Abstract
The disclosure relates to an antenna system [1] comprising a mast [7], in turn comprising a base section [2b] and an extendable section [a], and an antenna [6]. The antenna [6] is arranged to be rotatable and the extendable section [2a] comprises a plurality of telescopic sections [8] whereby the extendable section [2a] may adopt a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. The mast [7] is foldable in relation to a platform [5] in a vertical plane [PLxy] essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extendable section [LD-es] and to the longitudinal direction of the base section [LD- bs] by means of a first pivot joint [9]. According to the disclosure the antenna system [1] may be arranged to the platform [5], wherein the platform [5] may be in form of a vehicle [5-v], whereby an antenna arrangement [101] is formed. The disclosure further relates to methods of avoiding oscillations for an antenna system [1] and/or an antenna arrangement [101],and to a method of undeploying an antenna arrangement
Claims
1. Antenna system comprising a mast, wherein the mast comprises a base section and an extendable section, wherein the base section is configured to be arrangeable to a platform, and an antenna, wherein the antenna is arranged to be connected to the extendable section and to be rotatable in a plane essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the antenna, and wherein the extendable section comprises a plurality of telescopic sections, whereby the extendable section may adopt a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration, and wherein the base section is arranged to the extendable section by means of a first pivot joint, whereby the extendable section is foldable in relation to the base section in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extendable section and to the longitudinal direction of the base section by means of the first pivot joint.
2. Antenna system according to claim 1 wherein the mast comprises a base section and an extendable section, wherein an upper end of the base section is arranged to a lower end of the extendable section, and wherein a lower end of the base section is configured to be arrangeable to the platform, the antenna is arranged in connection to an upper end of the extendable section, and the upper end of the base section is arranged to the lower end of the extendable section by means of the first pivot joint.
3. Antenna system according to claim 1, wherein the extendable section comprises a second pivot joint, whereby the antenna is foldable in relation to at least a part of the extendable section in the vertical plane being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the antenna and to the longitudinal direction of the extendable section, by means of the second pivot joint.
4. Antenna system according to claim 3, wherein the second pivot joint is arranged between an upper end of the extendable section and the antenna, whereby the second pivot joint connects the antenna to the extendable section, and whereby the antenna is foldable in relation to the extendable section in the vertical plane being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the antenna and to the longitudinal direction of the extendable section.
5. Antenna system according to claim 3, wherein the second pivot joint is arranged between an upper end of the extendable section and a lower end of the extendable section, whereby a part of the extendable section connected to the antenna and a part of the extendable section not connected to the antenna is formed, and whereby the part of the extendable section connected to the antenna is foldable in relation to the part of the extendable section not connected to the antenna. in the vertical plane being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extendable section and to the longitudinal direction of the base section.
6. Antenna system according to claim 1, wherein the base section of the mast is arrangeable to the platform, wherein the longitudinal and transverse extension of the platform defines a horizontal plane, and wherein the mast is configured to be rotatable in the horizontal plane.
7. Antenna system according to claim 1, wherein the extendable section comprises a plurality of telescopic sections, wherein respective innermost telescopic section is configured to slide longitudinally in and out of respective outermost telescopic section of two adjacent telescopic sections steplessly.
8. Antenna system according to claim 1, wherein the extendable section may adopt any configuration between a fully retracted configuration and a fully deployed configuration, and the selected configuration of the extendable section together with a configuration of respective first and/or second pivot joint determines the operational configuration of the antenna system and wherein the operational configuration selected is dependent on at least one of the following parameters; terrain, wind conditions, ground conditions, surrounding vegetation, antenna operating mode, or hostile situation.
9. Antenna arrangement, wherein the antenna arrangement comprises an antenna system according to claim 1 and a platform.
10. Antenna arrangement according to claim 9, wherein an angle A between an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the base section and an axis extending the longitudinal direction of the extendable section is selected such that a centre of gravity of the antenna is longitudinally offset from where the base section is configured to be arrangeable to the platform.
11. Antenna arrangement according to claim 9, wherein in that platform is a vehicle.
12. Method of avoiding oscillations for an antenna system and/or an antenna arrangement according to claim 1, wherein, given the current operational configuration and the current environmental conditions, the method comprises the method step of; controlling the operational configuration of the antenna system such that the natural frequency of the mast differs from the excitation frequency.
13. Method of avoiding oscillations for an antenna system and/or an antenna arrangement according to claim 12, wherein, a given operational height of the antenna system corresponds to a specific natural frequency of the mast, and a given RPM of the rotating antenna corresponds to a specific excitation frequency given the current environmental conditions, wherein, given the natural frequency of the mast, the method comprises the method step of; controlling the RPM of the rotating antenna such that the excitation frequency differs from the natural frequency of the mast.
14. Method of avoiding oscillations for an antenna system and/or an antenna arrangement according to claim 12, wherein, a given operational height of the antenna system corresponds to a specific natural frequency of the mast, and a given RPM of the rotating antenna corresponds to a specific excitation frequency given the current environmental conditions, wherein, given the natural frequency of the mast, the method comprises the method step of; controlling the operational height of the antenna system such that the excitation frequency differs from the natural frequency of the mast.
15. Method of undeploying an antenna arrangement comprising and antenna system and a platform, according to claim 10, wherein the platform is a vehicle having a front end and a rear end defining the extension of the vehicle in longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the antenna has a front surface of the antenna and a back surface of the antenna, and the extendable section comprises a second pivot joint, whereby by means of the second pivot joint the antenna is foldable in relation to at least a part of the extendable section in the vertical plane, being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the antenna and to the longitudinal direction of the extendable section, and wherein the method comprises the method steps of, when the mast is in an at least partially upright and at least partially deployed position; retracting the extendable section of the mast such that the mast adopts an essentially fully retracted configuration, directing the mast by means of rotation such that the mast is capable of being folded, by means of the first pivot joint in a direction pointing essentially towards the rear end of the vehicle, rotating the antenna such that the front surface of the antenna is directed in a direction such that when being in a fully nested configuration the front surface of the antenna is directed towards the extendable section of the mast, and folding the extendable section of the mast in relation to the base section of the mast by means of the first pivot joint and folding the antenna in relation to at least a part of the extendable section by means of the second pivot joint such that the back surface of the antenna rests against the vehicle, whereby the antenna system is arranged in the fully nested configuration.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0096] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0097] FIG. 1a shows a side view of an example of an antenna system according to the present disclosure,
[0098] FIG. 1b shows a side view of another example of an antenna system according to the present disclosure,
[0099] FIG. 2a shows a side view of an example of an antenna system in a deployed configuration for which the centre of gravity of an antenna has been shifted,
[0100] FIG. 2b shows a top view of an example of an antenna system in a deployed configuration for which the centre of gravity of an antenna has been shifted,
[0101] FIG. 3 shows an example of an antenna system according to the present disclosure in a nested configuration,
[0102] FIG. 4a shows an example of an antenna arrangement leaning longitudinally,
[0103] FIG. 4b shows another example of an antenna arrangement leaning longitudinally,
[0104] FIG. 4c shows yet an example of an antenna arrangement leaning longitudinally,
[0105] FIG. 5 shows an example how the telescopic functionality may be realised,
[0106] FIG. 6a to FIG. 6d show how the antenna system may adopt a nested configuration, and
[0107] FIG. 7 schematically shows a flow chart disclosing an example of a method according to the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0108] The following description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is presented only for purposes of illustration and should not be seen as limiting. The description is not intended to be exhaustive and modifications and variations are possible in the light of the above teachings, or may be acquired from practice of various alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. The examples discussed herein were chosen and described in order to explain the principles and the nature of various example embodiments and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the exemplary embodiments in various manners, and with various modifications, as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It should be appreciated that the aspects presented herein separately may be practiced in any combination with each other unless otherwise explicitly is stated.
[0109] Reoccurring reference signs refer to corresponding elements throughout the detailed description. When herein using reference signs indexed with a letter what is referred to is an exemplary embodiment of a feature that may be configured differently according to the present disclosure.
[0110] For clarification purpose XYZ coordinate systems are indicated in many of the herein disclosed figures. Such coordinate systems are used as reference in order to clearly describe relative positioning, movements and operations of exemplary antenna systems.
[0111] FIG. 1a shows an example of an antenna arrangement 101, comprising an antenna system 1 and a platform 5, wherein the platform is in form of a vehicle 5-v, in a fully deployed configuration FDC. The antenna system 1 comprises a mast 7, wherein the mast 7 comprises a base section 2b and an extendable section 2a. An upper end 3a of the base section 2b is arranged to a lower end 4b of the extendable section 2a, and a lower end 3b of the base section 2b is arranged to the platform 5. An upper end 4a of the extendable section 2a is arranged to be connected to an antenna 6.
[0112] The extendable section 2a comprises a plurality of telescopic sections 8. The extendable section 2a may adopt a fully retracted configuration FRC, a fully deployed configuration FDC, as is shown in FIG. 1a, or any configuration there between.
[0113] The platform, in FIG. 1a in form of a vehicle 5-v, has a front end 51 and a rear end 52 defining the longitudinal extension of the vehicle 5-v, i.e. the platform 5, in longitudinal direction of the platform LD-p, which according to the coordinate system of FIG. 1a is directed in X direction. The platform 5 also has a transverse extension, not shown, which according to the coordinate system of FIG. 1a is directed in Z direction. The longitudinal direction of the platform LD-p, in X direction, and the transverse extension of the platform, in Z direction, defines a horizontal plane PLxz.
[0114] When the mast 7 is in an upright position, as in the example shown in FIG. 1a, a longitudinal direction of the mast LD-m is defined as being perpendicular to the horizontal plane PLxz, i.e. perpendicular to as well the longitudinal direction of the platform LD-p as the transverse direction of the platform. Further, according to the example shown in FIG. 1a, when the mast 7 is in an upright position the longitudinal direction of the extendable section LD-es is arranged with an angle A in relation to a longitudinal direction of the base section LD-bs. This may also be explained as that an axis (Ax-bs) extending in the longitudinal direction of the base section LD-bs and an axis Ax-es extending in the longitudinal direction of the extendable section LD-es is arranged with an angle A in relation to one another.
[0115] As is shown in FIG. 1a the centre of gravity CoG is, due to that the extendable section 2a is arranged at the angle A in relation to the base section 2b, positioned offset in relation to the attachment point were the lower end 3b of the base section 2b is arranged to the platform 5. By offsetting, or displacing, the centre of gravity CoG of the antenna 6 in relation to the attachment point of the mast 7, the mast 7 will always be exposed to a load generated by the weight of the antenna 6. This has the exemplary effect of clearance minimization of the antenna system 1. By applying a constant load on the mast 7 play between interacting components will be eliminated or reduced whereby the construction will be more rigid. A rigid construction, with minimized movements due to e.g. play improves durability and performance of the antenna system 1. This is particularly important for the present disclosure since the telescopic functionality of the antenna system 1 provides a large number of interacting components due to the plurality of telescopic sections 8, thereby a large number of clearances and tolerances.
[0116] As is apparent from the disclosure, the example of an antenna arrangement 101, comprising an antenna system 1 and a platform 5 in form of a vehicle 5-v, shown in FIG. 1a is just one possible realization according to the present disclosure. The design and configuration of e.g. the bases section 2b, the extendable section 2a, the angle A etc. are dependent on e.g. constructional restraints and intended use of the antenna arrangement. The offset of the centre of gravity CoG in relation to the attachment point is e.g. dependent on the angle A and the degree of extension of the extendable section 2a of respective antenna system design. Thus, it is considered to be apparent for a person skilled in the art that various realizations of the mast due to constructional restraints or constructional design features all are within the scope of the present disclosure. The slight tilt of the extendable section 2a in relation to the base section 2b in example of an antenna system 1 in FIG. 1 is considered to be an example of such a constructional design feature.
[0117] The vehicle 5-v further comprises a loading platform 50 configured to receive and hold cargo or similar.
[0118] In FIG. 1a a longitudinal direction of the antenna LD-a coincides with the longitudinal direction of the mast LD-m. The antenna 6 has a front surface of the antenna 6a and a back surface of the antenna 6b, wherein the front surface of the antenna 6a is directed in the opposite direction as the back surface of the antenna 6b. The antenna 6 is arranged to be rotatable in a plane PLxz essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the antenna LD-a, i.e. in the horizontal plane PLxz, by means of a turntable 60, or other similar rotation means enabling rotation of the antenna 6 in relation to the extendable section 2a. The base section 2b is arranged to the platform 5 by a rotation means 53, such as e.g. a turntable, enabling the antenna system 1 to be rotatable in the horizontal plane PLxz.
[0119] The upper end 3a of the base section 2b is connected to the lower end 4b of the extendable section 2a by means of a first pivot joint 9. By means of the first pivot joint 9 the mast 7 is foldable. According to the example disclosed in FIG. 1a the mast 7 is foldable in a vertical plane PLxy which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extendable section LD-es as well as to the longitudinal direction of the base section LD-bs. The vertical plane PLxy is perpendicular to the horizontal plane PLxz.
[0120] In FIG. 1a the upper end 4a of the extendable section 2a is further arranged to the antenna 6 by means of a second pivot joint 10, whereby the antenna 6 also is foldable in, according to the example of FIG. 1a, the vertical plane PLxy, which id parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extendable section LD-es and to the longitudinal direction of the base section LD-b, i.e. the antenna 6 is foldable in the vertical plane PLxy by means of the second pivot joint 10.
[0121] The vehicle 5-v is further provided with outriggers 12. The outriggers 12 provide additional support to the vehicle 5-v when required.
[0122] FIG. 1b discloses yet an example of an antenna system 1, of an antenna arrangement 101, according to the present disclosure. For the antenna system 1 disclosed in FIG. 1b the second pivot joint 10 is not arranged between the antenna 6 and the upper end 4a of the extendable section 2a but between the upper end 4a of the extendable section 2a and a lower end 4b of the extendable section 2a. Thereby an upper extendable section 2a′ of the extendable section 2a, connected to the antenna 6, and a lower extendable section 2a″ of the extendable section 2a, not connected to the antenna 6, is formed. The upper and lower extendable sections 2a′, 2a″ are separated by the second pivot joint 10. The upper extendable section 2a′ of the extendable section 2a connected to the antenna 6 is, except for being connected to the antenna 6, also connected to the second pivot joint 10. The lower extendable section 2a″ of the extendable section 2a, which is not connected to the antenna 6, is connected to the second pivot joint 10 and the first pivot joint 9.
[0123] By means of the second pivot joint 10 the upper extendable section 2a′ of the extendable section 2a is foldable in relation to the lower extendable section 2a″ of the extendable section 2a in the vertical plane PLxy, thus in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extendable section LD-es and to the longitudinal direction of the base section LD-bs. Further, the telescopic functionality of the exemplary disclosure of FIG. 1b is divided in two; the upper extendable section 2a′ of the extendable section 2b providing one telescopic functionality and the lower extendable section 2a″ of the extendable section 2b providing one telescopic functionality. The telescopic functionalities of the upper and lower extendable sections 2a′, 2a″ work in the same way as any other herein disclosed telescopic functionality. However, having an upper telescopic functionality provided by the upper extendable section 2a′ and a lower telescopic functionality provided by the lower extendable section 2a″ has the exemplary effect that it is possible to design and configure respective telescopic functionality differently. It is e.g. possible to have different numbers of telescopic sections in respective extendable section 2a′, 2a″ or by having differently configured telescopic sections, e.g. in terms of longitudinal extension, in respective extendable section 2a′, 2a″.
[0124] Where along the extension in longitudinal direction of the extendable section LD-es the second pivot joint 10 is arranged may e.g. be dependent on the specific design on the antenna system 1 and antenna arrangement 101 and the intended use of the antenna system 1 or antenna arrangement 101.
[0125] FIG. 2a shows another example of an antenna arrangement 101, comprising an antenna system 1 and a platform 5. Also, in FIG. 2a the platform 2 is in form of a vehicle 5-v, and the antenna system 1 is in a fully deployed configuration FDC.
[0126] FIG. 2b shows the same antenna arrangement 101 from a top view.
[0127] In FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b the antenna system 1 is exposed to a stationary wind, indicated by an arrow W, which acts on the antenna system 1 with a force. The force with which the wind W acts on the antenna system 1 may vary with e.g. rotation of the antenna 6. The rotation of the antenna may e.g. be enabled by means of a turntable 60.
[0128] In the example shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b the antenna system 1 is partly rotated by means of the rotation means 53. The extendable section 2a is also slightly tilted in relation to the base section 2b with an angle B. By rotating and tilting the antenna system 1 and the extendable section 2a the centre of gravity CoG of the antenna 6 is displaced. Displacing the centre of gravity CoG of the antenna 6 has the exemplary effect that forces due to e.g. a more or less stationary wind W may be at least partially counteracted. As will be shown and discussed in relation to FIGS. 4a to 4c, being able to displace or shift the CoG is also advantageous if the antenna arrangement is positioned in e.g. a slope, whereby the platform leans longitudinally, or even more advantageous if the antenna arrangement is positioned such that the vehicle leans laterally.
[0129] According to the present disclosure this functionality, which is enabled by that the antenna system 1 is provided with; capability of rotating the antenna system 1, capability of being extendable, by means of the extendable section 2a, and capability of being foldable, by means of the first and second pivot joints 9, 10, significantly improves the operability and flexibility of the antenna system 1. It enables that forces acting on the antenna system 1 may be counteracted by adapting the antenna system 1 according to prevailing conditions, such as the exemplary windy conditions shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b. Thereby the antenna system 1, and the antenna arrangement 101 comprising the antenna system 1, may compensate for external forces acting on the antenna arrangement 101, comprising the antenna system 1. This in turn e.g. has the effect that an antenna arrangement 101, comprising an antenna system 1, can be designed and constructed by using lighter and not as thick and heavy goods.
[0130] An antenna system as shown in e.g. FIG. 1a, FIG. 1b, FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b also has the exemplary advantage, especially when being arranged to a vehicle, that improved operational capability is combined with high mobility.
[0131] The combination of being foldable and having telescopic functionality gives an antenna system according to the present disclosure exemplary advantages such as being far more adaptable than conventional transportable antenna system in terms of e.g. direction and/or position in relation to the platform of the antenna system. Thereby the operational freedom and performance of the antenna system is improved.
[0132] These exemplary advantages in combination with, for vehicle based applications, improved mobility due to being arranged to a vehicle, and a lighter and less bulky construction than of conventional mobile antenna systems enables an antenna system and an antenna arrangement according to the present disclosure to be far more adaptable to prevailing conditions than conventional systems. First of all the operational height is improved but also e.g. the capability to move in though terrain is improved.
[0133] Thus, an antenna system according to the present disclosure has important advantages over both conventional mobile antenna systems and over conventional transportable antenna systems.
[0134] FIG. 3 shows an example of an antenna arrangement 101, comprising an antenna system 1 and a platform 5, also in FIG. 3 in form of a vehicle 5-v, wherein the antenna system 1 is in a fully nested configuration FNC. According to the example shown in FIG. 3, when the antenna system 1 is in a fully nested configuration FNC the extendable section 2a of the mast 7 is folded, by means of the first pivot joint 9, such that the longitudinal direction of the extendable section LD-es is nearly parallel to the longitudinal direction of the platform LD-p, or at least as parallel as possible given the current antenna system design. The antenna 6 is folded, by means of the second pivot joint 10, such that a longitudinal direction of the antenna LD-a also is nearly parallel to the longitudinal direction of the platform LD-p, or at least as parallel as possible given the current antenna system design, and to the longitudinal direction of the extendable section LD-es. Thereby the extendable section 2a is folded to be positioned above the antenna 6.
[0135] The vehicle 5-v further comprises a loading platform 50 configured to receive and hold cargo or similar. As is disclosed in the example of the antenna system 1 of FIG. 3, when in a fully nested configuration FNC the back side on the antenna 6b is positioned to rest on the loading platform 50 of the vehicle 5-v. Thereby the front surface of the antenna 6a, which is directed in the opposite direction as the back surface of the antenna 6b, is directed towards the extendable section 2a of the mast 7. Thus, an exemplary advantage with the antenna arrangement 101, comprising the antenna system 1, according to the present disclosure is that when being configured in the fully nested configuration FNC the extendable section 2a, provides protection for the front surface of the antenna 6a by being positioned above the front surface of the antenna 6b. Yet an exemplary advantage with the antenna arrangement 101, comprising the antenna system 1, according to the present disclosure is that since the back surface of the antenna 6b may be positioned to abut the loading platform 50 of the vehicle 5-v movements of the antenna 6 during e.g. transport can be counteracted. The back surface of the antenna 6b is preferably locked in position by a locking means (not shown) at the loading platform 50 in order to minimize movements of the antenna 6 during e.g. transport. For further dampening of movements of the antenna 6, and to further counteract that the antenna 6 is shaken during transport, the loading platform may also be provided with resilient shock absorbers, cushioning or similar (not shown). Even if not shown, also for most realizations of antenna systems for which the second pivot joint is arranged between the upper end and the lower end of the extendable section it is possible to arranged the antenna system in a fully nested configuration.
[0136] FIG. 4a shows an example of an antenna arrangement 101, comprising an antenna system 1 and a platform 5, in FIG. 4a in form of a vehicle 5-v, in a fully deployed configuration FDC. The vehicle 5-v is positioned in a slope, whereby the vehicle 5-v leans in longitudinal direction. In order to counteract excessive or uneven load of an antenna system 1 according to the present disclosure the antenna system 1 is configured such that the centre of gravity CoG of the antenna 6 may be shifted. The centre of gravity CoG can be displaced without having to affect e.g. the operational height and/or the positioning of the antenna 6. Such displacement of the centre of gravity CoG, without affecting e.g. the operational height and/or the positioning of the antenna 6, is enabled by means of the combination of the antenna mast 7 and the antenna 6 being foldable, by means of the first and second pivot joints 9, 10, and that the extendable section 2a provides telescopic functionality. In FIG. 4a the extendable section 2a is folded, by means of the first pivot joint 9, an angle C in relation to the base section 2b, in the vertical plane PLxy.
[0137] By displacing the centre of gravity CoG of the antenna 6 the balance of the antenna system 1 and antenna arrangement 101 can be improved. If the antenna arrangement 101 comprising the antenna system 1 is positioned to lean longitudinally or laterally, by rotation of the antenna system 1 and/or folding of the mast 7 and/or antenna 6 the centre of gravity CoG may be displaced, whereby excessive stress the antenna system 1 is exposed to may be reduced. Thereby e.g. outriggers 12 may not always have to be used and the construction of the antenna system 1 and antenna arrangement 12 may not have to be as heavy and rigid.
[0138] This has the exemplary effect that it is possible to design an antenna system, and the platform to which the antenna system is arranged, to be less robust, less bulky, not as heavy and possibly even less costly. As previously discussed it is however desirable that the antenna system constantly is exposed to some load for clearance minimization.
[0139] FIG. 4b shows another example of an antenna arrangement 101 leaning longitudinally. The example of an antenna arrangement 101 of FIG. 4b shows an example where the second pivot joint 10 is arranged between the upper end 4a and the lower end 4b of the extendable section 2a. Further, in FIG. 4b the part of the extendable section connected to the antenna 2a′ and a part of the extendable section not connected to the antenna 2a″ are aligned and both extend essentially in the longitudinal direction of the extendable section LD-es. Also, in FIG. 4b the extendable section 2a is folded, by means of the first pivot joint 9, an angle C in relation to the base section 2b, i.e. an axis Ax-bs extending in the longitudinal direction of the base section LD-bs is arranged at the angle C in relation to an axis Ax-es extending the longitudinal direction of the extendable section LD-es.
[0140] FIG. 4c shows yet an example of an antenna arrangement 101 leaning longitudinally. The example of an antenna arrangement 101 of FIG. 4c also shows an example where the second pivot joint 10 is arranged between the upper end 4a and the lower end 4b of the extendable section 2a. In FIG. 4c the extendable section 2a is folded, by means of the first pivot joint 9, an angle D in relation to the base section 2b, in the vertical plane PLxy. In FIG. 4c the part of the extendable section connected to the antenna 2a′ and a part of the extendable section not connected to the antenna 2a″ are folded in relation to one another with the angle E, in the vertical plane PLxy, by means of the second pivot joint 10.
[0141] For examples where the part of the extendable section connected to the antenna 2a′ and a part of the extendable section not connected to the antenna 2a″ are folded in relation to one another the longitudinal direction of the extendable section LD-es is defined as the longitudinal direction of the of the part of the extendable section not connected to the antenna 2a″.
[0142] As previously disclosed, having the second pivot joint arranged between an upper end of the extendable section and a lower end of the extendable section has the exemplary effect that for certain antenna system designs an even more compact packaging of the antenna system onto the platform is enabled and/or that an overall shorter transport may be obtained. FIG. 5 shows an example of how the telescopic functionality of an antenna system according to the present disclosure may be realised. The extendable section of an antenna system according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of telescopic sections 8′, 8″, which also may be described as a plurality of interconnected tubular sections, wherein each tubular section comprises an essentially hollow body.
[0143] In FIG. 5 examples of two adjacent telescopic sections 8′, 8″ are discloses, wherein each telescopic section 8′, 8″ has walls 11 extending essentially in the longitudinal direction of the extendable section LD-es of the mast, and where the outer transverse dimension OTD′ of an innermost telescopic section 8′ is smaller than an inner transverse dimension ITD″ of an outermost telescopic section 8″, such that the innermost telescopic section 8′ is capable of sliding in and out of the outermost telescopic section 8″ in longitudinal direction.
[0144] With transverse dimension is herein referred to the measurement across a telescopic section in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the telescopic section. Since the examples of telescopic sections 8′, 8″ of FIG. 5 are hollow, each telescopic section 8′, 8″ has an outer transverse dimension and an inner transverse dimension.
[0145] This movement of adjacent telescopic sections are also referred to as telescoping functionality. The telescopic sections 8′, 8″ of the example of an antenna system according to the present disclosure disclosed in FIG. 5 are essentially coaxially aligned. However, it should be emphasized that this is not a requirement for enabling the telescoping functionality.
[0146] The longitudinal movements of the telescopic sections, i.e. the telescoping functionality, may be enabled by any of the commonly known means of providing such functionality. This may e.g. include a rack and pinion arrangement, use of a wire winch or use of hydraulics.
[0147] A pinion rack arrangement may e.g. be provided by having a pinion drive, aligned with the extension of the telescopic section to which the pinion drive is arranged, and an rack, aligned with the extension of the adjacent extendable section to which the rack is arranged, interact. For a hydraulics arrangement may e.g. an interacting piston and piston barrel be arranged to be aligned with two adjacent extendable sections. Means of realizing the telescopic functionality are not part of the present disclosure per se and will not be further disclosed herein.
[0148] Further, according to exemplary aspects of antenna systems according to the present disclosure the telescoping functionality is stepless.
[0149] FIG. 6a to FIG. 6d schematically show how an example of an antenna system 1 arranged to a platform 5 in form of a vehicle 5-v, may adopt a fully nested configuration FNC, starting from a fully retracted configuration FRC. FIGS. 6a to 6d, and the below disclosed method, disclose the basic principle of the method, including the main steps of the method, but minor deviations and additional sub-steps e.g. dependent on specific design characteristics of an antenna system or antenna arrangement, are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0150] In FIGS. 6a to 6d an example of an antenna arrangement 101 for which the second pivot joint 10 is arranged between the upper part 4a of the extendable section 2a and the antenna 6 is shown. However, the method is also applicable for most realizations of antenna arrangements 101 for which the second pivot joint 10 is arranged between the upper end 4a and the lower end 4b of the extendable section 2a.
[0151] The vehicle 5-v has a longitudinal extension, wherein the vehicle 5-v has a front end 51 and a rear end 52 defining the extension of the vehicle 5-v in longitudinal direction of the platform LD-p. The vehicle 5-v further comprises a loading platform 50 configured to receive and hold cargo or similar. For clarification purpose a XYZ coordinate system is indicated which applies for FIG. 6a to FIG. 6d and which will be used as reference in order to clearly describe the movements and operations of the exemplary antenna system 1. The antenna 6 has a front surface of the antenna 6a and a back surface of the antenna 6b, wherein the front surface of the antenna 6a is defined as the surface in the direction in which the antenna 6 is configured to be able to transmit and/or receive, and the mechanically less sensitive back surface of the antenna 6b is arranged on the opposite side of the antenna 6 as the front surface of the antenna 6a.
[0152] In FIG. 6a the antenna system 1 is in the fully retracted configuration FRC. The base section 2b is arranged to the extendable section 2a with an angle F by means of the first pivot joint 9.
[0153] In FIG. 6b the antenna system 1 is in a partly nested configuration, referred to as a first nesting configuration 1NC, in which an extendable section 2a is folded an angle G, by means of a first pivot joint 9, in relation to the base section 2b.
[0154] An antenna 6 is arranged to an upper end 4a of the extendable section 2a to be rotatable in a plane PLxz essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the antenna LD-a. In FIG. 6a the longitudinal direction of the antenna LD-a is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the platform LD-p, and coincide with longitudinal direction of the mast LD-m. In FIGS. 6b and 6c the longitudinal direction of the antenna LD-a is essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the platform LD-p. Thus, the orientation of the plane in which the antenna 6 is rotatable is dependent on the current direction, i.e. how the extendable section 2a is folded in relation to the base section 2b.
[0155] The vehicle 5-v, has a front end 51 and a rear end 52 defining the longitudinal extension of the vehicle 5-v, i.e. the platform 5, in longitudinal direction of the platform LD-p, which according to the coordinate system of FIG. 1a is directed in X direction. The platform 5 also has a transverse extension, not shown, which according to the coordinate system of FIG. 1a is directed in Z direction. The longitudinal direction of the platform LD-p, in X direction, and the transverse extension of the platform, in Z direction, defines a horizontal plane PLxz. The upper end 4a of the extendable section 2a is arranged to the antenna 6 by means of a second pivot joint 10. The antenna 6 is foldable in the vertical plane PLxy, being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the antenna LD-a, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extendable section LD-es and perpendicular to the horizontal plane PLxz, by means of the second pivot joint 10.
[0156] In FIG. 6c the antenna 6 has been folded approximately 180 degrees in the vertical plane PLxy, in relation to the orientation of the antenna 6 in FIG. 6b. In FIG. 6c the antenna 6 of the antenna system 1 is also rotated essentially 180 degrees, in relation to the orientation of the antenna 6 shown in FIG. 6b, such that a front surface of the antenna 6a is directed towards the extendable section 2a of the mast 7. Such rotation may e.g. be accomplished by means of a turntable 60.
[0157] In FIG. 6d the antenna system 1 is in a fully nested configuration FNC. The extendable section 2a is folded an angle H, by means of a first pivot joint 9, in relation to the base section 2b, such that the back side on the antenna 6b is arranged to rest on the loading platform 50 of the vehicle 5-v. Thereby the longitudinal direction of the antenna LD-a becomes essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extendable section LD-es. The loading platform 50 is preferable provided with locking means (not shown) configured to secure the antenna 6, i.e. the back surface of the antenna 6b, to the loading platform 50 during transport.
[0158] The method of undeploying, storing, packaging and/or encapsulating before transportation, an antenna system 1 of an antenna arrangement 101, which is shown in FIGS. 6a to 6d, is schematically shows as a flow chart in FIG. 7, wherein the example of the method comprises the method steps of; [0159] when the mast 7 is in an at least partially upright and at least partially deployed configuration, [0160] retracting the extendable section 2a of the mast 7 such that the mast 7 adopts an essentially fully retracted configuration FRC, [0161] this is referred to as a retracting mast operation, RetM-OP, and is shown in FIG. 6a, [0162] directing the mast 7 by means of rotation such that the mast 7 is capable of being folded, by means of the first pivot joint 9, in a direction pointing essentially towards the rear end 52 of the vehicle 5-v, i.e. the mast is arranged to be foldable in the vertical plane PLxy, [0163] this is referred to as an aligning mast operation, AIM-OP, and is shown in FIG. 6a, [0164] rotating the antenna 6 such that a front surface of the antenna 6a is directed in a direction such that when being in a fully nested configuration FNC the front surface of the antenna 6a is directed essentially towards the extendable section 2a, [0165] this is referred to as an aligning antenna operation, AIA-OP, and is also shown in FIG. 6c, [0166] folding the antenna 6 in relation to at least a part of the extendable section 2a of the mast 7 in the vertical plane PLxy, by means of the second pivot joint 10, such that a longitudinal direction LD-a of the antenna 6 becomes nearly parallel, or at least as parallel as possible given the current antenna system design, to the longitudinal direction of the extendable section LD-es, and [0167] this is referred to as a folding antenna operation, FolA-OP, and is shown in FIG. 6c, and [0168] folding the extendable section 2a of the mast 7 in relation to the base section 2b of the mast 7 in the vertical plane PLxy, by means of the first pivot joint 9, and/or folding the antenna 6 in the vertical plane PLxy, by means of the second pivot joint 10, such that the a back surface of the antenna 6b is capable of resting against, the vehicle 5-v, or more specifically rests against the loading platform 50 of the platform 5, whereby the antenna system 1 is arranged in the fully nested configuration FNC. [0169] this is referred to as a nesting antenna operation, NestA-OP, and is shown in FIG. 6d, whereby the antenna system is arranged in an fully retracted and nested configuration, herein referred to undeployed configuration, UnDep.
[0170] As is indicated in the flow chart shown in FIG. 7, the retracting operation, RetM-OP, the aligning mast operation, AIM-OP, the folding antenna operation, FolA-OP, and the folding antenna operation, FolA-OP, may be performed in any order and/or at least partly simultaneously.
[0171] The disclosed method applies both to antenna systems for which the second pivot joint is arranged to the upper end of the extendable section, as e.g. is shown in FIG. 1a, and to antenna systems—at least for most realizations—for which the second pivot joint is arranged between the upper end and the lower end of the extendable section, as e.g. is shown in FIG. 1b.
[0172] Also, various specific antenna system designs may influence e.g. to what degree the antenna can be folded in relation to the mast/extendable section, how the extendable section can be folded in relation to the base section and exactly how the antenna is arranged between the mast and the loading platform when being in a fully nested configuration. Such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0173] According to some realizations of an antenna arrangement 101, comprising an antenna system 1, according to the present disclosure, it is also possible that the nesting antenna operation NestA-OP may be done in another order in relation to the other operations, RetM-OP, AlM-OP, AlA-OP and FolA-OP, e.g. aligning antenna operation, AlA-OP.
[0174] An exemplary advantage of the method of undeploying, storing, packaging and/or encapsulating before transportation is that during transport the antenna 6 is restrained from moving whereby involuntary shaking of the antenna 6 can be avoided. Also, the front surface of antenna 6a will be protected against mechanical impact since the mast 7/extendable section 2a at least partially covers the antenna 6, i.e. the front surface of the antenna 6a. Yet exemplary advantages is e.g. that the antenna arrangement 101 has a low profile, which is advantageously both since it makes the antenna arrangement 101 harder to spot for enemies, as well as for making it less prone to getting stuck in the terrain, and that deploying and storing the antenna system 1 accordingly will reduce the length of the transport.
[0175] As is apparent from the description above, the disclosure of the method is not to been seen as limited to the exact order of method steps described above. Many of the described steps of the method can be performed at any time during the method or can be performed simultaneously.
[0176] As also is apparent from the description above, the method of retracting and folding the antenna system, referred to as encapsulating the antenna 6, shown in FIGS. 6a to 6d, is also applicable to an antenna arrangement comprising an antenna system and any form of platform. According to a preferred embodiment of such an antenna arrangement the platform may be a vehicle.
[0177] Hence, as is apparent from the description above, when starting from a partially or fully deployed configuration it is possible to retract the extendable section of the mast simultaneously as the antenna is folded and the antenna is rotated. What is important is that when the method is completed the extendable section is fully retracted, the extendable section is folded such that the antenna can rest on the loading platform of the vehicle, the antenna is folded such that the antenna is essentially parallel to the loading platform of the vehicle and that the front surface of the antenna is facing the extendable section of the mast.
[0178] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0179] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0180] The foregoing has described the principles, preferred examples and modes of operation of the present disclosure. However, the disclosure should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and not as being limited to the particular examples discussed above. The different features of the various examples of the disclosure can be combined in other combinations than those explicitly described. It should therefore be appreciated that variations may be made in those examples by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims.
