Phase Shifter Assembly for Cable-Free Base Station Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current base station antennas face issues with signal transmission loss, phase adjustment accuracy, passive intermodulation performance, and assembly complexity due to the use of numerous phase cables connecting radiating elements to phase shifters, which also increase manufacturing and assembly costs.
Innovation Solution
The base station antenna design incorporates a direct electrical connection between the feed stalk and phase shift circuit through conductor features and through holes in the phase shifter cavity, eliminating the need for phase cables and feed board printed circuit boards, thereby reducing signal transmission distance, improving phase adjustment accuracy, and facilitating automated assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If phase cables are used to connect radiating elements to phase shifters, then electrical connection is achieved, but signal transmission loss increases and phase adjustment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the phase cables from the system by implementing direct electrical connection between radiating elements and phase shifters through conductor features integrated into the phase shifter cavity wall, eliminating the intermediate transmission path that causes signal loss and phase inaccuracies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical connection function previously performed by separate phase cables into the phase shifter cavity structure itself, where conductor features are directly formed in the cavity wall to provide both structural support and electrical connectivity, reducing the number of components and connection points
2Reliability
If numerous phase cables are used for connecting radiating elements to phase shifters, then electrical connection is established, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (structural support, electrical connection, and phase shifting) into a single integrated phase shifter assembly, where conductor features are formed directly in the phase shifter cavity wall, eliminating the need for separate phase cables and reducing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shifter cavity structure provides its own electrical connection functionality through integrated conductor features, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on external phase cables, thereby simplifying both device structure and assembly process
3Reliability
If phase cables and feed board printed circuit boards are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the feed board printed circuit board and phase cables from the system by implementing direct electrical connection through conductor features formed in the phase shifter cavity wall, eliminating the need for separate transmission media and reducing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical connection function into the phase shifter cavity structure itself, where conductor features are directly formed in the cavity wall during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate phase cables and feed boards, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs
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
This design reduces signal transmission losses, enhances phase shift accuracy, improves passive intermodulation performance, and simplifies manufacturing and assembly, leading to better communication quality and reduced costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first conductor feature of the feed stalk is directly electrically connected to a second conductor feature of the phase shift circuit by passing through the through holes
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
A base station antenna comprises a radiating element that includes a feed stalk and a radiator mounted on the feed stalk; a phase shifter assembly that includes a phase shifter cavity that has holes corresponding to a location of the feed stalk on a wall proximate the feed stalk; and a phase shift circuit mounted within the phase shifter cavity, where the feed stalk is fixed relative to the phase shift circuit and a first conductor feature of the feed stalk is directly electrically connected to a second conductor feature of the phase shift circuit by passing through the through holes.