Drag reduction kit for radome structure

Abstract

This disclosure relates to antenna design and an assembly for reducing wind load on base station antennas. The disclosure proposes an assembly, which comprises a wind reduction structure configured to surround a radome that houses the base station antenna, wherein the wind reduction structure is configured to reduce a drag coefficient on the base station antenna when subjected to airflow. This disclosure also proposes an antenna assembly including a radome that houses a base station antenna and the proposed assembly.

Description

[0001] DRAG REDUCTION KIT FOR RADOME STRUCTURE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of telecommunications and to the structural design of base station antennas used in cellular networks. An assembly for reducing wind load on a base station antenna and an according antenna assembly is provided.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In the realm of wireless communication, cellular networks are fundamental in facilitating the seamless connectivity of mobile devices such as smartphones. A critical component of these networks is the base station antenna, which has been traditionally designed to meet the demands of wide deployment across various geographic terrains and climatic conditions by communication operators globally.

[0006] However, a predominant issue that can arise with the implementation of such antennas is the wind load effect. The force exerted by the wind on the antenna significantly influences the cost factors for operators, affecting both capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX). High wind loads necessitate the use of robust and hefty support structures, which in turn, can elevate the financial outlay for installing new sites. Moreover, new models that accommodate a broader range of bands can introduce additional challenges due to increased size. This can result in an escalation of wind load which might require the existing supporting pole to be replaced, possibly addingsubstantial costs to site upgrades.

[0007] The wind load on antennas can be influenced by numerous variables, including natural factors like wind speed, direction, air density, altitude, and local wind distribution; site-specific factors such as local shading, ground elevation, and antenna arrangement; and antenna-specific factors including the area exposed to the wind, shape, and surface characteristics of the antenna housing (Radome), as well as its interaction with the support pole. Existing solutions to address the wind load problem have revolved around the optimization of the Radome shape especially for large antennas where a significant increase in depth is necessary to optimize the drag coefficient, impacting both the visual profile and transportation logistics.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned, the present disclosure proposes an assembly design that allows for an optimized aerodynamic profile without an increase in depth or transportation volume. One objective of this disclosure is to improve the drag coefficient. Another objective is to separate functions for sealing, impact protection, and drag reduction in at least two parts or assemblies.

[0010] These and other objectives are achieved by the solutions of this disclosure as provided in the independent claims. Advantageous implementations are further defined in the dependent claims.

[0011] A first aspect of the disclosure provides an assembly for reducing wind load on a base station antenna, which comprises a wind reduction structure configured to surround a radome that houses the base station antenna, wherein the wind reduction structure is configured to reduce a drag coefficient on the base station antenna when subjected to airflow.

[0012] This disclosure proposes an add-on assembly or radome to be mounted in addition to the primary antenna radome. For example, an assembly design for antennas at the mast or on the side of a building, to improve the drag coefficient of base station antennas by changing the outer shape of the base station antennas. With the proposed assembly, the drag coefficient of base station antennas can be improved, and the whole structure is stiff enough to sustain heavy wind load. A relatively small shape can still be kept for transportation.

[0013] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the wind reduction structure has a rounded shape and / or streamlined edges. The wind reduction structure is designed to have no sharp comers or edges; instead, the structure features rounded or streamlined edges to allow wind to flow around it smoothly, reducing turbulence and drag.

[0014] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the wind reduction structure comprises a front cover and optionally one or more back covers, wherein the front cover and / or the one or more back covers has rounded comers. Each back cover may have rounded comers. The wind reduction structure may comprise only one front cover, or one or two additional back covers. Possibly, the rounded comer of any front and / or back cover has a larger comer radius. That is, the comer has a smooth, gradual curve, which is beneficial because it leads to lower drag.

[0015] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the front cover and the one or more back covers are configured to mate along respective adjoining edges, and wherein, when mated, the front cover and the one or more back covers cooperatively define an enclosed space to accommodate the radome therein. Because the proposed assembly is to be mounted additionally to the primary antenna radome, and the primary antenna radome already has a sealed structure to protect the antenna from environmental and mechanical damage such as wind, rain, ice, and debris, there is no need for the proposed assembly to be watertight. The material for at least the front cover may need to be transparent to radio waves to prevent interference with the antenna’s operation.

[0016] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the front cover and / or the at least one back cover comprises one or more grooves, wherein the one or more grooves are formed on an outer surface of the front cover and / or the at least one back cover. Extra grooves can be provided on the outer surface of the covers. The grooves don’t improve the drag coefficient for the assembly, they are utilized for improving the stiffness so that a thinner cover can be used.

[0017] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the at least one back cover comprises one or more openings, configured to allow airflow and heat transfer from the base station antenna to the external environment. The cover(s) on the backside of the radome comprises openings or holes on the top and the bottom, to enhance passive cooling capabilities. Such structure allows to utilize the natural convection currents, where hot air rises and cooler air sinks, to encourage airflow across the radio's surface. This structure may lead to a chimney effect or stack effect, where a natural airflow cycle is created such that the warm air exits through the top of the structure, and cooler air is sucked in from the bottom to replace it.

[0018] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the wind reduction structure comprises a sheet, wherein the sheet is configured to wrap around the radome. The assembly includes a flexible, protective sheet or covering, which is wrapped around the antenna radome. The sheet is typically made from a durable, weather-resistant material that can withstand exposure to various environmental conditions such as UV rays, rain, wind, and temperature extremes. Common materials include reinforced polymer composites, fiberglass, or specialized synthetic fabrics that are designed to be minimally reactive with electromagnetic signals. The sheet might include aerodynamic features such as smoothed edges or a streamlined profile to reduce wind resistance and prevent it from being dislodged or damaged. Similar to previous embodiments, the sheet is wrapped around the primary antenna radome. As the primary antenna radome already has a sealed structure, therefore the sheet does not need to be watertight. In an implementation form of the first aspect, the assembly further comprises a support structure, configured to surround the radome, and attach the wind reduction structure to allow it to surround the radome. The support structures can be glued, screwed (with plastic screws), or mounted with snap fits against the primary radome and the add-on wind reduction structure.

[0019] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the support structure comprises multiple ring-like elements, wherein each element is configured to encase the radome and attach the wind reduction structure. The multiple ring-like elements may be vertically stacked in a helical or spiral configuration. Each ring may be spaced at regular intervals, giving the structure a rhythmical and possibly flexible form. The overall shape resembles a spring or helix, which allows it to compress or extend along its vertical axis.

[0020] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the support structure is made of a high-frequency (HF) transparent material. The material for the front side of the structure must allow high-frequency signals to pass through without significant attenuation or distortion. Materials that are HF transparent do not interfere with the transmission or reception of radio waves. Examples of suitable plastics include: Polyethylene (PE): a common plastic that is known for its low dielectric constant and is generally RF transparent; Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): often used in bottles and other packaging; PET is also HF transparent and has good mechanical properties; and Polyoxymethylene (POM): a plastic with good stiffness and stability, and it's also suitable for HF applications, etc.

[0021] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the wind reduction structure is configured to elastically deform upon impact. The wind reduction structure may be designed to be able to bend down and then bend back. In other words, the wind reduction structure can deform upon the impact of heavy wind so that the wind reduction is kept after the impact.

[0022] In an implementation form of the first aspect, the assembly is configured to removable mount to the radome. The assembly may be mounted to the radome on site. It can also be replaced in case of damage.

[0023] A second aspect of this disclosure provides an antenna assembly, comprising a radome housing a base station antenna, and an assembly according to the assembly of the first aspect or any of its implementation forms.

[0024] Implementation forms of the antenna assembly of the second aspect may correspond to the implementation forms of the assembly of the first aspect described above. The antenna assembly of the second aspect and its implementation forms achieve the same advantages and effects as described above for the assembly of the first aspect and its implementation forms.

[0025] It has to be noted that all modules, elements, units, and means described in the present application could be implemented in the software or hardware elements or any kind of combination thereof. All steps that are performed by the various entities described in the present application as well as the functionalities described to be performed by the various entities are intended to mean that the respective extender module is adapted to or configured to perform the respective steps and functionalities. Even if, in the following description of specific embodiments, a specific functionality or step to be performed by external entities is not reflected in the description of a specific detailed element of that extender module that performs that specific step or functionality, it should be clear for a skilled person that these methods and functionalities can be implemented in respective software or hardware elements or any kind of combination thereof.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] The above-described aspects and implementation forms will be explained in the following description of specific embodiments in relation to the enclosed drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows an assembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 2 shows an assembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure; and

[0029] FIG. 3 shows details of the assembly of FIG. 2.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Illustrative embodiments of an assembly and an antenna assembly for reducing wind load are described with reference to the figures. Although this description provides a detailed example of possible implementations, it should be noted that the details are intended to be exemplary and in no way limit the scope of the application.

[0032] An embodiment / example may refer to other embodiments / examples. For example, any description including but not limited to terminology, element, process, explanation, and / or technical advantage mentioned in one embodiment / example is applicable to the other embodiments / examples. The same elements are labeled with the same reference signs and may function similarly or likewise.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly 1 for reducing wind load on a base station antenna 2, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The assembly 1 comprises a wind reduction structure 10 configured to surround a radome 20 that houses the base station antenna 2, wherein the wind reduction structure 10 is configured to reduce a drag coefficient on the base station antenna 2 when subjected to airflow.

[0034] The wind reduction structure 10 has a rounded shape and / or streamlined edges. In other words, it is designed to have no sharp comers or edges. The structure features rounded or streamlined edges to allow wind to flow around it smoothly, reducing turbulence and drag.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the wind reduction structure 10 may comprise a front cover 11 and optionally one or more back covers 12. Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example where the assembly comprises two separate back covers, in a different embodiment, there may be only one big back cover to be mounted to the back side of the antenna radome 20.

[0036] The back cover 12 is optional. The wind reduction structure 10 may comprise only one front cover 11 , or optionally one or two additional back covers. Possibly, the rounded comer of the front cover and / or of any back cover has a larger comer radius. That is, the comer has a smooth, gradual curve, which is beneficial because it leads to lower drag.

[0037] The front cover 11 and the one or more back covers 12 may be configured to mate along respective adjoining edges. When mated, the front cover 11 and the back cover 12 cooperatively define an enclosed space to accommodate the radome 20 therein.

[0038] It may be worth mentioning that the middle part of FIG. 1 shows a primary radome 20 of the base station antenna 2, which alreadv has a sealed structure to protect the antenna 2 from environmental and mechanical damage such as wind, rain, ice, and debris. Therefore, the proposed assembly 1 does not need to be watertight to protect the antenna from environmental.

[0039] In addition, the material for the assembly 1 , or at least the material for the front cover, may need to be transparent to radio waves to prevent interference with the antenna’s operation. The front cover 11 and / or the at least one back cover 12 may further comprise one or more grooves 111, which are represented as the lines on the cover shown in FIG. 1. The one or more grooves 111 are formed on an outer surface of the front cover 11 and / or the at least one back cover 12. The grooves don’t improve the drag coefficient for the assembly, they are utilized for improving the stiffness so that a thinner cover can be used. The at least one back cover comprises one or more openings 121, configured to allow airflow and heat transfer from the base station antenna 2 to the external environment.

[0040] The cover(s) on the backside of the radome comprises openings or holes on the top and the bottom, to enhance passive cooling capabilities. Such structure allows to utilize the natural convection currents, where hot air rises and cooler air sinks, to encourage airflow across the radio's surface. Ideally, this structure may lead to a chimney effect or stack effect, where a natural airflow cycle is created such that the warm air exits through the top of the structure, and cooler air is sucked in from the bottom to replace it.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates another assembly 1 for reducing wind load on a base station antenna 2, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The assembly 1 comprises a wind reduction structure 10 configured to surround a radome 20 that houses the base station antenna 2 (not shown in the figure), wherein the wind reduction structure 10 is configured to reduce a drag coefficient on the base station antenna 2 when subjected to airflow.

[0042] In this embodiment, the wind reduction structure 10 comprises a sheet 13, wherein the sheet 13 is configured to wrap around the radome 20.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the assembly 1 includes a flexible, protective sheet or covering, which is wrapped around the antenna radome 20. The sheet is typically made from a durable, weather-resistant material that can withstand exposure to various environmental conditions such as UV rays, rain, wind, and temperature extremes. Common materials include reinforced polymer composites, fiberglass, or specialized synthetic fabrics that are designed to be minimally reactive with electromagnetic signals. The sheet 13 might include aerodynamic features such as smoothed edges or a streamlined profile to reduce wind resistance and prevent it from being dislodged or damaged.

[0044] Similar to the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the sheet 13 is to be wrapped around the primary antenna radome 20, and the primary antenna radome already has a sealed structure, therefore the sheet 13 does not need to be watertight.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows details of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. In particular, FIG. 3(a) shows the primary antenna radome 20, which is to be wrapped by the sheet 13.

[0046] The assembly 1 further comprises a support structure 14, as shown in FIG. 3(b) and 3(c). The support structure 14 is configured to surround the radome 20 and attach the wind reduction structure 10, or namely, the sheet 13, to allow it to surround the radome 20, as shown in FIG. 3(c).

[0047] The support structures 14 can be glued, screwed (with plastic screws), or mounted with snap fit against the primary radome and the add-on wind reduction structure 1.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c), the support structure 14 may comprise multiple ring-like elements (141), wherein each element (141) is configured to encase the radome 20 and attach the wind reduction structure 10. The multiple ring-like elements 141 may be vertically stacked in a helical or spiral configuration. Each ring 141 may be spaced at regular intervals, giving the structure a rhythmical and possibly flexible form. The overall shape resembles a spring or helix, which allows it to compress or extend along its vertical axis.

[0049] FIG. 3(d) and FIG. 3(e) shows how the sheet 13 wraps around the radome 20, and is closed to enclose the radome 20.

[0050] The support structure 14 is made of an HF transparent material. The material for the front side of the structure must allow high- frequency signals to pass through without significant attenuation or distortion. Materials that are HF transparent do not interfere with the transmission or reception of radio waves.

[0051] Examples of suitable plastics include PE, PET, and POM, etc.

[0052] For a structure or device that must remain consistently transparent to HF signals under varying environmental conditions (including humidity), the material chosen should not absorb water or should have minimal changes in its HF signal handling characteristics when it does. Materials like PA, which absorb water, can swell and change their dielectric properties, thereby affecting the performance of the HF system.

[0053] For both embodiments shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the wind reduction structure 1 is configured to elastically deform upon impact. In particular, the wind reduction structure 1 may be designed to be able to bend down and then bend back. In other words, the wind reduction structure 1 is able to deform upon the impact of heavy wind so that the wind reduction is kept after the impact.

[0054] Fhe assembly 1 is configured to removable mount to the radome. Therefore, the assembly 1 may be mounted to the radome 20 on-site. In case of damage, the assembly 1 can be easily replaced with a new one.

[0055] This disclosure further proposes an antenna assembly, which comprises the radome 20 housing the base station antenna 2, and one of the assembly 1 as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3.

[0056] To summarize, embodiments of the present disclosure introduce an extra assembly to surround the antenna radome so as to improve the drag coefficient and improve the stiffness of the antenna radome to sustain the maximum wind load. In addition, the proposed structure does not need to fulfill all other requirements for the main Radome (e.g. Watertight), and it can be elastic enough to deform during an impact.

[0057] The present disclosure has been described in conjunction with various embodiments as examples as well as implementations. However, other variations can be understood and effected by those persons skilled in the art and practicing the claimed matter, from the studies of the drawings, this disclosure, and the independent claims. In the claims as well as in the description the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several entities or items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in the mutual different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used in an advantageous implementation.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An assembly (1 ) for reducing wind load on a base station antenna (2), comprising: a wind reduction structure (10) configured to surround a radome (20) that houses the base station antenna (2), wherein the wind reduction structure (10) is configured to reduce a drag coefficient on the base station antenna (2) when subjected to airflow.

2. The assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the wind reduction structure (10) has a rounded shape and / or streamlined edges.

3. The assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wind reduction structure (10) comprises a front cover (11) and optionally one or more back covers (12), wherein the front cover (11) and / or the one or more back covers (12) has rounded comers.

4. The assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein the front cover (11) and the one or more back covers (12) are configured to mate along respective adjoining edges, and wherein, when mated, the front cover (11) and the one or more back covers (12) cooperatively define an enclosed space to accommodate the radome (20) therein.

5. The assembly (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the front cover (11) and / or the one or more back covers (12) comprises one or more grooves (111), wherein the one or more grooves ( 111 ) are formed on an outer surface of the front cover (11) and / or the at least one back cover (12).

6. The assembly (1) according to one of the claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one back over comprises one or more openings (121), configured to allow airflow and heat transfer from the base station antenna (2) to the external environment.

7. The assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wind reduction structure (10) comprises a sheet (13), wherein the sheet ( 13 ) is configured to wrap around the radome (20).

8. The assembly (1) according to claim 7, further comprising: a support structure (14), configured to surround the radome (20), and attach the wind reduction structure (10) to allow it to surround the radome (20).

9. The assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein the support structure (14) comprises multiple ring-like elements (141), wherein each element (141) is configured to encase the radome (20) and attach the wind reduction structure (10).

10. The assembly (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the support structure (14) is made of a high frequency transparent material.

11. The assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the wind reduction structure (10) is configured to elastically deform upon impact.

12. The assembly (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 11, configured to: removable mount to the radome (20).

13. An antenna assembly, comprising: a radome (20) housing a base station antenna (2), and an assembly (1 ) according to one of the claims 1 to 12.

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