MX2008005356A - Rfid antenna rack assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an antenna rack assembly (200, 300). The assembly comprises a base (210, 310), a top (212, 312) spaced apart from the base (210, 310), and at least two beam members (214a, 214b;314a, 314b). The beam members are each fixedly attached at one end to the base (210, 310) and at another end to the top (212, 312) for mounting at least one antenna component (350). The assembly also includes one or more covers (216a-f, 316a-f) removably attached to the beam members (214a, 214b;314a, 314b) for covering components mounted to said beam members. The one or more covers (216a-f, 316a-f) are generally curved in contour and being made of a material suitable for radio frequency (RP) transmissions.

Description

ASSEMBLY OF SUPPORT FOR RFID ANTENNA FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to antenna supports. More particularly, the present invention relates to an antenna support assembly that includes protective covers to enhance the structural integrity of the support assembly and to facilitate radiofrequency transmissions from the antenna components mounted on the support assembly. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Antenna mounting brackets are widely used to mount the multiple antenna components including, for example, radio frequency identification antennas (RFI D). Existing antenna support designs, such as those illustrated in Figure 1, typically include metal support frames 102a, 1 02b; one or more transverse members 1 04 for connecting the support frames 102a, 1 02b and / or to support the antenna components mounted thereon; and one or more support covers 108a, 1 08b, which are mounted on the support frames 102a, 102b, through openings 109 along a side surface of the support frames 1 02a, 1 02b. The conventional support assembly 1 00 of Figure 1 is shown with one of its covers removed (not shown) to expose the antenna component 1 06 mounted therein. As illustrated in Figure 1, the covers 1 08a, 108b of the support assembly 100 are flat and are typically made of metal. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that these flat covers 108a, 108b contribute nothing to the structural integrity of the support assembly 100. In reality, the sole purpose of those covers 108a, 108b is to protect any antenna component 106 assembled in the assembly. of support 100 against common hazards, typically present in environments using said support assemblies 100. An antenna component 106 mounted is highlighted in FIG. This antenna component 106, together with any other of said components mounted on the support assembly 100, includes its own radar dome-type cover 106a. The cover 106 of the radar dome type serves to allow the transmission of the RF signals. As discussed below, the present invention eliminates the need for such radar dome type covers, specific to the component. In view of the existing state of the art, it is convenient to have an antenna support assembly with support covers that can be easily removed, but that provide additional strength and support for the support assembly. It is also convenient to have an antenna support assembly with covers that also function as dielectric covers of the radar dome type, thereby eliminating the need for each individual antenna component to include its own radar dome type cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The solution is provided by an antenna support assembly comprising a base, an upper part separated from the base; at least two beam members, each of which is fixedly connected at one end to the base, and at the other end, at the top, for mounting at least one antenna component; and one or more covers, detachably connected to the beam members, to cover the components mounted on the beam members; the cover or covers being generally of curved contour and being made of suitable material for radiofrequency (RF) transmissions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a conventional antenna support assembly, which uses conventional support covers. Figure 2A illustrates a frame of an exemplary support assembly according to the present invention. Figure 2B illustrates an exemplary antenna support assembly of Figure 2A, with additional components according to the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary implementation of an antenna support assembly according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A novel antenna support assembly is described herein, for use to mount multiple antennas and / or associated antenna components, such as readers, GPIO boxes, power supplies, Ethernet connections, connection boxes and the like. . Contrary to conventional support assemblies (see Figure 1), the antenna support of the present invention includes struclly reinforcing support covers, which not only serve to reinforce the support assembly, but also serve as covers or caps of the support. dome type for radar, for the antenna components mounted on the support assembly. In addition, the present invention provides greater flexibility with respect to the amount, size and types of components that are mounted there, and greater accessibility to those internally assembled components. In a preferred embodiment, the antenna support assembly of the present invention comprises a base portion, an upper portion and a pair of parallel beam members, as well as a plurality of curved covers for support. The base portion optionally defines mounting openings for mounting the support assembly at a desired mounting location. Each of the beam members is fixedly connected at one end to the base portion, and at the other end to the upper portion, thereby forming the frame of a preferred support assembly. The beam members preferably define at least one substantially planar mounting surface suitable for mounting the antenna component or components thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the beam members define at least two mounting surfaces, a front mounting surface and a rear mounting surface. Once the desired number of antennas and / or associated components are mounted, in the support assembly, the curved support covers are fixed directly to the frame of the support assembly. These covers are detachably fixed to the support assembly, and their curved contour serves to reinforce the strucl integrity of the support assembly. Further, since these support covers are made of a material suitable for RF transmissions, they serve as radar dome type covers for the antenna components mounted on the support assembly; thus eliminating the need for the antenna components to include their own respective radar dome-type cover. Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B, exploded views of an exemplary frame 200A and a completed support assembly 200, respectively, are shown in accordance with the present invention. The frame 2000A comprises a base 210, an upper part 212, a pair of parallel beam members 214a, 214b, while the complete support assembly 200 comprises the frame 200A and a plurality of covers 216a-216f for support. Also included in the exemplary support assembly 200 is an optional cross member 218. The base 210 of the support assembly 200 functions as a "foundation" of the assembly 200, as it supports it and, optionally, provides a mounting means for the assembly. complete 200. For this, the base 210 is preferably made of a strong, rigid material, such as metal or the like, although any suitable material can be used to form the base 210. Included in the base 21 0 is a plurality of optional mounting openings (not shown) for use in mounting the support assembly 200, to any desired mounting location. Alternatively, or additionally, the support assembly 200 may be mounted by means of optional openings, defined in the beam members (not shown) or by means of one or more optional mounting brackets (not shown) attached to any portion of the assembly. 200. For mounting sites that require an expanded mounting surface, or for irregularly shaped mounting surfaces, the complete support assembly 200 can be attached first to an optional mounting base (not shown) and, In , assemble at the desired assembly site. Separated from the base 210 along a longitudinal access A, there is an upper part 212. The upper part 21 2 is preferably used to house electrical connectors (not shown) for use in the connection of antennas and / or associated components, within the complete support assembly 200. In a preferred embodiment, the upper part 212 is made of a metallic or similar type material. However, it should be noted that, since the upper part 212 is not a support point for the support assembly 200, it need not be formed of the same heavy working material used in the formation of the base 210. Located between the base 210 and top 212, are two parallel beam members 214a, 214b. Even though these beam members 214a, 214b are shown as having a substantially U-shaped, it should be understood that any appropriate or desired shape can be used to configure the beam members 214a, 214b. For example, the beam members can be triangular, rectangular, etc. Also shown are beam members 214a, 214b having optional fin portions protruding therefrom. These fin portions contribute structurally to the support assembly 200, and may be formed to project at any suitable angle, suitable for the particular application. Referring again to Figures 2A and 2B, the beam members 214a, 214b are fixed at one end to the base 210 and at the other end to the top 212, for example, by means of metal fasteners. In a preferred embodiment these beam members 214a, 214b are made of a strong material, such as a metal, suitable to support multiple antennas and / or associated components. As shown in Figure 2A, once assembled, the base 210, the beam members 214a, 214b and the top 212 collectively form the underlying frame 200A, and define a general footprint of the support assembly 200 of the present invention. . The beam members 21 4a, 21 4b are combined to define an optional mounting surface 21 5, suitable for mounting antenna components and / or for securing the support covers 21 6a, 21 6b and 21 6d, by means of the openings of optional fixings 21 1, defined in covers 21 6a, 21 6b and 21 6d. In a preferred embodiment, the beam members 21 4a, 21 4b are combined to define at least two mounting surfaces, a front mounting surface 21 5 and a rear mounting surface (not shown) on the opposite side of the mounting assembly. support 200. In that way, the antenna components and the covers can be mounted on either side or both sides of the support assembly 200. Located between the parallel beam members 214a, 21 4b of Figure 2B, there is a transverse member or optional spider 28. This spider member 21 8 may comprise any suitable material and may be configured in any appropriate way, suitable for supporting one or more antennas and / or related components. To complete the support assembly 200 of the present embodiment, there are a plurality of covers 21 6a, 21 6f. These covers 21 6a-21 6f are generally curved and / or have an elliptical contour. The curvature of the covers 21 6a-216f can be defined, for example, as a continuous curve, as illustrated in Figure 2B, or as a multi-faceted geometric shape, which obtains the desired curvature. Whether the curvature is continuous or not continuous, those skilled in the art will appreciate that by contouring the support covers 216a-216f in this manner, increased strength is provided to the covers 216a-216f, and structural integrity to the support assembly 200 To further strengthen the support assembly 200, the covers 216a, 216f may be reinforced with ribs in a lateral direction, along an interior surface of the covers 216a-216f. It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the curvature of the covers 216a-216f allows the antenna components to be mounted outside the beam members 214a., 214b, thereby reducing or eliminating the electrical problems associated with the antenna components mounted at level with, or below, the beam members 214a, 214b. However, it should be noted that, although covers 216a-216f of the present embodiment with a pronounced curvature are shown, covers having a lesser or even greater curvature may be used, according to the present invention. Additionally, although the covers 216a-216f of the present embodiment are shown to form a sleeve-shaped cover on the support assembly 200, it should be understood that the covers 216a-216f need not necessarily be configured in that manner. In an alternative embodiment, for example, the covers 216a-216f of the support assembly may be configured to just cover the anterior (215) and posterior mounting surfaces (not shown), defined by the beam members 214a, 214b. In such embodiment, the covers (for example 216a, 216b, 216d) fixed to the previous mounting surface 21 5, would not be in contact with the covers (for example 216c, 216e, 216f) fixed to the rear mounting surface; thereby exposing the side surfaces of the beam members 214a, 214b. Referring now to Figure 3, an exemplary RFID antenna support assembly 300 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. Similar to the support assembly 200, illustrated in Figure 2, the support assembly 300 of the present invention comprises a base 310, an upper part 312, a pair of parallel beam members 314a, 314b, U-shaped, and a plurality of support covers 316a, 316f. Also included in the support assembly 300 of the present are multiple RFI antenna components 340, 360, mounted on beam members 314a, 314b. The base 310 of the support assembly 300 is made of a metallic material, and has a substantially curved contour. The base 310 further defines a plurality of optional mounting openings (not shown) for use in mounting the support assembly 300, at any desired mounting location. Alternatively or additionally, the support assembly 300 may be mounted by means of optional openings defined in the beam members (not shown) or by one or more optional mounting brackets (not shown) attached to any portion of the support assembly 300. For mounting sites that require an expanded mounting surface, or for unevenly shaped mounting surfaces, the complete support assembly 300 can first be fixed to an optional mounting base (not shown) and, in turn, mounted on the desired assembly site. Separated from the base 310, along a longitudinal access A, is the upper part 312. The upper part 31 2 houses multiple electrical connectors 31 3 for use in the connection of the components 340, 350 of the RFI D antenna. the base 31 0, the upper part 312 is made of a metallic material and has a substantially curved contour. As discussed below, the curved contour of base 31 0 and upper part 31 2 facilitates the connection of curved covers 316a-316f. Together, the base 31 0 and the top 312 define a footprint of the antenna support assembly 300 of the present. Located between the base 31 0 and the top 31 2 there is a pair of metal beam members 314a, 314b, U-shaped. These beam members 314a, 314b are fixed at one end to the base 310 and, at the other end, to the top 312, by means of metal fasteners (not shown). As illustrated in Figure 3, the beam members 31 4a, 314b are fixed to the base 31 0 and to the top 31 2, so that they do not protrude from the footprint defined by the base 31 0 and by the top 312 The beam members 314a, 314b combine to form an anterior mounting surface 321, and a rear mounting surface 322, opposite the anterior mounting surface 321. These mounting surfaces 321, 322 are suitable for mounting the RFID antenna and other related components, and for securing the support covers 316a-316f. In the support assembly 300 of the present, two RFID antenna components 340, 350 are mounted on the anterior mounting surface 321, by means of their respective ground plates. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, assembly of the ground plates 340, 350 of the components, directly to an anterior surface 321 of the beam members 314a, 314b, further aids the structural firmness of the support assembly 300. , and eliminates electrical problems associated with components assembled at level with, or below, beam members 314a, 314b. Although the rear mounting surface 322 in FIG. 3 is not visible, it should be understood that additional antenna components can be mounted therein. The plurality of support covers 316a-316f complete the antenna support assembly 300 of the present. These covers 316a-316f are generally curved, and have a somewhat elliptical contour. Optional ribs are also included along an interior side surface of covers 316a-316f. As previously discussed, the ribs and the elliptical shape provide greater resistance to the covers 316a-316f and greater structural firmness to the support assembly 300. Additionally, since the support covers 316a-316f are made of a material suitable for RF transmissions, For example, of a dielectric material, the support covers 316a-316f can serve as dome-type covers for radar, for any component mounted on the support assembly 300. As can be seen in Figure 3, the RFID antenna components 340, 350 are mounted on the support assembly 300 sin. their respective covers of the type of dome for radar. In this way, the support covers 316a, 316f, in the present embodiment, also serve as radar dome-type covers for the RFID antenna components 340, 350. It should be noted that, while the present invention was described in terms of the "preferred" embodiments, the embodiments described above are merely examples and serve to provide a clear understanding of the present invention. There are many modifications, permutations and equivalents that can be made in those modalities, without thereby departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the following claim chapter be interpreted including all those modifications, permutations and equivalents that fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims (9)

1 . An antenna support assembly (200, 300), comprising: a base (21 0, 310); an upper part (212, 312) separated from the base 21 0, 31 0); at least two beam members (214a, 21 4b, 31 4a, 31 4b), each of which is fixedly connected at one end to the base (210, 31 0) and at the other end, to the top (21 2, 31 2), for mounting at least one antenna component (350); and one or more covers (21 6a-f, 316a-f) detachably connected to the beam members (214a, 214b; 314a, 314b) to cover the components mounted on the beam members; having the cover or covers (21 6a-f, 31 6a-f) a generally curved outline, and being made of a material suitable for radio frequency (RF) transmissions. The support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover or covers (21 6a-f, 31 6a-f) have a generally elliptical contour. The support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover or covers (21 6a-f, 31 6a-f) are made of dielectric material. The support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover or covers (21 6a-f, 31 6a-f) have ribs through an inner side surface of each of said covers, to provide increased resistance to the covers and additional structural integrity to the support assembly. The support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the beam members (21 4a, 21 4b; 31 4a, 31 4b) have a substantially U shape. The support assembly according to the Claim 5, wherein the beam members (21 4a, 21 4b; 31 4a, 31 4b) define at least one substantially planar mounting surface, suitable for mounting antenna components (340, 350). The support assembly according to claim 6, wherein the upper part (212, 31 2) additionally comprises at least one electrical connection for connecting at least one antenna component. The support assembly according to claim 7, wherein the base (21 0, 31 0), the top part (212, 31 2) and the beam members (214a, 214b; 314a, 314b) ) are made of metal; and where the beam members (214a, 21 4b, 314a, 314b) are fixed to the base and to the top by means of metal fasteners. The support assembly according to claim 8, wherein the cover or covers (21 6a-f, 31 6a-f), when attached to the beam members, form a sleeve-like covering, covering that way in its entirety beam members (21 4a, 21 4b; 314a, 314b) and any component mounted on them. The support assembly according to claim 9, further comprising at least one transverse member (218) located between the beam members and removably attached thereto; the at least one transverse member (21 8) being suitable for supporting at least one antenna component. eleven . The support assembly according to claim 10, further comprising a first component and a second antenna component; the first antenna component (340) being mounted on the at least one mounting surface defined by the beam members; and the second antenna component being mounted on the at least one transverse member (21 8), wherein the cover or the covers serve as dome-type covers for radar, for the first and second antenna components. The support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the curvature of the covers (21 6a-f, 316a-f) is defined as one of a continuous curve and a multi-faceted geometric shape. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the beam members (214a, 21 4b; 314a, 314b) define fin portions to provide increased structural integrity to the support assembly.