Automated Cellular Antenna Positioning with Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current antenna positioning technologies require manual adjustment by technicians, leading to high operational costs, health risks, and inaccuracies due to human error, and are not suitable for dynamic network adjustments, especially with MIMO technology, which faces challenges in precise alignment and installation.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a reference frame with a global orientation and position measurement device for initial setup, followed by a relative position sensor for adjustments, allowing for accurate and remote repositioning of antennas without constant human intervention, using a locking mechanism to prevent backlash and wind loading issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment by technicians is used, then antenna positioning can be performed, but operational costs increase and health risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna positioning operationVSAvoidoperational safety and cost efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service positioning through automated sensors and actuators that allow the antenna to self-adjust to optimal positions without human intervention, resolving the contradiction by eliminating the need for risky manual operations while maintaining positioning capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electromechanical system comprising sensors, processors, and actuators that automatically position the antenna, thereby eliminating health risks and operational costs associated with manual positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual adjustment is used, then positioning can be achieved, but inaccuracies due to human error occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna adjustment capabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors antenna position using sensors and provides feedback to the control processor, which automatically adjusts the position to achieve optimal alignment, eliminating human error while maintaining ease of operation through automated closed-loop control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical adjustment is replaced with an automated electromechanical positioning system that uses electronic sensors and actuators to achieve precise positioning without human intervention, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequent manual adjustments are made, then network adaptations can be performed, but component life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork configuration flexibilityVSAvoidantenna component lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system performs self-adjustments in response to network requirements without requiring physical access or manual intervention, enabling frequent reconfigurations while preserving component lifespan by eliminating mechanical wear from manual adjustment operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of antenna positions based on real-time network conditions through automated control, allowing high adaptability while extending component life by replacing manual mechanical adjustments with controlled electromechanical actuation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If technicians frequently access antennas, then adjustments can be made, but exposure to electromagnetic fields increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna maintenance accessibilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic field exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system performs self-adjustment and self-maintenance through automated sensors and actuators, eliminating the need for technician access and thereby eliminating exposure to harmful electromagnetic fields while maintaining full operational capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated control system as an intermediary between network operators and the physical antenna, allowing configuration changes to be made remotely without direct technician access to the electromagnetic field environment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10686243B2Apparatus and method for accurate and precise positioning of cellular antennas
Publication Date: 2020.06.16 FASMETRICS LTD
  • US10686243B2 patent drawing
  • US10686243B2 patent drawing
  • US10686243B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An antenna mounting apparatus (10) in which an antenna bracket (32) can be rotated relative to a mount (20) in an azimuth direction and is selectively, automatically locked in position.