Base Station Antenna Transmission for Multi-Phase-Shifter Torque Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional base station antennas require multiple remote electrical tilt actuators to adjust phase shifters, leading to increased size, weight, and cost, and existing transmission mechanisms can only drive a limited number of phase shifters due to motor output constraints, resulting in reduced adjustment accuracy and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A transmission mechanism utilizing a worm gear unit, gear pairs, and arc-shaped connecting members to amplify torque and enable simultaneous drive of multiple phase shifters with a single motor, allowing for precise adjustment of antenna beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate RET actuators are used to adjust phase shifters, then adjustment accuracy is maintained, but size, weight, and cost significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple RET actuators into a single actuator that controls multiple phase shifters simultaneously. The transmission mechanism integrates multiple connecting rods driven by one motor, merging the functions of separate actuators while maintaining individual phase shifter control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single RET actuator is designed with multi-functionality to control multiple phase shifters. The transmission mechanism allows one actuator to perform the duties of multiple actuators by distributing drive force through connecting rods to various phase shifters in the antenna array.
2Device complexity
If a single motor drives multiple phase shifters via connecting rods spaced in transverse direction, then device complexity is reduced, but torque distribution becomes uneven affecting adjustment accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from transverse spacing to longitudinal arrangement of connecting rods. By spacing rods along the axial direction rather than transversely, the design eliminates moment arm differences and ensures uniform torque distribution to all phase shifters, resolving the accuracy issue while maintaining single-motor operation.
3Device complexity
If motor output power is limited to about 10 lbf, then device simplicity is maintained, but ability to drive large number of phase shifters (32 or more) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is segmented into multiple connecting rods that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. This allows the single motor to control different numbers of phase shifters based on operational requirements, enabling scalability from fewer to 32 or more phase shifters while maintaining motor simplicity.
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
Enables the simultaneous drive of at least 32 phase shifters with improved adjustment accuracy and reduced size and weight, overcoming the limitations of existing systems by amplifying torque and maintaining consistent driving forces across connecting rods.
Implementation Method 1
a worm gear unit, which includes a worm driven by a motor and a worm gear meshed and connected with the worm
Implementation Method 2
amplifying torque and enable simultaneous drive of multiple phase shifters with a single motor
Implementation Method 3
at least one gear pair, each gear pair including a small gear and a large gear that mesh with each other
Implementation Method 4
the large gear of each gear pair is meshed and connected with the first rack element on a corresponding connecting rod so as to axially move the connecting rod via the first rack element
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a transmission mechanism for a base station antenna, and a base station antenna including the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes: a worm gear unit, which includes a worm driven by a motor and a worm gear meshed and connected with the worm; at least one gear pair, each gear pair including a small gear and a large gear that mesh with each other, the small gear and the worm gear being mounted on a common first drive shaft so that the small gear and the worm gear rotate synchronously; and at least one connecting rod, each connecting rod including a first rack element fixedly mounted thereon, wherein the large gear of each gear pair is meshed and connected with the first rack element on a corresponding connecting rod so as to axially move the connecting rod via the first rack element when the large gear of each gear pair rotates.