Cellular Antenna Radome Curvature for Lower Wind Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern cellular antennas face challenges in packing multiple frequency bands into a limited size while withstanding extreme weather conditions, particularly wind loading, due to size and weight constraints and the need for aerodynamic design that is limited by the internal structure.
Innovation Solution
A cellular antenna radome with specific dimensions and curvature profiles, where the height is 0.4 times the width, and radii of curvature for forward and rear corner regions are 0.2, 3.75, and 0.065 times the width respectively, to reduce wind loading while accommodating internal components like low band dipoles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the antenna array face is made long and flat to meet beamwidth and elevation control requirements, then the antenna performance is improved, but the wind loading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radome employs curved surfaces with specific radii of curvature at corner regions and along edges to reduce wind loading. The curvature allows wind to flow more smoothly over the antenna surface, reducing turbulent eddies and pressure differentials that create wind loading forces, while still accommodating the internal antenna structure and maintaining external dimensions for proper beam control.
2Productivity
If multiple radiators of different frequency bands are packed into a limited antenna size, then the antenna capacity is improved, but the antenna complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design nests multiple radiator elements and frequency band components within a single integrated antenna structure. Different frequency band radiators are arranged in a compact configuration inside the radome, allowing high-capacity multi-band operation without increasing the overall antenna footprint, thus maintaining tower mounting feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement within the radome to accommodate multiple radiators. By optimizing the vertical and depth dimensions in addition to the horizontal width, the design packs multiple frequency band elements into a compact volume, achieving high capacity without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the radome is designed with aerodynamic features to reduce wind loading, then the wind resistance is improved, but the design options are limited by internal structure
Solution Approach 1:
The radome applies aerodynamic features selectively at specific locations rather than uniformly across the entire surface. Corner regions have different radii of curvature compared to edge regions, with each area optimized for its local aerodynamic function while accommodating the underlying antenna structure. This localized approach reduces wind loading without requiring complete redesign of the entire radome.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a radome for a cellular antenna that significantly improves windloading, which may be crucial for successful deployments on cell towers where the antenna may be deployed at considerable height and in environments where extreme weather is possible. The windloading performance is provided by the profile shape of the radome. The profile shape may be accommodated through the use of low band dipoles that are shorter in length.