Base Station Antenna Gear Train for Compact Phase Shifter Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing transmission mechanisms for base station antennas are too large to fit in the compact spaces of modern antenna designs, which are becoming increasingly dispersed and smaller in size.
Innovation Solution
A compact transmission mechanism using a worm gear unit, bevel gear pair unit, and rack-and-pinion units is introduced, where the worm gear unit amplifies torque and reduces rotation speed, allowing a single motor to drive multiple phase shifters, and the bevel gear pair and rack-and-pinion units further amplify torque and reduce rotation speed, enabling precise adjustment of phase shifters while occupying less space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional transmission mechanism with multiple connecting rods and connecting plates is used to drive multiple phase shifters, then the phase shifters can be adjusted simultaneously, but the occupied space becomes too large to fit in compact antenna designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connecting rods into a single integrated connecting rod structure. Instead of using separate connecting rods and connecting plates for each phase shifter, the invention uses one connecting rod with multiple connection points that can simultaneously drive multiple phase shifters, significantly reducing the overall space required for the transmission mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The single connecting rod is designed to serve multiple functions by having multiple connection points that can connect to different phase shifters. This universal structure allows one component to perform the work of multiple components, reducing the total number of parts and the space they occupy
2Volume of moving object
If the filter is designed closer to the reflection plate to reduce space, then the gap space is reduced, but there is insufficient space to accommodate the transmission mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the transmission mechanism from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration that utilizes the depth direction between the reflection plate and radome. By arranging components along the depth axis rather than only in the planar gap, the mechanism can accommodate larger dimensions in one direction while maintaining compactness in other directions
3Volume of moving object
If the space height between reflection plate and radome is reduced to 20-40mm, then the antenna becomes more compact, but the transmission mechanism cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the transmission mechanism components are arranged concentrically or in overlapping configurations. The worm gear, bevel gears, and connecting rod are positioned to utilize overlapping spatial zones, allowing the mechanism to fit within the constrained 20-40mm height while maintaining functional integrity
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 allows for the simultaneous adjustment of multiple phase shifters with improved accuracy and reduced space requirements, adapting to the smaller and more dispersed internal spaces of modern base station antennas.
Implementation Method 1
a worm gear unit, which is arranged on the first side of the reflector of the base station antenna and includes a worm driven by a motor and a worm gear meshed with the worm
Implementation Method 2
the worm gear unit amplifies torque and reduces rotation speed
Implementation Method 3
a bevel gear pair unit, which is arranged on the second side of the reflection plate opposite to the first side and includes a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear meshed with each other
Implementation Method 4
at least one rack-and-pinion unit arranged on the second side of the reflection plate, wherein each rack-and-pinion unit includes a third gear and a rack element meshed with each other
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a transmission mechanism for a base station antenna, and a base station antenna including the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism comprises: a worm gear unit, which is arranged on the first side of the reflector of the base station antenna and includes a worm driven by a motor and a worm gear meshed with the worm; a bevel gear pair unit, which is arranged on the second side of the reflection plate opposite to the first side and includes a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear meshed with each other, wherein the first bevel gear and the worm gear are coaxially installed on a first drive shaft; and at least one rack-and-pinion unit arranged on the second side of the reflection plate, wherein each rack-and-pinion unit includes a third gear and a rack element meshed with each other, all the third gears and the second bevel gears of the at least one rack-and-pinion unit are coaxially installed on a second drive shaft, and each rack element is fixed on the connecting rod of the phase shifter of the base station antenna for driving the connecting rod to move longitudinally. The transmission mechanism not only occupies a small total volume, but can also be installed in different spaces dispersedly, so that it can better adapt to the trend that the inner space of the base station antenna is getting smaller and more dispersed.