EP1916738A1 - Système d'antenne à déploiement rapide - Google Patents

Système d'antenne à déploiement rapide Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1916738A1
EP1916738A1 EP07254199A EP07254199A EP1916738A1 EP 1916738 A1 EP1916738 A1 EP 1916738A1 EP 07254199 A EP07254199 A EP 07254199A EP 07254199 A EP07254199 A EP 07254199A EP 1916738 A1 EP1916738 A1 EP 1916738A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
backpack
pole
antenna system
leg
antenna
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP07254199A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Noam Inbal
Nimrod Farjoun
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd
Original Assignee
Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd filed Critical Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd
Publication of EP1916738A1 publication Critical patent/EP1916738A1/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
    • H01Q1/1235—Collapsible supports; Means for erecting a rigid antenna
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/273—Adaptation for carrying or wearing by persons or animals

Definitions

  • Illustrative aspects of the invention relate to quick deployed antenna systems, and, in particular, to systems deployed from backpacks.
  • Portable antenna systems are known, but can be particularly cumbersome to actually tote around. Such systems are typically packed in cases that are used for transportation and require an assembly of parts. In such situations, the case may be used as the base for the assembled antenna.
  • Such cases either have wheels or require a transport device such as a wheeled cart which may be pulled or pushed.
  • a transport device such as a wheeled cart which may be pulled or pushed.
  • Such cases are not effective when the antenna system must be taken over rough terrain.
  • An illustrative aspect of the invention includes a backpack containing a quick deployed antenna system.
  • a quick deploy antenna system comprises, in combination a backpack body being wearable in a vertical position, the backpack body having an interior compartment; and leg assemblies extendible from the backpack body and extendible to a surface when the backpack is in a horizontal position, and a deployable antenna system contained within the interior compartment; wherein the antenna system is connected to the interior compartment and is extendible from the interior compartment into a fully deployed condition.
  • Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method of deploying an antenna system from a backpack body, the backpack body having an interior compartment and leg assemblies extendible from the backpack body to a surface when the backpack is in a horizontal position, wherein the antenna system is connected to the interior compartment, the method comprising placing the backpack in a horizontal position on the surface, and deploying the antenna system from within the interior compartment.
  • Backpacks typically comprise a large central compartment into which the items are placed. Additional compartments may also be provided to separate items within the backpack, and external pockets may be provided to provide additional storage.
  • the backpack is typically outfitted with a pair of shoulder straps, and may also have a hip strap, each of which are attached to the backpack and are used by the wearer to carry the backpack
  • a satellite system is packed into and transported via a backpack whereby the backpack integrally accommodates and supports the satellite antenna system as a single unit.
  • the satellite antenna system expands or telescopes from the backpack as a complete working unit without the assembly of parts or minimal assembly such as the connection of cables.
  • the components of the satellite system are connected with hinges, for example, such that no parts are lost and the satellite system is easily deployed.
  • the backpack itself becomes the base to support the satellite antenna system in a stable position.
  • FIG. 1 showing a backpack in the vertical position as used when a wearer is carrying the backpack.
  • Backpack 10 is formed of a plurality of panels, including a top 12, a bottom 14, two lateral sides 16, an outer side 18, and a body support side 20.
  • the term “outer side” refers to the side of the backpack, or any other element, that faces away from the back of the user wearing the backpack.
  • the term “support side” refers to the side of the backpack, or any other element, that faces the back of a user.
  • the backpack is in the horizontal position with the support side 20 adjacent to the surface such as the ground.
  • the support side is the bottom of the support for the antenna system.
  • the six panels or sides define an interior compartment 48 in backpack 10 in which a satellite antenna system is located. See Figure 3.
  • the interior compartment 48 of backpack 10 may be subdivided into smaller compartments, and external pockets, e.g. 22, 24, may be added in order to keep various items separate from one another, thereby providing easy access to the items, and allowing for the proper weight distribution and comfort to the wearer.
  • backpack 10 can comprise fewer or more panels or sides, and be within the scope of the invention.
  • each of the body, top, bottom, outer, and lateral sides can be comprised of one continuous piece of fabric with no actual seams or junctures.
  • backpack 10 could even be formed with ten or more panels or sides and corresponding seams or junctures therebetween.
  • the panels making up backpack 10, as well as the straps and other components of the invention can variously comprise a number of natural or synthetic materials.
  • Natural fabric such as leather, cotton (especially canvas or single-filled duck) and the like may be useful for certain applications.
  • Exemplary materials are synthetic fabrics made from thermoplastic materials such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide (such as nylon), polyethylene, polyester, etc.
  • nylon is used, which can be textured for breathability, wear-resistance, and waterproofed with materials such as silicone elastomers and the like.
  • Multiple or composite layer configurations as are well-known in the art, in which a tougher, more durable weave comprises an outer layer while a lighter, thinner, and more flexible inner weave comprises an inner layer.
  • Each of a pair of shoulder straps 26 is secured at first and second ends thereof to backpack 10.
  • Shoulder straps 26 may have an adjustable buckle (not shown).
  • a hip strap 28 is secured at opposite ends thereof to backpack 10.
  • Hip strap 28 typically comprises left and right side portions, connected to one another by an adjustable buckle (not shown).
  • the backpack forms a base support for the antenna system.
  • Figure 2 shows body side 20 positioned horizontally against a ground surface.
  • Four leg assemblies extend from the backpack, each leg assembly extending in a different direction and extending from a different side of the backpack.
  • Four leg assemblies are suitable for the rectangular shape/frame.
  • the leg assemblies comprise extension bars 41, 43, and 45 which extend horizontally from the backpack and leg supports 40, 42, and 44 connected vertically to the end of the extension bars, respectively.
  • the leg supports rest on the ground in such a manner to support the backpack in the horizontal position.
  • Individual leg extension locks 46 lock the extension bars in an operating or stowage position.
  • leg assemblies extension bars and leg supports
  • flaps such as 30 and 32.
  • the flaps may be closed by any suitable means such as VELCRO, snaps, buttons, or zippers.
  • the extension bars may be extended and retracted from the backpack by any suitable system such as with tracks and slides.
  • the extension bars are connected to the leg supports in any suitable manner such as hinges to allow the leg supports to fold against the extension bar and to unfold from the extension bar to an approximately 90 degree angle.
  • the leg supports may be of an adjustable thread design in order to adjust the height of each leg. This allows the backpack to be set on uneven terrain, but still provide a stable support for the antenna system.
  • the leg supports may also be adapted to anchor into the ground similar to a tent stake to provide additional stability.
  • a piton and cable system may be used to anchor the backpack to the ground, again similar to anchoring a tent to prevent the backpack from moving or tilting during use of the satellite system.
  • the backpack may further have wheels (not shown) attached to the backpack structure or have removable wheels that may be easily attached and unattached.
  • the wheels may be part of the leg assembly and rotate into position when required, but otherwise fold away.
  • the wheels may be any suitable type of wheel such as cart wheels or dolly wheels.
  • a means to enclose the interior compartment 48 of the backpack for example zipper 50, is present along the peripheral edge of the outer side 18.
  • Any suitable means to enclose the backpack may be used such as zippers, VELCRO, straps, snaps, buttons, and the like.
  • Figure 3 shows flap 52 and outer side 18 opened to reveal the interior compartment 48 of the backpack.
  • a satellite antenna system 60 that is attached to the backpack 10 but may telescope or extend out from the backpack.
  • the antenna system may be held in place in the interior of the backpack by one or more straps 54.
  • the interior compartment 48 may also contain one or more pockets or smaller compartments, e.g. 56, 58, built into the backpack to hold parts of the antenna system such as a power source, computer, and the like. These pockets or compartments may have openings to attach cables or wires through the compartment or for access to knobs, switches, and other operating devices.
  • the compartments may have openings to insert and remove the power source, for example, and flaps with, for example VELCRO, to maintain the flap in a closed position.
  • the antenna system is supported by a rectangular or other suitable shaped frame at the bottom of the interior of the back pack - the bottom being the inside of the support side 20 of the back pack.
  • the frame may be made of aluminum or any other suitable, typically strong but lightweight material.
  • the antenna system including the VSAT are mounted on the frame and wrapped with fabric, in some areas double layer with protecting foam in between.
  • the frame is hollow and each side of the frame accommodates an extension bar of a leg.
  • a pocket or smaller compartment inside or outside the backpack may contain suitable accessories for aligning and operating the system, for example a keyboard. Such accessories may be removed for use or operated through openings in the pocket or compartment.
  • the accessories may be attached to a computer, for example, for operation of the satellite system.
  • FIG 4 shows the backpack 10 in the carrying position by a person 400.
  • the leg assembly is in an unextended and rotated or "stowage" position and covered by a flap 30.
  • a leg extension lock 46 to lock the extension bar when in the extended operating position or in the stowage position. (See extension bar 41 for example in Fig. 2.)
  • the lock may operate by turning the knob or by pushing and pulling the knob depending how the leg extension lock is connected to the extension bar.
  • rolled-up protecting cover 450 for the shoulder and waist straps.
  • the protecting cover Before setting the backpack on its legs in a horizontal position, the protecting cover is unrolled and then extended over the shoulder and waist straps to protect the straps and support side from dirt and damage from placement adjacent the ground. The cover is then attached to the support side of the backpack by any suitable means, typically a zipper, VELCRO, buttons, or snaps.
  • Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the top of the backpack with the leg assemblies in an extended or unextended and locked position.
  • Extension bars 43, 45 are extended horizontally from the backpack whereas extension bar 41 is not extended.
  • Each of the extension bars may also be partially extended.
  • Leg supports 40, 42, 44 are rotated vertically to reach the floor.
  • Each vertical leg is adjustable using leg position locks 48 in order to level the back pack.
  • the leg position lock locks the leg supports in a vertical operating position (as shown) or in a horizontal stowage position.
  • Leg extension locks 46 lock the extension bars in place.
  • Figure 6 shows the leg lock 48 locking leg support 40 in the vertical (operating) position.
  • the leg lock is typically rotated to lock or unlock the leg support.
  • Figure 6 also shows the extension bar lock 46 to lock the extension bar 41 in a partially extended or fully extended operating position or in a retracted (unextended) position against the backpack.
  • the leg support height may be adjusted by any suitable means, typically a threaded fastener.
  • Figure 7 shows the backpack 10 positioned on four legs with flap 52 open and outer side 18 unzipped and in an open position similar to Figure 3. Flap 52 and outer side 18 are opened to reveal the interior compartment 48 of the backpack. Inside the backpack is a satellite antenna system 60.
  • the antenna reflector 62 is particularly secured by straps 54 in the interior of the backpack to prevent movement while the antenna system 60 is being carried in the backpack by the wearer.
  • the antenna reflector 62 may be a single piece or two or more pieces. The two or more pieces may unfold from the backpack to form the antenna reflector and may or may not be connected together. If connected, suitable connectors include, but are not limited to hinges. Also shown is pole 64 used to vertically extend satellite reflector 62 and ODU/LNB (transmitter/receiver) 66.
  • Figure 8 shows reflector 62 unfolded from the backpack, and ODU/LNB 66 and pole 64 within the backpack.
  • Figure 9 shows the pole 64 extended vertically from the backpack and locked in place with the vertical pole lock 68. Also shown is the fine azimuth control 84 of the satellite system.
  • Figure 10 shows the ODU/LNB hinge and locking handle 76 for locking the ODU/LNB 66 into the operating or stowage positions. Also shown is a skew lock (typically a rotatable knob) 72 and level 74 as well as a reflector hinge and lock 70 for locking the reflector into the operating or stowage positions.
  • Level 74 typically uses a bubble to determine whether the backpack support is in a level position. The level is used for pointing the antenna to the required satellite. For example, if you know the azimuth and elevation required, when system is leveled, the desired position can be reached more easily and accurately.
  • Figure 11 shows the ODU/LNB hinge and locking handle 76, skew lock 72, and reflector hinge and lock 70 from another angle. This figure also shows the coarse azimuth lock handle 80 and elevation scale 78 for operation of the satellite system.
  • Figure 12 shows a close up of the coarse azimuth 80 operable by moving the handle assembly shown.
  • Figure 13 shows the elevation scale 78 and the elevation adjustment 82 as a threaded knob to adjust the elevation.
  • Figure 14 shows the antenna system unfolded from the backpack in an operating position.
  • FIG. 15 shows an outdoor VSAT unit 86 positioned in a pocket or compartment in the interior compartment of the backpack, a "SatPointer” 88 in another interior pocket and RF cables 90 for connecting the VSAT and ODU/LNB.
  • Figure 16 shows an inner side of the backpack having an opening for a connector panel such as connectors for DC power 94 and LAN 96.
  • a flap 98 may cover this opening when not in use.
  • the antenna receiver may be in an extended position with cover replaced such that only the pole extends through the cover. This arrangement protects the internal equipment. Prior to closing the interior compartment with the cover, heavy objects, such as rocks or bricks, may be placed in the compartment to further stabilize the backpack and prevent strong winds from blowing the satellite system during use. A cloth or tarp type material may be placed in the compartment prior to adding the heavy objects to prevent dirt or other debris from contaminating the interior compartment. The material may be carried folded up in an exterior pocket.
  • a cord, rope, or other means may be used to anchor the pole to the ground and prevent the wind from moving or knocking over the satellite system.
  • the cord or rope may be contained in a retractable carrying case attached to the pole.
  • a piton or other device may anchor the cord or rope to the ground.
  • Figures 17-21 depict the operation to set up the antenna system within the backpack base.
  • Figure 17 is the antenna system 160 in the stowage position with reflector 162 in a folded position in backpack 110. Note that Figure 17 also shows an alternative leg assembly.
  • Figure 18 depicts the first step of unfolding the antenna system. Pole 164 is extended to a vertical position and secured in place.
  • the antenna reflector 162 is unfolded and secured, such as through a hinge and lock arrangement.
  • the ODU/LNB 166 is unfolded and secured in place, such as through a hinge and lock arrangement.
  • Figure 21 shows the satellite system 160 fully employed and ready for use. The skew is set, typically to zero, the elevation is adjusted, such as through an extending hinge arrangement, and the coarse azimuth and fine azimuth are adjusted. (See Figures 9-12 showing skew, elevation, coarse and fine azimuth controls/locks)
  • the procedure is followed in the reverse order so as to fold in the ODU/LNB and antenna reflector, and then retract the pole and fold the antenna system to relocate in the backpack interior compartment.
  • the backpack weight including the antenna system is easily transportable by the wearer of the backpack.
  • a typical weight would be about 24 Kg which includes a 47 cm antenna, Armadillo VSAT, and the backpack itself.

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EP07254199A 2006-10-23 2007-10-23 Système d'antenne à déploiement rapide Ceased EP1916738A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US85345506P 2006-10-23 2006-10-23

Publications (1)

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EP1916738A1 true EP1916738A1 (fr) 2008-04-30

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EP07254199A Ceased EP1916738A1 (fr) 2006-10-23 2007-10-23 Système d'antenne à déploiement rapide

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011108015A1 (fr) * 2010-03-04 2011-09-09 Telespazio S.P.A. Antenne satellite portable
EP2769438A4 (fr) * 2011-10-21 2015-07-08 Antennasys Inc Système et méthode de positionnement d'antenne portable et compact
JP2019501573A (ja) * 2015-11-18 2019-01-17 ワールドビュー・サテライツ・リミテッド 再構築可能な人工衛星アクセスポイント及び人工衛星アクセスサイト
US10361737B2 (en) 2017-09-07 2019-07-23 Futurecom Systems Group, ULC Portable communication system having modular components
US11323147B1 (en) 2021-06-07 2022-05-03 Futurecom Systems Group, ULC Reducing insertion loss in a switch for a communication device

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0181221A2 (fr) * 1984-11-07 1986-05-14 THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, p.l.c. Arrangement de reflectors pour une antenne pliable
EP0293877A2 (fr) * 1987-06-03 1988-12-07 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Antenne parabolique portative
US5760751A (en) * 1994-12-30 1998-06-02 Gipson; Richard L. Portable satellite antenna mount
US20040088780A1 (en) * 2002-11-08 2004-05-13 Shlomo Bachar Personal protection system and method for using a personal protection system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0181221A2 (fr) * 1984-11-07 1986-05-14 THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, p.l.c. Arrangement de reflectors pour une antenne pliable
EP0293877A2 (fr) * 1987-06-03 1988-12-07 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Antenne parabolique portative
US5760751A (en) * 1994-12-30 1998-06-02 Gipson; Richard L. Portable satellite antenna mount
US20040088780A1 (en) * 2002-11-08 2004-05-13 Shlomo Bachar Personal protection system and method for using a personal protection system

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATRIOT: "1.0m Back-pack Flyaway Systems", DATA SHEET, 2005, XP002467363, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.sepatriot.com/PDF/10_BackPack.pdf> [retrieved on 20080204] *

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011108015A1 (fr) * 2010-03-04 2011-09-09 Telespazio S.P.A. Antenne satellite portable
EP2769438A4 (fr) * 2011-10-21 2015-07-08 Antennasys Inc Système et méthode de positionnement d'antenne portable et compact
AU2017201722B2 (en) * 2011-10-21 2018-08-02 Aqyr Technologies, Inc. Compact portable antenna positioner system and method
JP2019501573A (ja) * 2015-11-18 2019-01-17 ワールドビュー・サテライツ・リミテッド 再構築可能な人工衛星アクセスポイント及び人工衛星アクセスサイト
US10361737B2 (en) 2017-09-07 2019-07-23 Futurecom Systems Group, ULC Portable communication system having modular components
US10505574B2 (en) 2017-09-07 2019-12-10 Futurecom Systems Group, ULC Portable communication system having modular components
US11323147B1 (en) 2021-06-07 2022-05-03 Futurecom Systems Group, ULC Reducing insertion loss in a switch for a communication device

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