Compact Multi-RET Actuator for Base Station Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional base station antennas with remote electronic tilt capabilities are bulky and cumbersome, making it difficult to fit multiple multi-RET actuators within the limited size constraints of modern antenna designs, and they require a large number of actuators and mechanical linkages, increasing size, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
The development of compact multi-RET actuators that use a drive element and mechanical linkage selection system to move selected mechanical linkages, allowing a single motor and gearing mechanism to control up to twelve mechanical linkages, reducing the physical footprint and complexity while maintaining adjustability of phase shifters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-RET actuators are used to control multiple phase shifters, then the ability to adjust radiation patterns is improved, but the size and weight of the antenna increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple RET actuators into a single integrated mechanism that uses one motor to control multiple phase shifters through a mechanical linkage system. This merging approach reduces the total number of actuators from multiple individual units to one consolidated unit, directly reducing antenna weight while maintaining the ability to adjust multiple phase shifters independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The single RET actuator mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling several phase shifters simultaneously. The mechanical linkage system allows one actuator to adjust multiple phase shifters, making the system more versatile without requiring separate actuators for each phase shifter, thus reducing overall weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-RET actuators are used to control multiple phase shifters, then the ability to adjust radiation patterns is improved, but the physical footprint of the antenna increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple actuators into one integrated RET mechanism, the patent consolidates the physical space required. Instead of having multiple separate actuator units distributed throughout the antenna, a single compact mechanism with mechanical linkages occupies less total space, reducing the antenna's physical footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage system allows components to be nested or compactly arranged within the antenna structure. The phase shifters and linkages are positioned to maximize space utilization, with the single actuator mechanism centrally located and linkages extending to reach multiple phase shifters in a compact configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate actuators are used to control each phase shifter, then the adjustability of individual phase shifters is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by merging multiple independent actuator systems into one unified RET mechanism. Instead of having multiple separate motors, control circuits, and mounting structures, a single actuator with a mechanical linkage system controls all phase shifters, simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The single RET actuator is designed as a universal control mechanism that can adjust multiple phase shifters through its mechanical linkage system. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized actuators for each phase shifter, reducing complexity while maintaining full adjustability of all phase shifters.
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
The compact multi-RET actuators enable efficient adjustment of phase shifters across multiple linear arrays, reducing the overall size and weight of the antenna while maintaining the ability to control a large number of phase shifters, thus addressing the challenges of size and cost constraints.
Implementation Method 1
The drive element is configured to move linearly in response to rotation of the rotatable element to move the selected one of the mechanical linkages
Data Source
AI summary
Base station antennas include a RET actuator, a plurality of phase shifters and a plurality of mechanical linkages, where each mechanical linkage is connected between the RET actuator and a respective one or more of the phase shifters. The RET actuator includes a drive element, a rotatable element and a mechanical linkage selection system that is configured to move a selected one of the mechanical linkages into engagement with the drive element. The drive element is configured to move linearly in response to rotation of the rotatable element to move the selected one of the mechanical linkages.