Transversely Clampable Linear Adjustment Mechanism for Antenna Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear adjustment mechanisms for antenna mounts cause unintended displacement of the antenna during the tightening process, leading to loss of precise boresight alignment and reduced transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A transversely clampable, linear adjustment mechanism comprising an adjustment plate, an adjustment nut, and a holding plate, where the adjustment nut engages with the adjustment plate's exterior threading and the clamping bolt secures the linear position without disturbing the precise adjustment, ensuring that the clamping force does not alter the azimuth angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If nuts are tightened to secure the antenna mount, then the clamping force is improved, but the azimuth angle alignment is disturbed causing unintended displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single tightening operation into two independent functions: adjustment (positioning) and clamping (securing). The adjustment nut and clamping bolt are separate components that perform distinct functions, allowing the azimuth angle to be precisely set before final securing without risk of displacement during tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effect of tightening-induced displacement is eliminated by extracting the clamping function from the adjustment function. The clamping bolt is introduced as a separate element that applies securing force without affecting the azimuth angle, while the adjustment nut handles only positioning without providing clamping force.
2Manufacturing precision
If fine adjustment is achieved through fine threading, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the tightening process becomes more sensitive causing alignment loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the fine adjustment function (handled by the adjustment nut with fine threading) from the securing function (handled by the clamping bolt). This segmentation allows the fine threading to provide high adjustment precision without compromising reliability, because the subsequent clamping bolt application does not interfere with the already-set azimuth angle.
3Device complexity
If a single bolt is used for both adjustment and clamping, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operational reliability deteriorates due to unintended displacement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single bolt for both adjustment and clamping, the patent introduces two separate components: an adjustment nut for positioning and a clamping bolt for securing. This segmentation increases component count but eliminates the harmful interaction between adjustment and clamping operations, thereby improving operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment plate serves as an intermediary element between the adjustment nut and the clamping bolt. It provides a stable reference surface that allows the adjustment nut to set the azimuth angle and the clamping bolt to secure this position without the two operations interfering with each other.
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
This mechanism allows for precise linear adjustment and secure clamping that maintains the precise alignment of the antenna's azimuth angle, enhancing the stability and efficiency of microwave signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment plate comprises an exterior-threaded section that engages with the adjustment nut
Implementation Method 2
rotation of the clamping bolt secures the linear position of the adjustment plate relative to the holding plate
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a linear adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment plate, an adjustment nut, and a holding plate. The adjustment plate has an exterior-threaded section that engages with the adjustment nut, a mounting-bolt opening, and a clamping-bolt slot. The holding plate has a horizontal section having a clamping-bolt opening, a vertical section connected to the horizontal section, and an adjustment-nut opening. With (i) the adjustment nut engaged with the adjustment-nut opening and the exterior-threaded section of the adjustment plate and (ii) the clamping bolt inserted within (a) the clamping-bolt slot of the adjustment plate and (b) the clamping-bolt opening of the holding plate, (1) rotation of the adjustment nut on the exterior-threaded section of the adjustment adjusts the linear position of the adjustment plate relative to the holding plate and (2) rotation of the clamping bolt secures the linear position of the adjustment plate relative to the holding plate.