Multifrequency Antenna Mast System for Large Mining Trucks

Project goal: To design, build and test a multi-frequency antenna mast for large mining trucks. The sponsor needed to update its antenna mast configuration to better interface its large mining trucks with the data and communication arrays used in its international markets. Design requirements stressed safety, dependability and durability. 3-D modeling was used to limit obstruction of the truck operator’s field of view and to verify that the antennas could be lowered to a safe working height. Finite element analysis modeling was performed to ensure that the antenna mast system’s natural frequency would not couple with the truck’s vibration spectrum; if the frequencies were too close,the resulting resonance would destroy the mast system. Finite element analysis was also used to verify that the antenna could withstand forces of 3g. The antenna mast system is reinforced with a steel frame and fitted with a rack and pinion system that uses an electric motor to raise and lower the antenna. The system has an enclosed housing to cover moving parts and prevent damage by flying debris. The sponsor plans to attach up to five antennas to the mast system to improve communications and data accumulation.