Mounting assembly for RF antennas mounted at skewed azimuthal angles

Abstract

An assembly for mounting a plurality of antennas includes: a horizontal bar; at least one member extending away from the horizontal bar; and at least two radio frequency antennas, where a first antenna of the at least two antennas is mounted on the at least one member to define a first distance from the horizontal bar, and where a second antenna of the at least two antennas is mounted at a second distance from the horizontal bar, the second distance is smaller than the first distance from the horizontal rod. The first antenna and the second antenna are positioned and oriented such that the first antenna and the second antenna are substantially coplanar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to telecommunications equipment, and more specifically to the installation and arrangement of single-pole platform assemblies and related platform assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] Current sector frames and monopole antenna platforms use mounting rods or tubes to fix passive and active antennas to them. Figure 1 An exemplary antenna platform is shown in the figure. Figure 1 As shown, platform assembly 10 uses vertical mounting rod 14 to mount antenna 40 to one or more of horizontal members or tubes 12 of platform assembly 25.

[0003] Traditional monopole platforms have a plane fixed relative to the azimuth angle. Ideally, the antennas 40 are mounted parallel to the plane of the mounting (i.e., each antenna 40 is mounted such that its width dimension W is substantially parallel to the horizontal mounting rod 12 on which it is mounted and substantially coplanar with the width dimensions of the other antennas 40), which in turn means that the line of sight of each antenna 40 is perpendicular to the horizontal mounting rod 12 (and the width dimension of the antenna 40). This arrangement is typically suitable for platforms (such as...) Figure 1 Platform component 10) or sector frame (such as those shown in U.S. Patent No. 9,812,762, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0004] In some cases, using an azimuth angle will not allow the antenna to be parallel to the surface of the mounting; as a result, a condition known as antenna "skewness" occurs. This is in... Figure 2 For example, antenna 40' is mounted such that its width dimension W' is not parallel to the horizontal tube 12' on which it is mounted. Although the width dimensions of antennas 40' are parallel to each other, they are essentially not coplanar because they are located on... Figure 1 This is a typical arrangement. This arrangement may be problematic because the radio frequency (RF) mode of antenna 40' can cause performance interference (from both the RF perspective and the passive intermodulation (PIM) perspective).

[0005] Therefore, alternative methods may be needed, such as mounting the antenna unit on a single-pole platform and sector frame. Summary of the Invention

[0006] As a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to an assembly for mounting a plurality of antennas. The assembly includes: a horizontal rod; at least one member extending away from the horizontal rod; and at least two radio frequency antennas, wherein a first antenna of the at least two antennas is mounted on the at least one member to define a first distance from the horizontal rod, and wherein a second antenna of the at least two antennas is mounted at a second distance from the horizontal rod, the second distance being less than the first distance from the horizontal rod. The first antenna and the second antenna are positioned and oriented such that the first antenna and the second antenna are substantially coplanar.

[0007] As a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to an assembly for mounting a plurality of antennas, the assembly comprising: a horizontal rod; and at least two radio frequency antennas, wherein a first antenna of the at least two antennas is mounted to define a first distance from the horizontal rod, and wherein a second antenna of the at least two antennas is mounted to a second distance from the horizontal rod, the second distance being less than the first distance from the horizontal rod.

[0008] As a third aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to an assembly for mounting a plurality of antennas, comprising: a mounting platform; a horizontal rod attached to the mounting platform; at least two members extending away from the horizontal rod; and at least three radio frequency antennas, wherein a first antenna of the at least three antennas is mounted on a first member of the at least two members to define a first distance from the horizontal rod, and wherein a second antenna of the at least three antennas is mounted on a second member of the at least two members to define a second distance from the horizontal rod, the second distance being less than the first distance from the horizontal rod. The first antenna and the second antenna are positioned and oriented such that the first antenna and the second antenna are substantially coplanar. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a top view of a known single-pole platform assembly.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a top view of a known monopole platform assembly with the antenna mounted at an angle.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic top view of a monopole platform assembly with an skewed antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a top view of a portion of a monopole platform assembly with an skewed antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 It is used for Figure 4 The perspective of the extended frame of the component.

[0014] Figure 6 Is with Figure 5 An enlarged top view of the two sets of clamps used together with the extended frame.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a portion of a monopole platform assembly with an skewed antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A top view of two extended units of the component.

[0017] Figure 9 It is used to install the same antenna. Figure 7 Side view of two extended units of the component.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a portion of a monopole platform assembly with an skewed antenna according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a scissor mechanism for selectively positioning an antenna on a monopole platform assembly according to another embodiment of the invention, the mechanism being shown in an extended position.

[0020] Figure 12 It is shown as being in the retracted position. Figure 11 A perspective view of the structure.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a hinged arm mechanism for selectively positioning an antenna on a single-pole platform assembly according to another embodiment of the invention, the mechanism being shown in a retracted position.

[0022] Figure 14 It is shown as being in the extended position. Figure 13 A perspective view of the structure.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of an extension frame for selectively positioning an antenna on a monopole platform assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Perspective view of the mounting bracket of the extended frame.

[0025] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 A perspective view of the horizontal sliding component of the extended frame.

[0026] Figure 18 yes Figure 15 Perspective view of the vertical rods of the extended frame.

[0027] Figure 19 It is used to mount the antenna at a selected distance from the mounting platform. Figure 15 Perspective view of the extended frame.

[0028] Figure 20 It has the ability to utilize Figure 15 A perspective view of the mounting platform for the angled antenna of the extended frame.

[0029] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of an extension frame for selectively positioning an antenna on a monopole platform assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 Perspective view of the mounting bracket of the extended frame.

[0031] Figure 23 It is used to mount the antenna at a selected distance from the mounting platform. Figure 21 Perspective view of the extended frame.

[0032] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 Enlarged perspective view of the mounting bracket and horizontal sliding component of the extended frame.

[0033] Figure 25 It has the ability to utilize Figure 21 A perspective view of the mounting platform for the angled antenna of the extended frame.

[0034] Figure 26A -H indicates the use of Figure 21 The steps for adjusting the standard antenna to an angled mounting configuration using the extended frame. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0036] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated. Similar reference numerals always denote similar elements, and different numbers may be used with superscript indicators (apostrophes). example like 10', 10'', 10''') are used to specify different embodiments of similar elements.

[0037] In the accompanying drawings, certain layers, components, or features may be exaggerated for clarity, and dashed lines indicate optional features or operations unless otherwise stated. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0038] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another region, layer, or segment. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the invention, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, the order of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or drawings.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will also be understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of the specification and related art, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal form unless specifically defined herein. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail.

[0040] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” specify the presence of the said feature, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0041] As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted as including both X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y”. As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y”.

[0042] Note that aspects of the invention described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated into different embodiments, even if not specifically described therein. That is, features of all embodiments and / or any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination. The applicant reserves the right to amend any originally filed claim and / or accordingly file any new claim, including the right to modify any originally filed claim to be subordinate to and / or incorporated into any feature of any other claim or more, although not originally claimed in this manner. These and other objects and / or aspects of the invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below. Other features, advantages, and details of the invention will be understood by those skilled in the art upon reading the accompanying drawings and the subsequent detailed description of preferred embodiments, which are merely illustrative of the invention.

[0043] According to embodiments of the invention, a platform assembly and sector frame are provided, on which antennas can be mounted such that the antenna faces are both substantially parallel and substantially coplanar, thereby helping to reduce interference between RF signals transmitted from or received by the respective antennas. Referring now to... Figure 3 The diagram shows a schematic representation of a monopole platform assembly 110 with an antenna 140 mounted according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As can be seen, the monopole platform assembly 110 includes a horizontal mounting member 150 attached to a horizontal pole 112 on one side of the assembly 110, but positioned at a non-zero angle relative to the horizontal pole 112. The mounting member 150 is positioned at an angle α that matches the desired azimuth angle of the antennas 140 (i.e., the antennas 140 are also oriented at angle α relative to the horizontal pole 112). This arrangement allows the mounted antennas 140 to be substantially coplanar (i.e., their width dimensions are substantially coplanar along plane P), which in turn prevents potential RF and PIM interference that could be caused by non-coplanar antennas.

[0044] In this arrangement, it may be advantageous for the horizontal member 150 to be supported at both ends. For example, the ends of the horizontal member 150 spaced apart from the horizontal bar 112 can be supported by a support member (such as... Figure 3 The support member 160 shown is fixed to the horizontal bar 112.

[0045] There may be other configurations that allow the antenna to be deployed at the desired skew azimuth angle. Now refer to... Figure 4-6 The diagram shows a sector of a monopole platform assembly, generally designated 210. Assembly 210 includes four antennas 240, which are mounted at an skewed azimuth angle (i.e., not parallel to the horizontal pole 212 defining the edge of the platform). In this arrangement, one of the antennas, antenna 240a, is mounted to a typical vertical pole 214, which is described above in conjunction with... Figure 2The antennas are mounted to the horizontal pole 212 in the manner described. However, each of the other antennas 240b, 240c, and 240d is mounted on a vertical pole 214, which is then mounted to a corresponding extension frame 260 (see [link to related documentation]). Figure 5 Each of the extension frames has an inward vertical member 262 mounted to a horizontal bar 212, two horizontal arms 264, and an outward vertical member 266. The vertical bar 214 is mounted to the outward vertical member 266 via two sets of clamp pairs 267, 268, which are connected via threaded rods 269 (see [link to related documentation]). Figure 6 The arms 264 of the different extension frames 260 have different lengths (will...) Figure 4 (Comparing arms 264b and 264d) so that antennas 260b-260d can be mounted at an increased distance from the horizontal rod 212. Antennas 260a-260d are mounted at an angle on their respective vertical rods 214, the angle orientation such that the width dimensions of antennas 260a-260d are substantially coplanar.

[0046] It is worth noting that clamp 268 allows the vertical rod 214 to rotate about its axis, which enables technicians to precisely align the antenna 240 to the desired azimuth angle before securing it in place. Additionally, the threaded rod 269 between clamps 267 and 268 allows for fine-tuning of the distance between each vertical rod 214 (and each antenna 240) and the horizontal rod 212 to precisely position each antenna 240.

[0047] Figure 7-9 A portion of another monopole assembly, generally designated 310, suitable for use with an antenna having an azimuth offset, is shown. Assembly 310 includes an extendable unit 360 comprising members 361 and 362 that are slidable relative to each other to change the overall length of unit 360. The extendable unit 360 is mounted at one end to a horizontal pole 312 of assembly 310 via clamp 366 and at the opposite end to a vertical pole 314 via clamp pair 367 on which the antenna is mounted (the antenna is on...). Figure 7-9 (Not shown in the image). For example... Figure 8 As shown, the total length of the extendable unit 360 can be changed by sliding the sliding member 361 relative to the sliding member 362 and fixing it in place (e.g., with bolts, etc.). This adjustability allows the antenna mounted thereon to be positioned at a distance that allows its width dimensions to be substantially coplanar when the antenna is rotated to the desired azimuth angle. Figure 9 It is shown that in some embodiments, the upper and lower extendable units 360 attached to the same vertical rod 314 can be stabilized by a stabilizer rod 369 or a similar mechanism.

[0048] like Figure 10As shown, in some embodiments, the sliding member 361' of the extendable unit 360' can be fixed to the horizontal bar 312 at its front end. As described above, the sliding member 362' is attached to the vertical bar 314. This arrangement provides a smaller overall extension away from the horizontal bar 312 than the extendable unit 360, but can be used where the antenna should be positioned at a length smaller than that of the extendable unit 360 when the sliding member 361 is fully retracted.

[0049] Figure 11-14 The diagram illustrates an additional mechanism for selectively extending the distance between the antenna and the horizontal bar of the platform. As an example, Figure 11 and 12 An accordion or scissor mechanism 460 is shown, which can be used to selectively position the antenna at a distance from a horizontal bar of the assembly. As another example, a hinged arm mechanism 560 can be used (…). Figure 13 and 14 A potentially advantageous feature of the articulated arm mechanism 560 is that the link of the upper linkage 570 rotates about a horizontal axis, while the link of the lower linkage 580 rotates about a vertical axis. As a result, the combined assembly can have greater strength and stiffness in multiple directions, which may be important in resisting wind loads.

[0050] Figure 15-20 Another embodiment of the extended frame, generally designated 660, is shown. The antenna frame 660 includes a vertical member 662 and two horizontal sliding members 664 attached to the vertical member 662 via an L-shaped bracket 668 and a U-bolt 667. Each of the sliding horizontal members 664 is attached to the L-shaped bracket 668 with a U-bolt 669. Thus, the sliding horizontal member 664 can be loosely captured with the U-bolt 669, but can slide relative to the mounting bracket 668 until it is tightened into place once the desired position is reached (see [link]). Figure 15 and 19 ).

[0051] like Figure 17 As shown, each of the sliding horizontal members 664 has a mounting plate 670 attached to one end. The antenna mast 614 is mounted to the mounting plate 670 of the sliding horizontal member 664 using U-bolts 671. This is achieved by tightening the U-bolts 671 (see...). Figure 15 and 19 Before being fixed in this orientation, the antenna mast 614 (and any antenna 640 mounted thereon) can be rotated within the U-bolt 671 by a desired angle (e.g., a skew angle as described above).

[0052] like Figure 20As shown, the extension frame 660 can be used to mount the antenna at different distances from the mounting platform 610. Figure 20 The rightmost antenna 640d can be directly mounted to the antenna mast 614 of the mounting platform 610 without the rest of the extension frame 660. However, antennas 640a, 640b, and 640c are each mounted at different distances from the mounting platform 610 via their respective extension frames 660 to facilitate the tilted mounting of antennas 640a-d. In each case, antennas 640a-d are rotated about their antenna mast 614 to the desired azimuth angle.

[0053] Now for reference Figure 21-25 The diagram shows another extended frame, generally designated 760. Except that the L-shaped bracket 668 is replaced by bracket 768, the extended frame 760 is similar to the extended frame 660, the bracket including two upwardly extending flanges 771, 773, each flange including a corresponding notch 775, 777. Figure 23 and 24 As shown, a sliding horizontal member 764 is received in a set of aligned recesses 775, 777. The interaction between the horizontal sliding member 764 and the recesses 775, 777 facilitates the positioning of the sliding horizontal member during installation, when it is being positioned before being secured in place with U-bolts 769 (especially when the sliding horizontal member 764 slides within the loose U-bolts 769).

[0054] refer to Figure 26A -H can be understood as a transition from a conventional arrangement to an off-center mounting arrangement. Starting with the conventional arrangement of antenna 810 on mounting platform 820, Figure 26A The leftmost antenna 810 is used as an example. First, after the antenna 810 is disconnected from the platform 820, it is lifted (e.g., using the lifting clamp 812). Figure 26B Mounting bracket 768 and vertical member 762 are installed onto horizontal bar 722 of mounting platform 820. Figure 26C Then, using U-bolts 769, the sliding horizontal member 764 is loosely installed onto the mounting bracket 768. Figure 26D Antenna 810 is attached to mounting plate 770 of horizontal sliding member 764 by U-bolts 771. Figure 26E The antenna 810 is then tilted at an angle (typically using a GPS-based device to aim the antenna), and the U-bolt 771 is tightened to secure the antenna 810 and antenna mast 714 to the mounting plate 770. Then (by allowing the horizontal sliding member 764 to slide within the U-bolt 769), the antenna 810 is positioned at the desired distance from the mounting platform 820. Figure 26FTighten the U-bolts 769 to secure the antenna 810 at the desired distance and remove the lifting clamps 812. Repeat this process for each antenna 810 that will be positioned at a certain distance from the mounting platform 820. Figure 26G and 26H The resulting arrangement can provide the advantages of the antenna's skewed mounting as described above.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will understand that, despite Figures 26A-26H This involves modifying the existing antenna arrangement to an off-center arrangement as shown in the figure, but these steps can also be followed to install a new antenna.

[0056] The foregoing description is illustrative of the invention and should not be construed as limiting it. Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that many modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An assembly for mounting multiple antennas, comprising: Horizontal bar; At least one component extends away from the horizontal bar; as well as At least two radio frequency antennas, wherein a first antenna of the at least two antennas is mounted on the at least one member to define a first distance from the horizontal bar, and wherein a second antenna of the at least two antennas is mounted at a second distance from the horizontal bar, the second distance being less than the first distance from the horizontal bar; The first antenna and the second antenna are positioned and oriented such that the first antenna and the second antenna are substantially coplanar.

2. The component of claim 1, wherein the at least one component is two components, wherein the first antenna is mounted on the first component of the components, and wherein the second antenna is mounted on the second antenna of the two antennas.

3. The component of claim 2, wherein the third antenna of the at least two antennas is mounted adjacent to the horizontal bar.

4. The component of claim 1, wherein the at least one component is configured to be adjustable, enabling selection of the first distance.

5. The component of claim 4, wherein the at least one component comprises a hinged arm.

6. The component of claim 4, wherein the at least one component comprises a scissor linkage mechanism.

7. The component of claim 1, wherein the at least one component comprises a telescopic extension unit.

8. The component of claim 1, wherein the horizontal bar is attached to the single-bar platform.

9. The component of claim 1, wherein the horizontal bar is attached to the sector frame.

10. An assembly for mounting multiple antennas, comprising: Horizontal bar; as well as At least two radio frequency antennas, wherein a first antenna of the at least two antennas is mounted at a first distance from the horizontal bar, and wherein a second antenna of the at least two antennas is mounted at a second distance from the horizontal bar, the second distance being less than the first distance from the horizontal bar.

11. The component of claim 10, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are positioned and oriented such that the first antenna and the second antenna are substantially coplanar.

12. The component of claim 10, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are mounted on a common component.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are substantially parallel to the common component.

14. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are mounted on different components, the different components are mounted to the horizontal bar, and the first component and the second component have different lengths.

15. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the horizontal bar is attached to the monopole platform.

16. The component of claim 10, wherein the horizontal bar is attached to the sector frame.

17. An assembly for mounting multiple antennas, comprising: Installation platform; A horizontal bar attached to the mounting platform; At least two members extending away from the horizontal bar; as well as At least three radio frequency antennas, wherein a first antenna of the at least three antennas is mounted on a first member of the at least two members to define a first distance from the horizontal bar, and wherein a second antenna of the at least three antennas is mounted on a second member of the at least two members to define a second distance from the horizontal bar, the second distance being less than the first distance from the horizontal bar; The first antenna and the second antenna are positioned and oriented such that the first antenna and the second antenna are substantially coplanar.

18. The component of claim 17, wherein the first member and the second member have the same length.

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