Tilt Bracket Gear Mechanism for Antenna Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mounting and adjusting large, heavy antennas in hard-to-reach areas, such as tall buildings, is difficult due to the need for precise tilt angle adjustments and risk of accidental opening, which can lead to the device dropping during installation.

Innovation Solution

A tilt bracket with a gear mechanism and blocking mechanism that allows the bracket to be easily folded and secured in place, reducing the risk of accidental opening and allowing for easier adjustment and mounting by distributing the weight of the antenna, thus simplifying the installation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual handle is used to adjust the extendable arm length, then the tilt angle can be adjusted, but the adjustment process is complex and requires two-handed operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of tilt angle adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual handle-based mechanical adjustment system with a gear mechanism driven by a crank handle. The gear mechanism (including gear wheel, sector gear, and pinion) automatically translates the rotational motion of the single crank handle into linear motion of the extendable arm, eliminating the need for complex two-handed manual adjustment while reducing overall mechanical complexity through standardized gear components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a gear mechanism as an intermediary between the crank handle and the extendable arm. This intermediary mechanism (comprising gear wheel, sector gear, and pinion) mediates the force transmission and motion conversion, allowing single-handed operation while maintaining precise control over the arm extension and tilt angle adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the tilt bracket is left open during mounting, then the antenna can be positioned, but the bracket protrudes too much and risks being broken

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mountingVSAvoidrisk of bracket breaking

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic blocking mechanism that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. During mounting, the blocking catch is disengaged to allow the bracket to be positioned; once positioned, the blocking catch engages with the gear mechanism to lock the bracket in place, reducing protrusion and preventing accidental opening. This dynamic state change enables both ease of mounting and structural reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the blocking mechanism is always engaged, then the bracket is secure, but the bracket cannot be adjusted or folded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of bracket positionVSAvoidability to adjust and fold

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking mechanism is designed to be dynamically controllable, transitioning between engaged and disengaged states. When disengaged, the gear mechanism allows free adjustment and folding of the bracket; when engaged, the blocking catch secures the bracket in the desired position. This dynamic design simultaneously achieves reliability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the installer manually supports the antenna weight, then the tilt angle can be maintained, but the installer cannot simultaneously fixate the bracket position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of position fixationVSAvoidforce required to hold antenna

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for manual force support with a gear mechanism that mechanically supports the antenna weight. The gear mechanism (gear wheel, sector gear, pinion) translates the small force applied to the crank handle into sufficient holding force to support the antenna, eliminating the need for the installer to manually support the weight while fixingating the bracket position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The tilt bracket ensures secure and efficient mounting with reduced risk of accidental opening, allowing for easier handling and adjustment, making the installation process less burdensome and safer for the installer.

Implementation Method 1

a gear mechanism comprising a gear wheel, a sector gear and a pinion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

a blocking mechanism comprising a blocking catch which is adapted to block unintended movement of the first bracket part and second bracket part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical blocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3753069B1Tilt bracket for antenna structure

Publication Date: 2022.03.02 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

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Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4

AI summary

A tilt bracket (1) comprising a first bracket part (2) and a second bracket part (3) being pivotable between a fully open position (P1), a fully folded position (P2), and intermediate positions (P3). The tilt bracket (1) further comprises a blocking mechanism (7) which allows the first bracket part (2) and the second bracket part (3) to always pivot towards the fully folded position (P2), and which either prevents or allows the first bracket part (2) and the second bracket part (3) to pivot towards the fully open position (P1).