U.S. patent application number 17/165256 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-30 for position adjuster for millimeter wave antenna.
The applicant listed for this patent is E-BAND COMMUNICATIONS, LLC. Invention is credited to Steven Andrew Cashion, Jimmy Hannan.
Application Number | 20210408677 17/165256 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005830120 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210408677 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cashion; Steven Andrew ; et
al. |
December 30, 2021 |
POSITION ADJUSTER FOR MILLIMETER WAVE ANTENNA
Abstract
An adjustor configured to position an antenna coupled to a
mounting element includes an adjustor nut having a bore extending
along a longitudinal axis of the adjustor nut. At least a portion
of the bore has inner threads configured to engage corresponding
threads on a first portion of the mounting element positioned
within the bore. A tool interface is positioned near a proximal end
region of the adjustor nut and an external fastening mechanism
positioned near a distal end region of the adjustor nut. A preload
nut configured to engage the external fastening mechanism and
configured to apply a load onto a second portion of the mounting
element is positioned between a portion of the adjustor nut and the
preload nut. Rotation of the adjustor nut around the longitudinal
axis causes movement of the first portion along the longitudinal
axis while the load is applied onto the second portion.
Inventors: |
Cashion; Steven Andrew; (San
Diego, CA) ; Hannan; Jimmy; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
E-BAND COMMUNICATIONS, LLC |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005830120 |
Appl. No.: |
17/165256 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16508032 |
Jul 10, 2019 |
10950935 |
|
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17165256 |
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|
14811071 |
Jul 28, 2015 |
10411339 |
|
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16508032 |
|
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|
62031022 |
Jul 30, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01Q 3/08 20130101; H01Q
1/1228 20130101; F16B 39/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01Q 3/08 20060101
H01Q003/08; F16B 39/12 20060101 F16B039/12; H01Q 1/12 20060101
H01Q001/12 |
Claims
1.-30. (canceled)
31. An adjustor for aligning a data communication device, the
adjustor comprising: a mounting element configured to mount the
data communication device on a support structure; an adjustor nut
configured to be coupled to the mounting element, the adjustor nut
comprising: a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the
adjustor nut, the bore configured to engage with a first portion of
the mounting element positioned within the bore; and an outer
surface; a preload nut configured to engage the outer surface and
configured to apply a load onto a second portion of the mounting
element positioned between a portion of the adjustor nut and the
preload nut; wherein rotation of the adjustor nut around the
longitudinal axis causes movement of the first portion of the
mounting element along the longitudinal axis while the load is
applied onto the second portion of the mounting element, and
wherein the movement, caused by the rotation of the adjustor nut,
is configured to align the data communication device.
32. The adjustor of claim 31, wherein movement of the first portion
of the mounting element along the longitudinal axis adjusts the
data communication device along an elevation coordinate, an azimuth
coordinate, or a polarization.
33. The adjustor of claim 31, further comprising a locknut.
34. The adjustor of claim 33, wherein the locknut is coupled to the
mounting element.
35. The adjustor of claim 33, wherein the locknut is coupled to the
adjustor nut.
36. The adjustor of claim 35, wherein the locknut comprises a
central bore having a threaded region and an unthreaded region
forming a tapered shoulder, wherein the central bore is configured
to receive at least a portion of the adjustor nut.
37. The adjustor of claim 36, wherein the threaded region is sized
to engage at least a portion of the outer surface of the adjustor
nut.
38. The adjustor of claim 37, wherein when the locknut is loose,
the locknut travels along the longitudinal axis during movement of
the first portion of the mounting element.
39. The adjustor of claim 37, wherein when the locknut is
tightened, the locknut prevents movement of the first portion of
the mounting element along the longitudinal axis.
40. The adjustor of claim 37, wherein at least the portion of the
outer surface of the adjustor nut forms a tapered region.
41. The adjustor of claim 40, wherein the tapered region comprises
one or more slits extending through a wall of the adjustor nut.
42. The adjustor of claim 41, wherein tightening of the locknut via
rotation advances the locknut toward an end of the adjustor nut
causing engagement between the threaded region of the locknut with
at least a portion of the outer surface of the adjustor nut.
43. The adjustor of claim 42, wherein further tightening of the
locknut via rotation advances the locknut further toward the end of
the adjustor nut causing the tapered shoulder of the locknut to
wedge against the tapered region of the adjustor nut.
44. The adjustor of claim 43, wherein the tapered shoulder of the
locknut wedged against the tapered region of the adjustor nut
narrows the one or more slits of the tapered region and reduces an
inner diameter of the tapered region.
45. The adjustor of claim 44, wherein reduction of the inner
diameter locks the adjustor nut onto the first portion of the
mounting element.
46. The adjustor of claim 45, wherein locking the adjustor nut
prevents rotation of the adjustor nut around the longitudinal
axis.
47. The adjustor of claim 31, wherein the bore comprises threads
positioned within an end region of the adjustor nut.
48. The adjustor of claim 31, wherein the at least a portion of the
bore comprises threads positioned along a length of the bore.
49. The adjustor of claim 31, wherein the outer surface of the
adjustor nut comprises a fixation ring, a pop rivet, a weld, a
bond, an interference fit, a thread or a combination thereof.
50. The adjustor of claim 31, wherein the outer surface of the
adjustor nut comprises an external thread.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY DOCUMENT
[0001] This application claims priority of co-pending U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/031,022, filed Jul. 30, 2014.
The full disclosure of the application is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The subject matter described herein relates to adjustors for
positioning devices such as radio communication antennas.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Extremely high frequency (EHF) are radio frequencies in the
electromagnetic spectrum from 30 to 300 gigahertz. "E-Band" refers
to any frequency within the following ranges: 71 to 76 gigahertz
(GHz), 81 to 86 GHz, and 92 to 95 GHz. Transmissions in EHF
including E-Band frequency range are characterized by relatively
short distances, such as distances on the order of about 10 miles
and antennas with relatively narrow beam widths, when compared to
lower frequency transmission.
[0004] An obstacle to using E-Band communications is the alignment
of antennas used in the E-Band frequency range. Since the
frequencies are relatively high, the beam width of the antennas
used in E-Band communications have very narrow beam widths when
compared to traditional microwave antennas. The narrow beam widths
of E-Band antennas make it more difficult to align the antenna. For
example, when establishing an E-Band communication link using two
E-Band transceivers, the antennas must be aligned to enable
communications. Poor alignment may result in no signal or a
degraded signal at the E-Band transceiver.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one aspect, there are provided systems, devices, and
methods for positioning and adjusting devices such as radio
communication antennas. The adjustor configured to position an
antenna coupled to a mounting element includes an adjustor nut
having a bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the adjustor
nut from a distal end region to a proximal end region of the
adjustor nut. At least a portion of the bore has inner threads
configured to engage corresponding threads on a first portion of
the mounting element positioned within the bore. The adjustor has a
tool interface positioned near the proximal end region of the
adjustor nut and an external fastening mechanism positioned near
the distal end region of the adjustor nut. The adjustor has a
preload nut configured to engage the external fastening mechanism
and configured to apply a load onto a second portion of the
mounting element positioned between a portion of the adjustor nut
and the preload nut. Rotation of the adjustor nut around the
longitudinal axis causes movement of the first portion of the
mounting element along the longitudinal axis while the load is
applied onto the second portion of the mounting element.
[0006] Movement of the first portion of the mounting element along
the longitudinal axis can adjust the antenna along an elevation
coordinate, an azimuth coordinate, or a polarization. The adjustor
can further include a locknut. The locknut can be coupled to the
mounting element or can be coupled to the adjustor nut. The locknut
can include a central bore having a threaded region and an
unthreaded region forming a tapered shoulder. The central bore can
be configured to receive the distal end region of the adjustor nut.
The threaded region can be sized to engage at least a portion of
the external fastening mechanism positioned near the distal end
region of the adjustor nut. When the locknut is loose, the locknut
can travel along the longitudinal axis during movement of the first
portion of the mounting element. When the locknut is tightened, the
locknut can prevent movement of the first portion of the mounting
element along the longitudinal axis.
[0007] An outer surface of the distal end region of the adjustor
nut can form a tapered region. The tapered region can include one
or more slits extending through a wall of the distal end region.
Tightening of the locknut via rotation can advance the locknut
toward the proximal end region of the adjustor nut and can cause
engagement between the threaded region of the locknut with at least
a portion of the external fastening mechanism of the adjustor nut.
Further tightening of the locknut via rotation can advance the
locknut further toward the proximal end region of the adjustor nut
and can cause the tapered shoulder of the locknut to wedge against
the tapered region of the adjustor nut. The tapered shoulder of the
locknut wedged against the tapered region of the adjustor nut can
narrow the one or more slits of the tapered region and can reduce
an inner diameter of the tapered region. Reduction of the inner
diameter can lock the adjustor nut onto the first portion of the
mounting element. Locking the adjustor nut can prevent rotation of
the adjustor nut around the longitudinal axis. At least a portion
of the bore having inner threads can be within the distal end
region of the adjustor nut.
[0008] At least a portion of the bore having inner threads can be
within the adjustor nut from the distal end region to the proximal
end region. The external fastening mechanism can include a fixation
ring, pop rivet, weld, bond, interference fit, thread or
combination thereof. The external fastening mechanism can include
an external thread. The preload nut comprises a central bore having
an inner thread configured to engage the external thread of the
external fastening mechanism. Rotation of the preload nut can
provide engagement between the inner thread and the external thread
to advance the preload nut towards the proximal end region of the
adjustor nut thereby applying the load. Rotation of the adjustor
nut need not affect the load applied by the preload nut. The
adjustor nut can provide a first bearing surface against an
external side of the second portion of the mounting element. The
preload nut can provide a second bearing surface against an
internal side of the second portion of the mounting element. The
adjustor can include one or more washers, spacers, cushions,
bushings, bearings, springs or combinations thereof to reduce
friction between the first bearing surface and the second bearing
surface.
[0009] Rotation of the tool interface can rotate the adjustor nut.
The tool interface can be integral with and form the portion of the
adjustor nut such that the second portion of the mounting element
is positioned between the tool interface and the preload nut. A
tool configured to couple with the tool interface can also be
configured to couple with the preload nut. The tool configured to
couple with the tool interface and to the preload nut can also be
configured to couple with a locknut configured to prevent movement
of the first portion of the mounting element along the longitudinal
axis. The tool interface can be a hex head.
[0010] The above-noted aspects and features may be implemented in
systems, apparatus, and/or methods, depending on the desired
configuration. The details of one or more variations of the subject
matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings
and the description below. Features and advantages of the subject
matter described herein will be apparent from the description and
drawings, and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In the drawings,
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts an implementation of an adjustor in use with
a mounting element for an antenna;
[0013] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict perspective views of an adjustor nut
of the adjustor of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 2C depicts an end view of the adjustor nut;
[0015] FIG. 3A depicts a detailed view of the adjustor of FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 3B depicts a bottom view of the adjustor of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3C depicts a partially exploded view of the adjustor of
FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3D depicts a cross-sectional view of the adjustor of
FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 depicts an implementation of an adjustor in use with
a mounting element for an antenna;
[0020] FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of the adjustor of FIG.
4;
[0021] FIGS. 5B and 5C depict end views of an adjustor nut of the
adjustor of FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 5D depicts a perspective view of the adjustor nut of
the adjustor of FIG. 4;
[0023] FIGS. 5E and 5F depict a cross-sectional view and a side
view, respectively, of the adjustor nut of the adjustor of FIG.
4;
[0024] FIG. 5G depicts an end view of a locknut of the adjustor of
FIG. 4;
[0025] FIGS. 5H and 5I depict perspective views of the locknut of
the adjustor of FIG. 4;
[0026] FIG. 5J depicts a cross-sectional view of the locknut of the
adjustor of FIG. 4;
[0027] FIG. 5K depicts a perspective view of a preload nut of the
adjustor of FIG. 4;
[0028] FIG. 6A depicts a top elevational view of the adjustor of
FIG. 4 in use with a mounting element for an antenna;
[0029] FIG. 6B depicts a partially exploded view of the adjustor in
FIG. 6A;
[0030] FIG. 6C depicts a cross-sectional view of the adjustor in
FIG. 6A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Adjustments for antennas, point-to-point communications
links, such as millimeter wave links, or other data communication
devices involved in the transmitting and receiving of radio waves
can be made along two coordinates including altitude or elevation
above the horizon and azimuth or the angular measurement in a
spherical coordinate system (i.e. left/right adjustment). An
antenna can be mounted on a supporting structure, such as a pole of
a tower or other structure, using a mounting element. The antenna
can be installed manually by a technician. During installation, the
technician must find the optimum position for the antenna along
both elevation and azimuth coordinates. Azimuth adjustments, in
particular, previously involved a series of trial-and-error
adjustments including multiple rounds of tightening and loosening
of the mounting element hardware to dither the antenna back and
forth along the azimuth coordinate until the "sweet spot" was
found. The installation process was time-consuming, inefficient and
dangerous for the technician and for those that may be below the
tower should a tool be dropped when switching between the multiple
tools required for a single installation.
[0032] Described herein are adjustors configured to be used with
mounting elements for adjusting the position of antennas. The
adjustors described herein can provide efficient and precise
adjustment for the antenna that can be performed using a single
tool and a single hand. The adjustors described herein can be used
to adjust azimuth as well as elevation, polarization, or any other
type of adjustment.
[0033] FIG. 1 depicts an implementation of an adjustor 100 in use
with a mounting element 9 for a device such as an antenna. The
mounting element 9 can have a mounting plate 11 configured to
attach to the antenna 5. The mounting element 9 can also include a
pole mount 13 configured to be attached to the mounting plate 11,
for example an upper pole mount assembly 13a and a lower pole mount
assembly 13b, and configured to be coupled to the supporting
structure 7. As will be described in detail below, the antenna 5
coupled to the mounting element 9 can be adjusted, for example for
azimuth, elevation or polarization, using one or more adjustors 100
interfaced with a portion of the mounting element 9.
[0034] FIGS. 2A-2C show an implementation of an adjustor nut 101
for use with the adjustor 100. The adjustor nut 101 can include an
elongate shaft 105 having a bore 110 extending through the length
of the adjustor nut 101 along a longitudinal axis of the adjustor
nut 101 from a distal end region to a proximal end region. At least
a portion of the bore 110 can have inner threads 115 configured to
engage with corresponding threads on an outer surface of a portion
of the mounting element 9, as will be described in more detail
below. The inner threads 115 can extend the entire length of the
bore 110 or along a portion of the bore 110 near a distal end
region. In some implementations, the inner threads 115 cover at
least about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about
35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about
65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about
95% or greater percentage of the length of the bore 110 from the
distal end region. The inner threads 115 can have a thread count
that varies. The thread count of the inner threads 115 can be high
enough to provide a precise adjustment. However, the thread count
of the inner threads 115 should not be so high that the inner
threads 115 cannot bear the load placed on them or require too many
turns to achieve the desired adjustment. For example, a thread
count can be selected that is suitable from a manufacturing
stand-point that is also structurally stable and appropriately
resolved for a given application. The thread count as well as any
of the other relevant dimensions to the device can vary depending
on what degree of freedom, level of torque, resolution etc. may be
desirable for a particular intended use, the length of the lever
arm, any manufacturing concerns, etc.
[0035] The adjustor 100 can include a tool interface 120. In some
implementations, the tool interface 120 can be a proximal end
region of the adjustor nut 101 such as a hex head or other feature
configured to be engaged by a tool. The adjustor nut 101 can also
include a distal end region having an external fastening mechanism
125. In some implementations, the external fastening mechanism 125
is a threaded outer surface along at least a portion of the length
of the elongate shaft 105 from the distal-most end of the adjustor
nut 101 configured to couple with a preload nut 119 (shown in FIG.
3A). In some implementations, the outer surface of the shaft 105
has a threaded surface extending from the distal-most end all the
way to the tool interface 120 at the proximal end region. In other
implementations, the outer surface of the shaft 105 has a threaded
surface extending from the distal-most end to a region that is a
distance away from the tool interface 120 such that at least a
portion of the shaft 105 is not threaded. In some implementations,
the threaded outer surface covers at least about 10%, about 15%,
about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%,
about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%,
or greater percentage of the length of the elongate shaft 105 from
the distal end region. It should be appreciated that the external
fastening mechanism 125 near the distal end region need not be a
threaded outer surface and can vary including, but not limited to a
fixation ring, pop rivet, weld, bonding, interference fit, or other
fastening mechanism or combinations thereof, for example a
combination of threads and thread-locking adhesive or a spot
weld.
[0036] FIG. 3A is a detailed view of FIG. 1 showing the adjustor
100 engaged with a mounting element 9. FIG. 3B is a view from
below, FIG. 3C is a partially exploded view, and FIG. 3D is a
cross-sectional view showing how the adjustor 100 can interface
with the mounting element 9. As mentioned above, the mounting
element 9 can include a mounting plate 11 configured to couple to a
device, such as an antenna, and a pole mount 13 configured to
couple to a supporting structure 7. The pole mount 13 can include
an upper assembly 13a (see FIG. 1) and a lower assembly 13b. The
upper assembly 13a can be configured to couple to an upper end
region of the mounting plate 11 and the lower assembly 13b can be
configured to couple to a lower end region of the mounting plate
11. The upper and lower pole mount assemblies 13a, 13b can include
slotted features 8 (best shown in FIG. 3B) each configured to align
with and receive a bolt 18 coupled to a region of the mounting
plate 11 (best shown in FIG. 3D). For example, the upper pole mount
assembly 13a can include left-side and right-side slotted features
8 configured to align with and receive bolts 18 coupled to the left
side and right side of the upper end region of the mounting plate
11, respectively. The lower pole mount assembly 13b can also
include left-side and right-side slotted features 8 configured to
align with and receive bolts 18 coupled to the left side and right
side of the lower end region of the mounting plate 11,
respectively. The upper and lower pole mount assemblies 13a, 13b
can also be connected to the upper end region of the mounting plate
11 at upper pivoting point P and to the lower end region of the
mounting plate 11 at lower pivoting point P (best shown in FIG. 1
and FIG. 3B). The upper and lower pivoting points P can be aligned
with one another, for example along a midline of the mounting plate
11 such that they are positioned midway between the coupling of the
bolts 18 within their respective slotted features 8. For example,
as the right side bolts 18 move within their respective slotted
features 8 away from the supporting structure 7, mounting plate 11
can pivot around pivoting points P and the left side bolts 18 can
move within their respective slotted features 8 toward the
supporting structure 7. As the right side bolts 18 move within
their respective slotted features 8 toward the supporting structure
7, mounting plate 11 can pivot around pivoting points P and the
left side bolts 18 can move within their respective slotted
features 8 away from the supporting structure 7. A locknut 21 can
be positioned onto an end of each bolt 18 such that the bolts 18
can be locked into position relative to the mounting plate 11 and
the pole mounts 13 once left/right (i.e. azimuth) adjustment is
finalized. It should be appreciated that the configuration of the
coupling between the pole mounts 13 and the mounting plate 11 can
vary and can include any number of connections. It should also be
appreciated that the adjustors described herein can interface with
the mounting element 9 near the right side or left side or both.
Similarly, it should be appreciated that the adjustors described
herein can interface with the mounting element 9 near an upper end
region of the mounting plate 11 or the lower end region of the
mounting plate 11.
[0037] Again with respect to FIGS. 3A-3D, the mounting element 9
can also include a coupler 17 having a first region 12 and a second
region 14. In some implementations, the coupler 17 is an eye bolt
and the eye of the eye bolt forms the first region 12 of the
coupler 17 and the elongate shaft of the eye bolt forms the second
region 14 of the coupler 17. The first region 12 of the coupler 17
can interface with a bolt 18 coupled to the mounting plate 11,
including any one of the left upper, left lower, right upper, or
right lower bolts 18 of the mounting plate 11 as described above.
The second region 14 of the coupler 17 can project away from where
the first region 12 couples to the mounting plate 11 and extend
through an aperture 15 in a corresponding region of the pole mount
13 (best shown in FIG. 3D). As mentioned above, a locknut 21 can be
positioned onto a threaded end of each bolt 18 such that the upper
and lower pole mount assemblies 13a, 13b can be locked into
position relative to the mounting plate 11. One of the locknuts 21
can be tightened down onto the first region 12 of the coupler 17
positioned over its respective bolt 18 such that the bolt 18 is
unable to move within the slotted feature 8 of the pole mount
13.
[0038] The adjustor nut 101 can interface with the coupler 17
thereby forming an adjustable connection between the mounting plate
11 and the pole mount 13 such that the antenna coupled to the
mounting plate 11 can be adjusted, for example along the azimuth
coordinate. The adjustor nut 101 can be inserted over and threaded
onto the second region 14 of the coupler 17 such that the second
region 14 extends through the bore 110 of the adjustor nut 101. A
distal-most end of the second region 14 of the coupler 17 can
extend beyond the tool interface 120 of the adjustor nut 101 such
that the second region 14 projects out the proximal end of the
adjustor nut 101. The elongate shaft 105 of the adjustor nut 101
and the second region 14 threaded through the bore 110 of the
adjustor nut 101 both can extend through the aperture 15 of the
pole mount 13 (see FIG. 3D). The distal end region of the adjustor
nut 101 including at least a portion of the external fastening
mechanism 125 can extend to an internal side of the mounting
element 9. The proximal end region of the adjustor nut 101
including the tool interface 120 can be prevented from extending
through the aperture 15 such that the tool interface 120 remains
positioned on an external side of the mounting element 9. In this
context, the "internal side" of the mounting element 9 can refer to
a location that is between a side of the mounting plate 11 and/or
its associated hardware that faces towards the supporting structure
7 and a side of the pole mount 13 facing away from the supporting
structure 7 and towards the mounting plate 11. Further, the
"external side" of the mounting element 9 can refer to a location
that is on a side of the pole mount 13 facing away from the
mounting plate 11. Positioning the tool interface 120 on the
external side of the mounting element 9 can provide for the
adjustor 100 to be more easily accessed and rotated using a tool
even when the adjustor 100 and the mounting element 9 are
positioned on the supporting structure 7.
[0039] The adjustor 100 can also include a preload nut 119. The
preload nut 119 can include a central bore 118 such that it can be
positioned over the distal end region of the shaft 105 and thus,
also over the second region 14 of the coupler 17 extending through
the bore 110 of the adjustor nut 101. When the adjustor nut 101 is
threaded over the second portion 14 of the coupler 17 via the bore
110 and inserted through the aperture 15 such that the external
fastening mechanism 125 on the distal end region of the adjustor
nut 101 extends to the internal side of the mounting element 9, the
preload nut 119 can be positioned over the distal end region of the
adjustor nut 101 on the internal side of the mounting element 9. In
some implementations, the external fastening mechanism 125 of the
adjustor nut 101 is a threaded outer surface. The central bore 118
of the preload nut 119 can have corresponding threads configured to
receive and engage the threaded outer surface of the external
fastening mechanism 125 (see FIG. 3D). Rotation of the preload nut
119 in a first direction can result in engagement between the
threaded outer surface of the adjustor nut 101 and the
corresponding threads of the central bore 118 such that the preload
nut 119 advances over the distal end region of the adjustor nut 101
towards the tool interface 120. The tool interface 120 of the
adjustor nut 101 and the preload nut 119 each can have an outer
diameter that is larger than a diameter of the aperture 15 such
that with further rotation and advancement of the preload nut 119
along the shaft 105 of the adjustor nut 101 toward the tool
interface 120, a bearing surface of the preload nut 119 can abut a
surface of the pole mount 13 surrounding the aperture 15 on the
internal side of the mounting element 9. Similarly, a bearing
surface of the tool interface 120 can abut a surface of the pole
mount 13 surrounding the aperture 15 on the external side of the
mounting element 9. The bearing surfaces of the preload nut 119 and
the tool interface 120 against the pole mount 13 positioned
therebetween provides preload to the system. The engagement between
the first region 12 of the coupler 17 and the bolt 18 of the
mounting plate 11, the threaded engagement between the second
region 14 of the coupler and the adjustor nut 101, and also the
preload applied between the preload nut 119, the pole mount 13 and
the tool interface 120 can couple the pole mount 13 to the mounting
plate 11.
[0040] Although the tool interface 120 and the preload nut 119 can
provide bearing surfaces against the pole mount 13 surrounding the
aperture 15, it should be appreciated that one or more combinations
of washers, spacers, cushions, bushings, bearings, springs or other
features can be incorporated to affect the load achieved. In an
implementation, one or more thrust bearings 130 can be positioned,
for example, on either side of the aperture 15 in the pole mount
13. In a further implementation, one or more springs 135 such as a
Belleville disc spring can be positioned, for example, against the
respective thrust bearings 130 (see FIG. 3D). The bearings can
reduce the friction between the adjustor nut 101 and the preload
nut 119 relative to the pole mount 13 such that the preload can
remain constant during adjustment of the position along the
longitudinal axis A. It should be appreciated, however, that the
friction can be low enough to not necessitate the use of
bearings.
[0041] The adjustor 100 can allow for adjustment even after a
preload is applied with the preload nut 119. The tension applied by
the preload nut 119 can travel along during the adjustment. As
mentioned above, the bore 110 of the adjustor nut 101 can have
inner threads 115. At least a portion of the second region 14 of
the coupler 17 can have outer threads 16 configured to engage the
inner threads 115 of the bore 110 through which the second region
14 extends. Rotation of the adjustor nut 101 can result in movement
of the coupler 17 along a longitudinal axis A due to the engagement
between the inner threads 115 and the outer threads 16. This can be
performed even when tension or a load is applied by the preload nut
119 such that adjustment can be made in a precise way without
multiple rounds of trial-and-error loosening and tightening of
various hardware components on the mounting element 9. Movement of
the coupler 17 along the longitudinal axis A can provide adjustment
of the mounting plate 11 (assuming locknuts 21 are not tightened
down). For example and as best shown in FIG. 3B, rotation of the
adjustor nut 101 in a first direction around the longitudinal axis
A, for example by engaging the tool interface 120 with a tool, can
cause the coupler 17 to move in a first direction along the
longitudinal axis A, for example a direction that is towards the
mounting plate 11 along arrow B. The first region 12 of the coupler
17 can be coupled to bolt 18 of the mounting plate 11 and can apply
a force to the bolt 18 as the coupler 17 is moved in the first
direction towards the mounting plate 11. This can cause the bolt 18
to be moved within its respective slotted feature 8 in generally
the same direction the coupler 17 is moved (i.e. towards the
mounting plate 11 along arrow B). Mounting plate 11 can pivot
around pivoting points P and a bolt 18 on the opposite side of the
mounting plate 11 can move within its respective slotted feature 8
in an opposite direction (i.e. away from the mounting plate 11
along arrow C) turning the mounting plate 11, for example, to the
right. Rotation of the adjustor nut 101 in a second, opposite
direction around the longitudinal axis A can cause the coupler 17
to move in a direction along the longitudinal axis A that is away
from the mounting plate 11 along arrow C. As the coupler 17 is
moved in the second direction away from the mounting plate 11, a
force can be applied by the first region 12 of the coupler 17
coupled to bolt 18 causing the bolt 18 to move within its
respective slotted feature 8 in generally the same direction the
coupler 17 is moved (i.e. away from the mounting plate 11 along
arrow C) turning the mounting plate 11, for example, to the left.
Mounting plate 11 can pivot back around pivoting points P and the
bolt 18 on the opposite side of the mounting plate 11 can move
within its respective slotted feature 8 in a direction that is
toward the mounting plate 11 along arrow B. In some
implementations, the slotted features 8 can be straight, for
example aligned with the longitudinal axis A of the coupler 17. In
other implementations, the slotted features 8 can be slightly
curved such that the bolts 18 can move along the longitudinal axis
A as well as some degree toward or away from the longitudinal axis
A. Once the appropriate adjustments are made using the adjustor
100, the position can be locked by tightening one or more of the
locknuts 21. Tightening the locknuts 21 can prevent movement of the
bolts 18 within their respective slotted features 8.
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates another implementation of an adjustor 200
capable of adjusting azimuth of an antenna mounted on a supporting
structure after tension is applied by the adjustor on the mounting
element. The mounting element 9 can have a mounting plate 11
configured to attach to an antenna (not shown). The mounting
element 9 can include a pole mount 13 configured to be attached to
the mounting plate 11 and configured to be coupled to the
supporting structure (not shown). As will be described in detail
below, an antenna coupled to the mounting element 9 can be
adjusted, for example for azimuth, elevation or polarization, using
one or more adjustors 200 interfaced with a portion of the mounting
element 9.
[0043] FIG. 5A shows an implementation of an adjustor 200. The
adjustor 200 can include an adjustor nut 201 having elongate shaft
205 having a bore 210 extending through the length of the adjustor
nut 201 along a longitudinal axis of the adjustor nut 201 from a
distal end region to a proximal end region (see FIGS. 5B-5F). At
least a portion of the bore 210 can have inner threads 215
configured to engage with corresponding threads on an outer surface
of a portion of the mounting element 9, as will be described in
more detail below. The inner threads 215 can extend the entire
length of the bore 210 or along a portion of the bore 210 near a
distal end region (see FIG. 5E). In some implementations, the inner
threads 215 cover at least about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about
25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about
55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about
85%, about 90%, about 95% or greater percentage of the length of
the bore 210 from the distal end region. The inner threads 215 can
have a thread count that varies. The thread count of the inner
threads 215 can be high enough to provide a precise adjustment.
However, the thread count of the inner threads 215 should not be so
high that the inner threads 215 cannot bear the load placed on them
or require too many turns to achieve the desired adjustment. As
described above, the thread count as well as any of the other
relevant dimensions to the device can vary depending on what degree
of freedom, level of torque, resolution etc. may be desirable for a
particular intended use.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5F, the adjustor 200 can include a tool
interface 220. In some implementations, the tool interface 220 can
be a proximal end region of the adjustor nut 201 such as a hex head
or other feature configured to be engaged by a tool. The adjustor
nut 101 can also include a distal end region having an external
fastening mechanism 225. In some implementations, the external
fastening mechanism 225 is a threaded outer surface along at least
a portion of the length of the elongate shaft 205 from the
distal-most end of the adjustor nut 201 configured to couple with a
preload nut 219 (shown in FIGS. 5A and 5K). In some
implementations, the outer surface of the shaft 205 has a threaded
surface extending from the distal-most end all the way to the tool
interface 220 at the proximal end region. In other implementations,
the outer surface of the shaft 205 has a threaded surface extending
from the distal-most end to a region that is a distance away from
the tool interface 220 such that at least a portion of the shaft
205 is not threaded (see FIG. 5F). In some implementations, the
threaded outer surface covers at least about 10%, about 15%, about
20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about
50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, or
greater percentage of the length of the elongate shaft 205 from the
distal end region. It should be appreciated that the external
fastening mechanism 225 near the distal end region need not be a
threaded outer surface and can vary including, but not limited to a
fixation ring, pop rivet, weld, bonding, interference fit, or other
fastening mechanism or combinations thereof, for example a
combination of threads and thread-locking adhesive or a spot
weld.
[0045] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate how the adjustor 200 can interface
with the mounting element 9. As mentioned above, the mounting
element 9 can include a mounting plate 11 configured to couple to
an antenna and a pole mount 13 configured to couple to a supporting
structure 7. The mounting plate 11 can be coupled to the pole mount
13 via a pivoting point P. The mounting element 9 can also include
a coupler 17 having a first region 12 and a second region 14 (best
shown in FIG. 6B). In some implementations, the coupler 17 is an
eye bolt and the eye of the eye bolt forms the first region 12 of
the coupler 17 and the elongate shaft of the eye bolt forms the
second region 14 of the coupler 17. The first region 12 of the
coupler 17 can interface with a bolt 18 coupled to the mounting
plate 11 (best shown in FIG. 4). The second region 14 of the
coupler 17 can project away from where the first region 12 couples
to the bolt 18 of the mounting plate 11 and extend through an
aperture 15 in a corresponding region of the pole mount 13 (best
shown in FIG. 6C).
[0046] The adjustor nut 201 can interface with the coupler 17
thereby forming an adjustable connection between the mounting plate
11 and the pole mount 13 such that a device, like an antenna,
coupled to the mounting plate 11 can be adjusted, such as for
azimuth, elevation or polarization. The adjustor nut 201 can be
inserted over and threaded onto the second region 14 of the coupler
17 such that the second region 14 extends through the bore 210 of
the adjustor nut 201. A distal-most end of the second region 14 of
the coupler 17 can extend beyond the tool interface 220 such that
it projects out the proximal end of the adjustor nut 201. The
elongate shaft 205 of the adjustor nut 201 and the second region 14
threaded through the bore 210 of the adjustor nut 201 both can
extend through the aperture 15 of the pole mount 13 (see FIG. 6C).
The distal end region of the adjustor nut 201 including at least a
portion of the external fastening mechanism 225 can be positioned
on an internal side of the mounting element 9. The proximal end
region of the adjustor nut 201 including the tool interface 220 can
be prevented from extending through the aperture 15 such that it
remains positioned on an external side of the mounting element 9.
In this context, the "internal side" of the mounting element 9 can
refer to a location that is between a side of the mounting plate 11
and/or its associated hardware that faces towards the supporting
structure 7 and a side of the pole mount 13 facing away from the
supporting structure 7 and towards the mounting plate 11. Further,
the "external side" of the mounting element 9 can refer to a
location that is on a side of the pole mount 13 facing away from
the mounting plate 11. Positioning the tool interface 220 on the
external side of the mounting element 9 can provide for the
adjustor 200 to be more easily accessed and rotated using a tool
even when the adjustor 200 and the mounting element 9 position onto
the supporting structure 7.
[0047] As mentioned above, the adjustor 200 can also include a
preload nut 219. The preload nut 219 can include a central bore 218
such that it can be positioned over the distal end region of the
shaft 205 and thus, also over the second region 14 of the coupler
17 extending through the bore 210 of the adjustor nut 201. When the
adjustor nut 201 is threaded over the second portion 14 of the
coupler 17 via the bore 210 and inserted through the aperture 15
such that the external fastening mechanism 225 on the distal end
region of the adjustor nut 201 extends to the internal side of the
mounting element 9, the preload nut 219 can be positioned over the
distal end region of the adjustor nut 201 on the internal side of
the mounting element 9. In some implementations, the external
fastening mechanism 225 of the adjustor nut 201 is a threaded outer
surface. The central bore 218 of the preload nut 219 can have
corresponding threads configured to receive and engage the threaded
outer surface of the external fastening mechanism 225 (see FIG.
5K). Rotation of the preload nut 219 in a first direction can
result in engagement between the threaded outer surface of the
adjustor nut 201 and the corresponding threads of the central bore
218 such that the preload nut 219 advances over the distal end
region of the adjustor nut 201 towards the tool interface 220. The
tool interface 220 of the adjustor nut 201 and the preload nut 219
each can have an outer diameter that is larger than a diameter of
the aperture 15 such that with further rotation and advancement of
the preload nut 219 along the shaft 205 of the adjustor nut 201
toward the tool interface 220, a bearing surface of the preload nut
219 can abut a surface of the pole mount 13 surrounding the
aperture 15 on the internal side of the mounting element 9.
Similarly, a bearing surface of the tool interface 220 can abut a
surface of the pole mount 13 surrounding the aperture 15 on the
external side of the mounting element 9. The bearing surfaces of
the preload nut 219 and the tool interface 220 against the pole
mount 13 positioned therebetween provides preload to the system.
The engagement between the first region 12 of the coupler 17 and
the bolt 18 of the mounting plate 11, the threaded engagement
between the second region 14 of the coupler and the adjustor nut
201, and also the preload applied between the preload nut 219, the
pole mount 13 and the tool interface 220 can couple the pole mount
13 to the mounting plate 11.
[0048] Although the tool interface 220 and the preload nut 219 can
provide bearing surfaces against the pole mount 13 surrounding the
aperture 15, it should be appreciated that one or more combinations
of washers, spacers, cushions, bushings, bearings, springs or other
features can be incorporated to affect the load achieved. As shown
in FIG. 6B, one or more thrust bearings 230, springs 235 such as
Belleville disc springs, flat washers 240, and cushion blocks 245
can be positioned, for example, on one or both sides of the
aperture 15 in the pole mount 13.
[0049] The adjustor 200 can allow for adjustment even after a
preload is applied with the preload nut 219. The tension applied by
the preload nut 219 can travel along during the adjustment. As
mentioned above, the bore 210 of the adjustor nut 201 can have
inner threads 215. At least a portion of the second region 14 of
the coupler 17 can have outer threads 16 configured to engage the
inner threads 215 of the bore 210 through which the second region
14 extends (see FIG. 6B). Rotation of the adjustor nut 201 can
result in movement of the coupler 17 along a longitudinal axis A
due to the engagement between the inner threads 215 and the outer
threads 16. This can be performed even when tension or a load is
applied by the preload nut 119 such that adjustment can be made in
a precise way without multiple rounds of trial-and-error loosening
and tightening of various hardware components on the mounting
element 9. Movement of the coupler 17 along the longitudinal axis A
can provide adjustment of the mounting plate 11. For example,
rotation of the adjustor nut 201 in a first direction around the
longitudinal axis A, for example by engaging the tool interface 220
with a tool, can cause the coupler 17 to move in a first direction
along the longitudinal axis A, for example, a direction that is
towards the mounting plate 11 along arrow B. The first region 12 of
the coupler can be coupled to bolt 18 of the mounting plate 11 and
can apply a force to the bolt 18 as the coupler 17 is moved in the
first direction towards the mounting plate 11. The bolt 18 and the
pivoting point P can be positioned a distance away from one another
and at an angle relative to one another such that upon movement of
the coupler 17, the bolt 18 and the mounting point 11 to which the
bolt 18 is attached can move a particular degree around pivoting
point P relative to the pole mount 13 (i.e. toward the left).
Rotation of the adjustor nut 201 in a second, opposite direction
around the longitudinal axis A can cause the coupler 17 to move in
a direction along the longitudinal axis A that is away from the
mounting plate 11 along arrow C. As the coupler 17 is moved in the
second direction away from the mounting plate 11, a force can be
applied by the first region 12 of the coupler 17 coupled to the
bolt 18 causing the bolt 18 and the mounting plate 11 to which the
bolt 18 is attached to move a particular degree around pivoting
point P relative to the pole mount 13 in an opposite direction
(i.e. toward the right).
[0050] The adjustor 200 can also include a locknut 221 (see FIGS.
5A, and 5G-5J). The locknut 221 can have a central bore 223 having
a first region having inner threads 224 and a second unthreaded
region having a tapered shoulder 222. The inner threads 224 can be
sized to engage at least a portion of the external fastening
mechanism 225 of the elongate shaft 205 near the distal end of the
shaft 205. The locknut 221 can be positioned over a portion of the
second region 14 of the coupler 17 on the internal side of the
mounting element 9 during adjustments with the adjustor 200. The
locknut 221 can also be at least partially positioned over the
distal end of the shaft 205 during adjustments. Once the
appropriate adjustments are made using the adjustor 200 as
described above, the position can be locked using the locknut 221
as will be described below. This "traveling" lock down feature
allows the locknut to remain relatively loose and travel along with
the adjustor 200 during adjustment until lock down of the mounting
plate 11 position is desired. Rotation of the locknut 221 to
provide lock down of the position can be performed using the same
tool used for rotation of the adjustor nut 201 during adjustment.
Thus, the external geometry of the tool interface 220 and the
locknut 221 (and also the preload nut 219) can be identical such
that a technician can use a single tool and also a single hand to
adjust each of them.
[0051] As best shown in FIGS. 5E and 5F, the adjustor nut 201 can
include an outer surface at a distal end of the shaft 205 that is
tapered forming a tapered region 212. Although the outer surface of
the tapered region 212 is tapered, the inner diameter of the
tapered region 212 can be the same as the inner diameter of the
remaining threaded region of the bore 210. The inner threads 215 of
the adjustor nut 201 extending through at least a portion of the
bore 210 can also extend through the tapered region 212. The
tapered region 212 of the adjustor nut 201 can include one or more
slits 213 extending through the wall of the shaft 205. The length
of the slits 213 and the number of slits 213 can vary. In some
implementations, the adjustor nut 201 can include 1, 2, 3, or more
pairs of slits 213 equally spaced around the wall of the shaft 205.
In some implementations, one or more of the slits 213 can extend
from the distal-most end of the shaft 205 to a point proximal of
the tapered region 212 (see FIG. 5E). Alternatively, one or more of
the slits 213 can extend only within the tapered region 212.
[0052] Upon rotation and advancement of the locknut 221 along the
shaft 205 toward the proximal end region of the shaft 205, the
inner threads 224 of the locknut 221 can engage at least a portion
of the threads of the external fastening mechanism 225 of the
elongate shaft 205. As the locknut 221 further engages the threads
of the external fastening mechanism 225 and advanced toward the
tool interface 220 near the proximal end of the adjustor nut 201,
the shoulder 222 within the central bore 223 of the locknut 221
wedges against the tapered region 212 of the shaft 205. The one or
more slits 213 of the tapered region 212 can be urged towards one
another such that the slits 213 narrow and the inner diameter of
the tapered region 212 is reduced. This reduction in the inner
diameter of the shaft 205 can lock the adjustor nut 201 onto the
second region 14 of the coupler 17 threaded through the bore 210 of
the adjustor nut 201. This locking relationship can fix the
adjustor nut 201 relative to the coupler 17 such that the azimuth
adjustment remains fixed.
[0053] Some mounting hardware, for example the couplers or eye
bolts, can be made of galvanized steel. Galvanized steel threads
can be characterized by surface irregularities and, depending on
how long the steel parts are submerged in the molten zinc, the
amount of material deposited can vary result in a "slop" fit. The
tapered region 212 of the adjustor nut 201 can provide a better fit
between the inner threads 215 of the adjustor nut 201 and the
threads 16 of the coupler 17 thereby remove the "slop" of such
threads and improve precise adjustments with better resolution. The
locknut can clamp onto the thread to inhibit further rotation of
the adjustor nut and also force opposing faces of the contacted
threads to contact the adjustor simultaneously, removing any slop
present due to oversizing of the mating threads. Applying
sufficient torque to the locknut can effect clamping forces greater
than might be applicable to the adjustor by external forces. Prior
to achieving the best alignment, the various manufacturing
tolerances of the mating threads may present undesirable slop in
the adjustment. Applying torque to the locknut sufficient to remove
the slop, but not sufficient to prevent adjustment by the user, can
allow for the ability to use low tolerance manufactured threads to
perform with acceptable precision and repeatability. The preload
nut can apply a preload between the adjustor and the pole mount.
This technique can apply a preload to the threads themselves.
[0054] The adjustors described herein can be used to adjust the
azimuth, elevation, polarization, or any other type of adjustment
of a device, such as an antenna, mounted on a supporting structure
after tension is applied between a portion of the adjustor and the
mounting element. It should be appreciated that adjustment can be
provided by a single adjustor coupled to a region of the mounting
element. However, more than one adjustor can be incorporated into
the mounting element and used for a variety of adjustments.
Further, it should be appreciated that the configuration of the
mounting elements described herein can vary and that the adjustors
described herein can be used with any of a variety of mounting
elements. The mounting elements are described to show as an example
the adjustment that can be achieved by the adjustors described
herein and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the adjustors
described herein need not be directly coupled to a mounting
element.
[0055] The adjustors described herein can be formed of any number
of materials or combination of materials. In some implementations,
the adjustors are formed of brass. Brass can provide some lubricity
such that additional materials or treatments are unnecessary. The
adjustors described herein can also be formed of aluminum,
stainless steel, or other relevant materials used in the
manufacture of hardware fasteners.
[0056] It should be appreciated that the relative configuration of
the adjustors described herein can vary. For example, the tool
interface need not be positioned only on a proximal end of the
adjustor nut and the external fastening mechanism need not be
positioned only on a distal end of the adjustor nut. For example,
the tool interface can be positioned on the distal end of the
adjustor nut and the external fastening mechanism can be positioned
on the proximal end of the adjustor nut. Use of the terms "distal"
and "proximal" are not intended to be limiting. Further, it should
be appreciated that the tool interface need not be an integral part
of the adjustor nut. For example, the tool interface can be a
separate piece temporarily or permanently affixed during alignment
or assembly of the mounting element. The adjustors described herein
can have an end that serves a dual purpose. For example, the
proximal end of the adjustor can serve as the tool interface for
adjustment as well as the fixed end of the preload function.
However, the adjustor need not satisfy both of these functions. For
example, an end of the adjustor that serves as the fixed end of the
preloading function does not need to be the same as the tool
interface, either of shape or location. The arrangement of the
adjustor can be reversed, for example, such that the fixed end of
the preloading function is on the opposite side of the pole mount.
Further, the preload nut (or equivalent feature) can serve as the
tool interface, or a separate feature altogether can serve as the
tool interface.
[0057] While this specification contains many specifics, these
should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what is
claimed or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of
features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that
are described in this specification in the context of separate
embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the
context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple
embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination.
Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in
certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or
more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be
excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be
directed to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.
Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a
particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that
such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in
sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed,
to achieve desirable results. Only a few examples and
implementations are disclosed. Variations, modifications and
enhancements to the described examples and implementations and
other implementations may be made based on what is disclosed.
[0058] In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as
"at least one of" or "one or more of" may occur followed by a
conjunctive list of elements or features. The term "and/or" may
also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless
otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in
which it is used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the
listed elements or features individually or any of the recited
elements or features in combination with any of the other recited
elements or features. For example, the phrases "at least one of A
and B;" "one or more of A and B;" and "A and/or B" are each
intended to mean "A alone, B alone, or A and B together." A similar
interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more
items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C;" "one
or more of A, B, and C;" and "A, B, and/or C" are each intended to
mean "A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C
together, B and C together, or A and B and C together."
[0059] Although some of the examples disclosed herein refer to
making adjusting to azimuths, the mechanisms described herein may
adjust other orientations as well. Moreover, the mechanisms
described herein may be used with EHF as well as other frequency
ranges.
[0060] Use of the term "based on," above and in the claims is
intended to mean, "based at least in part on," such that an
unrecited feature or element is also permissible.
* * * * *