Autonomous Antenna Tilt Compensation via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna orientation and adjustment methods are costly, time-consuming, and require frequent physical visits by technicians, as they lack continuous monitoring and adaptability to structural limitations and environmental changes, leading to potential misalignment and communication performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous system that uses sensors to detect deviations in antenna orientation (azimuth, slant, pitch, roll, and height) and adjusts the electrical tilt of the antenna to compensate for physical position changes, allowing for continuous monitoring and minimal physical visits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual antenna orientation and adjustment procedures are used, then initial orientation can be achieved, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming due to highly-trained technicians and sophisticated equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical orientation procedures with an automated optical measurement system. The system uses a laser transmitter and receiver to automatically measure antenna orientation parameters (azimuth, elevation, tilt) without requiring technicians to physically adjust and measure each antenna manually, thereby reducing both time and cost while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna orientation system performs self-measurement and self-adjustment. The automated system can detect orientation deviations and trigger adjustments without continuous human intervention, allowing the system to service itself and reducing dependency on highly-trained technicians for routine orientation tasks
2Measurement precision
If technicians individually assess and adjust each antenna one-by-one, then orientation accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming for installations with multiple antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual antenna measurement tasks into a single integrated automated measurement system. The system can simultaneously or sequentially measure multiple antennas using the same laser transmitter and receiver setup, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate manual assessment procedures into one efficient process
Solution Approach 2:
The automated laser-based measurement system replaces the manual one-by-one assessment process, enabling rapid sequential measurement of multiple antennas without the time penalty of repeated manual setup and adjustment for each antenna
3Loss of information
If GPS receiver dishes are mounted on antennas for orientation adjustment, then real-time orientation readings can be obtained, but the equipment must be relocated for each antenna and requires technicians to ascend the structure repeatedly
Solution Approach 1:
The laser transmitter and receiver serve multiple functions: they can measure orientation of any antenna in the array from a single ground-based location, replace multiple GPS receiver dishes, and provide real-time data without requiring physical relocation or ascent of the structure
Solution Approach 2:
The ground-based laser transmitter and receiver act as an intermediary system that bridges the gap between the need for real-time orientation data and the desire to avoid complex equipment relocation and technician ascent, providing data remotely without physical interference with the antenna structures
4Strength
If structures are designed to support only antenna weight, then structural integrity is maintained, but technician ascent causes sagging that nullifies orientation efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical ascent and physical adjustment procedures with a remote laser measurement system operated from ground level. This eliminates the loading effect of technician weight on the structure while still achieving precise orientation measurement and adjustment, preserving both structural integrity and orientation accuracy
5Reliability
If manual reorientation procedures are used after storm damage, then antenna realignment can be achieved, but frequent technician visits and specialized equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The automated laser measurement system enables self-diagnosis and self-adjustment of antenna orientation after storm damage. The system can detect misalignment caused by environmental forces and trigger correction procedures without requiring frequent technician visits or specialized equipment, making the reorientation process easier and more autonomous
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors antenna orientation and provides feedback on deviations from the baseline. After storm events, the feedback mechanism quickly identifies which antennas have shifted and quantifies the deviation, enabling targeted and efficient reorientation without manual inspection of every antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are techniques related to antenna beam positioning. In one implementation, an electrical tilt of an antenna is modified based on a physical orientation of the antenna. The electrical tilt of the antenna may be modified autonomously based on the orientation of the antenna.