Swivel Mounted Antenna for Vehicle Satellite Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mounting devices for SATCOM antennas on vehicles do not allow for easy installation or removal, and require the entire vehicle to be physically moved to maintain line of sight communication with orbiting satellites, limiting efficient satellite communication.
Innovation Solution
A swivel mount apparatus that includes a first member coupled to a vehicle's mounting interface, a second member rotatably coupled to the first member, and a mounting post defining an azimuth pivot axis, allowing the antenna to be manually adjusted and rotated 360 degrees for satellite communication without moving the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the antenna is mounted on a fixed vehicle structure, then the mounting structure is simple, but the antenna cannot be manually adjusted for satellite alignment without moving the entire vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into separate functional components: a base member that attaches to the vehicle, a rotatable member that holds the antenna, and a mounting post that connects them. This segmentation allows the antenna to be independently adjusted while keeping the overall structure manageable and relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure incorporates rotational freedom between the base member and rotatable member, transforming a static fixed mounting into a dynamic adjustable system. This allows the antenna to be manually rotated for satellite alignment without requiring the entire vehicle to move, while maintaining structural integrity through controlled mechanical joints.
2Productivity
If the entire vehicle is moved to maintain line of sight with satellites, then satellite communication is enabled, but operational efficiency is reduced due to vehicle movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is separated from the vehicle body through an independent mounting structure with its own rotation mechanism. This allows the antenna to be adjusted independently of the vehicle, enabling satellite communication without requiring vehicle movement and thus improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna mounting structure provides self-adjustment capability through manual rotation of the rotatable member. The operator can directly control antenna orientation without needing to move the vehicle, making the system self-sufficient for maintaining satellite line of sight and improving communication efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna mounting structure allows 360 degree rotation, then satellite alignment is achieved, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation capability is isolated to a specific rotatable member that connects the base member and antenna support. This segmentation allows 360-degree rotation functionality to be implemented in a localized, manageable component rather than requiring the entire mounting structure to be complex, achieving versatility with controlled complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel mount apparatus and method for installing a swivel mount apparatus on a vehicle. The swivel mount apparatus includes a first member, a second member rotatably coupled to the first member, and a mounting post affixed to the first member and extending upwardly relative to the first member, wherein the mounting post receives the second member. A receiving space is defined by the second member and receives an accessory, such that the accessory may be adjusted relative to the vehicle.