loaded mount apparatus as an intermediary device between the antenna and the ceiling tile. This mount includes a housing with spring-loaded arms that can be inserted through a pre-cut opening in the ceiling tile without drilling or removing tiles. The spring mechanism provides secure mounting through friction and elastic retention, eliminating the need for nuts, washers, and drilling operations that would damage the ceiling tile.
2Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used (drilling holes, removing ceiling tiles), then the antenna can be securely mounted, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mount apparatus serves as a pre-assembled intermediary component that simplifies installation. It includes a housing with spring-loaded arms that can be inserted through a simple pre-cut opening in the ceiling tile. The spring mechanism automatically engages and secures the antenna without requiring complex fastening operations, reducing installation complexity while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mount apparatus is pre-assembled with the antenna before installation. The spring mechanism is pre-configured in the housing, and the mounting arms are pre-positioned. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple components (nuts, washers, drill bits), significantly reducing installation complexity and time.
3Volume of moving object
If the antenna is mounted close to the ceiling surface, then spatial intrusion is minimized and aesthetics are improved, but the radiation pattern may be distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mount apparatus extends the antenna mounting into the third dimension (vertical space between ceiling and antenna element) rather than requiring horizontal clearance. The spring arms provide mechanical support and electrical ground connection in a compact vertical footprint, allowing the antenna to be mounted close to the ceiling surface without compromising the radiation pattern. The radome enclosure further contains the antenna elements, minimizing spatial intrusion while maintaining proper electromagnetic radiation characteristics.
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
Facilitates convenient and damage-free antenna installation with improved operational characteristics, including wider bandwidth and reduced distortion, while maintaining antenna isolation and minimizing spatial intrusion.
Implementation Method 1
The spring-loaded mount apparatus includes a housing with a plurality of torsion springs located in or on the housing; and a plurality of spring arms, each of the spring arms being coupled with one or more of the plurality of torsion springs
Data Source
AI summary
In-building antenna apparatus and methods for manufacturing and installing the same. In one embodiment, the antenna apparatus includes a radome cover, a lower flange, an antenna housing, a spring-loaded mount apparatus, a signaling interface, and a plurality of spring arms. Each of the spring arms may include at least one tie-down location. Accordingly, when a removable tie is placed around a plurality of tie-down locations, the antenna apparatus resides in an installation configuration; however, when the removable tie is removed from around the plurality of tie-down locations, the antenna apparatus transitions towards a default configuration. The spring arms may also act as a ground plane for the antenna. Spring-loaded mount apparatus as well as methods of manufacturing and installing the aforementioned antenna apparatus are also disclosed.