Antenna Control System Using Dielectric Slide for Remote Tilt

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote tilt systems for antenna downtilt adjustment rely on complex mechanical structures that require substantial torque and are prone to mechanical malfunctions due to varying weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

An antenna control system using fixed transmission lines and a linearly movable dielectric body within a phase shifter, actuated by a low-powered electric motor, which reduces mechanical complexity and risk of malfunction, allowing for remote adjustment of the tilt angle without opening the antenna's protective cover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If complex mechanical phase shifters are used for remote tilt control, then the tilt angle can be adjusted remotely, but the system requires substantial torque and is prone to mechanical malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote tilt controlVSAvoidmechanical malfunction risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical phase shifting mechanisms with a simplified system using a linearly movable dielectric body that changes the electrical path length through transmission lines. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, gears, and high-torque requirements while maintaining remote tilt control functionality through purely electrical/electromagnetic means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a linearly movable dielectric body as an intermediary element that modifies the electrical characteristics of fixed transmission lines. This dielectric body acts as a mediator between the motor drive and the antenna elements, enabling phase control through positional adjustment rather than direct mechanical manipulation of complex phase shifter mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If mechanical phase shifters with substantial torque requirements are used, then remote tilt adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity and torque requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote tilt adjustmentVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces torque-intensive mechanical phase shifters with an electromagnetic-based system using a linearly movable dielectric body. This substitution dramatically reduces mechanical complexity by eliminating the need for high-torque motors, complex gear trains, and robust mechanical linkages, while preserving the ease of remote operation through simplified actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing antennas are retrofitted with remote control systems, then remote tilt control is enabled, but mechanical malfunctions increase due to varying weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrofit capabilityVSAvoidweather resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces weather-vulnerable mechanical phase shifting components with an electromagnetic-based system using a linearly movable dielectric body within fixed transmission lines. This substitution eliminates exposed mechanical linkages, lubricants, and moving parts that are susceptible to degradation from humidity, temperature variations, and other environmental factors, thereby improving reliability during retrofits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent effectively creates a protected environment for the phase control mechanism by enclosing the linearly movable dielectric body within sealed fixed transmission lines. This approach shields the critical components from harsh environmental conditions, preventing weather-related malfunctions while maintaining retrofit compatibility with existing antennas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 solution enables efficient remote control of antenna tilt with reduced motor torque requirements and minimized mechanical failures, facilitating retrofitting of control units to existing antennas without exposing them to harsh environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a linearly movable slide (122) having dielectric body portions (111) influencing the signal velocity along said fixed transmission lines (102-105)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS8130161B2Antenna control system

Publication Date: 2012.03.06 PROSE TECH LLC

AI summary

An antenna control system in which various antenna elements in a vertical row are coupled by fixed transmission lines to a central feeding point for a common signal. Adjustment of the phase of the common signal is achieved by means of a linearly movable slide having dielectric body portions influencing the signal velocity along said fixed transmission lines. Further, an electrical motor is used for linearly displacing said movable slide with said dielectric body portions.