Antenna Support Bracket Layout for Low-Coupling Small Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small cell access nodes face challenges in designing unobtrusive antenna configurations that minimize signal coupling into their circuitry, which affects the performance and efficiency of wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of an antenna support bracket with a planar base member and flange members that securely mount an antenna substrate within the small cell access node housing, incorporating non-conductive spacers and strain relief clips to isolate the antenna from the conductive components and reduce signal coupling, while allowing for efficient signal transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If internal hidden antenna elements are used to make the device unobtrusive, then the device becomes less noticeable, but signal coupling into the circuitry increases
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive spacer is introduced as an intermediary element between the antenna substrate and the conductive floor member. This spacer creates electrical isolation while maintaining the compact internal antenna configuration, thus preserving both the unobtrusive design and reducing signal coupling into the circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna assembly is segmented into distinct components: the antenna substrate, the non-conductive spacer, and the conductive floor member. This segmentation allows the antenna to be electrically isolated from the conductive housing, reducing harmful signal coupling while maintaining the internal hidden configuration.
2Volume of moving object
If the antenna is mounted close to the conductive floor member, then the device size is reduced, but signal interference with circuitry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-conductive spacer acts as a mediator that allows the antenna substrate to be positioned close to the conductive floor member while maintaining electrical isolation. This enables compact device sizing without the harmful effect of signal interference with the circuitry.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical isolation components are added to reduce signal coupling, then signal interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-conductive spacer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical isolation between the antenna substrate and conductive floor member, acts as a mechanical support structure, and maintains the positional relationship between components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional isolation components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If non-conductive spacers are used to isolate the antenna, then signal coupling is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-conductive spacer is integrated with the conductive floor member to form a unified assembly. This merging of components simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate parts that need to be handled and assembled, while still providing the necessary electrical isolation to reduce signal coupling.
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
This solution enables effective signal transmission and reception while minimizing signal interference with the node's circuitry, enhancing the performance and reliability of wireless communication systems by reducing intermodulation products and maintaining electrical isolation.
Implementation Method 1
a non-conductive spacer positioned between the conductive flange member and the conductive floor member
Implementation Method 2
antenna assembly for a small cell node which optimizes horizontal reception while reducing coupling of a transmitted signal
Data Source
AI summary
A small cell includes a housing and an antenna support bracket mountable within the housing. The bracket includes a base member and a flange member. The base member supports a substrate of an antenna. The flange member is positioned along a first edge of the base member and extends away from the base member in a first direction. The flange member includes at least one generally hook-shaped arm member configured to engage a hook receiving element integrated with or attached to a sidewall of the small cell housing. The antenna support bracket may further include a second flange member positioned along a second edge of the base member and extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A non-conductive spacer may be adhered to a surface of the second flange member to provide electrical isolation between an electrically conductive fastener and the surface of the second flange member.