Actuator Gearbox Selectable Linkages Antenna Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing base station antennas require costly and time-consuming reconfiguration to adjust settings like downtilt angle, azimuth, and beam width in response to environmental changes, as they rely on separate actuators for each setting, especially in multi-antenna systems.
Innovation Solution
An actuator gearbox system with a drive shaft and gear linkages, a linear actuator, and a motor controller that allows for the simultaneous control of multiple antenna settings through a single gearbox system, reducing complexity and cost by using a mechanical switch mechanism to engage and disengage gears, enabling remote adjustment of phase shift, downtilt angle, and azimuth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate actuators are used to control each antenna setting independently, then each setting can be adjusted precisely, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate actuators into a single integrated gearbox system. The gearbox includes a drive shaft with multiple gear linkages, where each linkage can be selectively engaged to control different antenna settings (downtilt angle, azimuth, beam width). This merging approach maintains precise control capability while significantly reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single gearbox system is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively engaging different gear linkages. The same drive shaft and gearbox housing serve multiple control purposes through different output shafts, making the system universal and multi-functional rather than requiring dedicated actuators for each function.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate actuators are used for each antenna setting, then independent control is achieved, but the operational cost and time for reconfiguration increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple actuator functions into one gearbox, the system reduces reconfiguration time. A single drive shaft can sequentially or simultaneously engage different gear linkages to adjust multiple antenna parameters, eliminating the need to wait for separate actuators to complete individual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox incorporates movable gear linkages that can be dynamically engaged or disengaged based on control signals. This dynamic engagement allows the system to quickly switch between different control modes and adjust multiple settings in a coordinated manner, improving operational efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual adjustment of antenna phase elements is used, then initial configuration is achievable, but reconfiguration after deployment becomes difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The gearbox system provides dynamic reconfigurability through selective engagement of gear linkages. After deployment, the system can be reconfigured by actuating the appropriate gear linkages to adjust downtilt angle, azimuth, or beam width, enabling adaptation to changing environmental conditions without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electromechanical gearbox system. The gear linkages can be engaged or disengaged through electrical control signals, substituting the need for technician intervention and enabling remote or automated reconfiguration after deployment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The actuator gearbox system simplifies the control of base station antenna settings, reducing the need for multiple actuators and enabling efficient remote adjustment of antenna configurations, thereby lowering operational costs and improving adaptability to environmental changes.
Implementation Method 1
a bias spring coupled to the moving gear and configured to urge the moving gear out of engagement with the one of the plurality of fixed gears that is proximate the gear linkage
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical switch is configured to move the moving gear into engagement with the fixed gear on the one of the plurality of output shafts adjacent the linkage to thereby cause the one of the plurality of output shafts to rotate in response to rotation of the drive shaft
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of gear linkages that are spaced apart along the drive shaft in the first direction, and a plurality of output shafts adjacent respective ones of the plurality of gear linkages
Implementation Method 4
Each of the plurality of linkages includes a fixed gear coupled to a respective one of the plurality of output shafts, a moving gear that is slideably coupled to the drive shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator gearbox includes a drive shaft including a plurality of gear linkages that are spaced apart along the drive shaft, and a plurality of output shafts adjacent respective ones of the plurality of gear linkages. Each of the gear linkages includes a fixed gear coupled to one of the plurality of output shafts and a moving gear that is slideably coupled to the drive shaft. A bias spring is coupled to the moving gear to urge the moving gear out of engagement with the fixed gear. The mechanical switch moves the moving gear into engagement with the fixed gear on the output shaft adjacent the linkage to thereby cause the output shaft to rotate in response to rotation of the drive shaft.