Floating RF Multi-Connector Alignment for Base Station Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of correctly connecting antenna elements of a base station antenna to respective ports of a radio unit is complex, leading to potential damage, reduced performance, and increased installation time due to manufacturing tolerances and the need for precise wiring.
Innovation Solution
An RF multi connector unit with an array of RF-plug connectors that are supported floatingly and spring-loaded, allowing for easy alignment and secure connection of antenna elements to radio unit ports, eliminating the need for jumper cables and reducing installation errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radial-contact connectors with RF-jumper cables are used to connect antenna elements to radio units, then electrical connections can be established, but installation time increases and wiring errors may occur due to the need for precise routing and connecting of every single cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual connector connections into a single multi connector unit that establishes all electrical connections between antenna elements and radio unit ports simultaneously through one insertion action, eliminating the need for separate cable routing and connection of each connector individually
Solution Approach 2:
The multi connector unit is divided into multiple independent connector elements (first connector, second connector, third connector, fourth connector) that are integrated into a single unit, allowing each connector to be precisely positioned and connected to its corresponding port while maintaining overall simplicity of installation
2Reliability
If multiple individual connectors are used to connect antenna elements to radio unit ports, then precise electrical connections can be established, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple cables and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges four individual connectors into a single multi connector unit with a unified housing and insertion mechanism, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining the precision of individual connections through integrated positioning features
Solution Approach 2:
The multi connector unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for multiple connectors, enables precise alignment with multiple ports, establishes multiple electrical connections, and provides a single insertion interface, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture
3Reliability
If floating mounting of connectors is used to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, then connection reliability improves, but ease of manufacture decreases due to the need for precise positioning and alignment features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a floating mounting mechanism where connectors can move dynamically within their housings to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and alignment variations, allowing automatic self-alignment during insertion without requiring extremely precise pre-positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary alignment features including guide pins, alignment grooves, and positioning surfaces that mediate between the multi connector unit and the radio unit, ensuring precise alignment while compensating for manufacturing variations in both components
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
Facilitates quick and reliable electrical connections, reduces installation time, minimizes hardware loss, and prevents wiring errors, while allowing for flexible upgrades and retrofits of base station components.
Implementation Method 1
The RF-plug connectors are spring loaded in mating direction A
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the multiple RF-plug connectors is supported floatingly
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an RF multi connector unit for multi-band antennas, an antenna system comprising said RF multi connector unit and a base station including at least one such antenna system. The RF multi connector unit comprises multiple RF-plug connectors (111, 112, 113, 114; 121, 122. 123. 124) being arranged in an array (110; 120) defining a common mating direction (A). At least one of the multiple RF-plug connectors (111, 112, 113, 114; 121, 122, 123, 124) is configured to electrically connect an antenna element of a multi-band antenna (10) with a port of a radio unit, when being plugged to the port. Further, at least one of the multiple RF-plug connectors (111, 112, 113, 114; 121. 122. 123. 124) is supported floatingly, at least in a plane being perpendicular to the mating direction (A).