Antenna Vibration Monitoring Using Electromagnetic Prints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for monitoring antenna vibrations in mobile communication networks are inefficient and costly due to the need for dedicated sensors, which require power and regular maintenance, especially when deployed on a large scale.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses radio measurements from user equipment to generate an electromagnetic print of antenna radiation patterns, allowing assessment of oscillations without dedicated sensors, utilizing artificial intelligence to distinguish between rest and oscillation conditions based on comparisons with reference prints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dedicated sensor devices (gyroscopes and accelerometers) are equipped on each antenna structure to detect oscillations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoscillation detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor deployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical sensor systems (gyroscopes and accelerometers) with an electromagnetic field-based measurement system. User equipment measures electromagnetic signal characteristics (phase, amplitude, frequency) from the antenna, and these measurements are processed to infer oscillation conditions. This substitution eliminates the need for physical sensors on the antenna structure while maintaining oscillation detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic signals as an intermediary medium between the antenna structure and the measurement system. Instead of directly measuring mechanical oscillations with sensors, the system measures electromagnetic signal variations caused by oscillations. The electromagnetic signals act as a mediator that carries information about the antenna's mechanical state to the user equipment for analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If dedicated sensors are installed on each antenna structure, then reliability of oscillation monitoring is improved, but loss of time for installation and maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring system reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the antenna structure to self-report its oscillation state through electromagnetic signals that are inherently emitted during normal operation. User equipment passively measures these signals without requiring active sensor installation or power supply to the antenna. The system leverages the antenna's own operational emissions to provide monitoring data, eliminating the need for separate monitoring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes user equipment serve multiple functions: both normal communication operations and oscillation monitoring. The same user equipment that communicates with the antenna also measures electromagnetic signals for oscillation detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated monitoring devices, reducing installation and maintenance requirements while maintaining monitoring reliability across the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If sensor devices are deployed across large numbers of antenna structures, then coverage of monitoring is improved, but use of energy and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring coverage areaVSAvoidsensor power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces power-consuming mechanical sensors with passive electromagnetic field measurements. User equipment measures electromagnetic signal characteristics without requiring power supply to the antenna structure. The measurement process leverages the energy already present in the electromagnetic signals emitted during normal antenna operation, eliminating additional power consumption for monitoring purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250207973A1Antenna vibration monitoring system

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 TELECOM ITALIA SPA

AI summary

A system for monitoring antenna vibrations in fixed-location base stations within mobile communication networks. Each base station, equipped with at least one antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves, serves a specific cell and enables data exchange with user equipment. The system collects radio measurements from user devices in the cell to generate an electromagnetic print of the antenna, which shows how its radiation pattern changes over time. This print is used to assess oscillation conditions of the antenna's supporting structure, identifying any vibrations that may impact performance.