Base Station Antenna Directivity Correction via Path Abnormality Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional base station antenna apparatuses fail to automatically correct directivity in the vertical plane due to abnormalities in transmission and receiving paths, leading to degradation of communication service quality.

Innovation Solution

A base station antenna apparatus that detects abnormalities in transmission and receiving paths, disconnects affected paths, and adjusts the phase and amplitude of signals in normal paths to restore directivity, using detection means and control systems to maintain communication quality by setting a specific adjustment angle that prevents service area variation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If phase shifting devices and beam tilt adjustment are used to control directivity, then the communication area can be appropriately formed, but the system cannot respond to abnormalities in transmission paths or receiving paths, leading to service quality degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidresponse to abnormality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system detects signal levels from each antenna element and compares them against reference levels to identify abnormal paths. When abnormalities are detected, the control unit automatically adjusts the directivity pattern to compensate for the faulty paths, creating a closed-loop system that maintains service quality despite component failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by automatically detecting abnormalities in transmission paths and receiving paths, then autonomously adjusting the directivity pattern without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability ensures continuous operation and maintains communication quality even when individual components fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If automatic abnormality detection and directivity correction is implemented, then service quality is maintained during abnormalities, but the system complexity increases with additional detection and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoiddetection and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages the phase shifting devices for normal directivity control, performs abnormality detection by analyzing signal levels, and executes correction algorithms when faults are detected. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the abnormality detection function with the existing directivity control system by using the same signal paths and control unit. Rather than adding completely separate detection and correction subsystems, the invention integrates these functions into the existing architecture, minimizing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3182509B1Base station antenna apparatus for a mobile communication system
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 DENKI KOGYO CO LTD
  • EP3182509B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3182509B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(e)
  • EP3182509B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The apparatus automatically corrects deformation of directivity in a vertical plane caused by abnormality in transmission paths and receiving paths. The apparatus includes transmission system detection means (13-1 to 13-4) configured to individually detect abnormality occurring in each of the transmission paths, receiving system detection means (23-1 to 23-4) configured to individually detect abnormality occurring in each of the receiving paths, and control means (30, 40) configured, if any abnormal transmission path has been detected by the transmission system detection means (13-1 to 13-4), to correct deformation of directivity of the transmission antenna in a vertical plane caused due to abnormality in the transmission path by changing and setting a phase and an amplitude of the transmission signal passing through a normal transmission path, and if any abnormal receiving path has been detected by the receiving system detection means (23-1 to 23-4), to correct deformation of directivity of the receiving antenna in a vertical plane caused due to abnormality in the receiving path by changing and setting a phase and an amplitude of the receiving signal passing through a normal receiving path.