Adaptive Antenna Arrangements for Cellular Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cellular communication systems face challenges in dynamically managing antenna modules to provide flexible and reliable coverage areas, leading to inefficiencies in handling varying connectivity demands and potential outages due to antenna module malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

The system employs multiple antenna modules that can switch between overlapping and non-overlapping coverage configurations based on demand and module availability, using MIMO configurations and dynamic control to ensure reliable connectivity and adapt to changing service area needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antenna modules provide overlapping coverage areas, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but interference between signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity reliabilityVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between overlapping and non-overlapping coverage configurations based on real-time conditions. The system can transition from static to dynamic operation, adjusting antenna module configurations to provide overlapping coverage when reliability is needed while minimizing interference through active management and switching protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-generated harmful factors

If antenna modules provide non-overlapping coverage areas, then signal interference is reduced, but reliability decreases due to lack of redundancy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interferenceVSAvoidconnectivity reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes antenna modules multi-functional by enabling them to operate in both overlapping and non-overlapping configurations. Each antenna module can serve different purposes - providing redundancy when needed or expanding coverage when interference must be minimized - making the system universally adaptable to various operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antenna modules are used to provide flexible coverage, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage flexibilityVSAvoidantenna module configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the antenna system into independent, controllable modules that can be individually configured and managed. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high adaptability through modular combinations while reducing overall complexity by making each module self-contained and manageable through standardized control interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11665553B2Adaptive antenna arrangements for cellular communication system
Publication Date: 2023.05.30 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • US11665553B2 patent drawing
  • US11665553B2 patent drawing
  • US11665553B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A solution for controlling active antenna modules in a cellular communication system. According to an aspect, a method includes causing, at a first time interval, a first antenna module and a second antenna module to respectively provide overlapping coverage areas inside a service area of an access node of a cellular communication system, wherein the first antenna module and the second antenna module are antenna modules of the access node and each of the first antenna module and the second antenna module provides respective coverage in the service area within the overlapping coverage area, the respective coverages being independent of one another; and causing, at a second time interval, the first antenna module and the second antenna module to respectively provide non-overlapping coverage areas.