Elevated Industrial Antenna Layout for Vertical Beam Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial environments face challenges with outside area interference, large propagation loss, and beam blocking due to the horizontal direction of antenna beams, which affects communication with industrial devices.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system is deployed with an antenna supported in an elevated position, generating beams only in a vertical direction to avoid outside area interference. The antenna can be mounted on a pole, slid along a rail, hung from a drone or balloon, or floated, with motion sensors and a processor to adjust beam direction as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If antenna beams are directed in horizontal direction to cover industrial environment, then coverage area is improved, but outside area interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal beam direction to vertical beam direction, changing the spatial dimension of antenna operation. The antenna is positioned at elevated height and directs beams vertically downward to cover the industrial environment, thereby achieving coverage while avoiding horizontal interference with surrounding areas.
2Area of stationary object
If antenna beams are directed in horizontal direction to cover industrial environment, then coverage area is improved, but propagation loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the antenna at elevated height and directing beams vertically downward, the patent exploits the vertical dimension to reduce propagation loss. This configuration takes advantage of the line-of-sight path in the vertical direction, minimizing energy loss compared to horizontal beam propagation through the industrial environment.
3Area of stationary object
If antenna beams are directed in horizontal direction to cover industrial environment, then coverage area is improved, but beam blocking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates beam blocking by transitioning from horizontal to vertical beam direction. By positioning the antenna at elevated height and directing beams vertically downward, the signal path is cleared of obstructions such as machinery, equipment, and structures that would block horizontal beams, thereby improving communication reliability.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If antenna is positioned at elevated position to reduce interference, then outside area interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support structure as an intermediary element that enables the antenna to be positioned at elevated height. This support structure (pole, rail, drone, or balloon) serves as a mediator between the antenna and the ground, allowing the antenna to achieve the required elevation while maintaining operational flexibility through various support options.
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 configuration minimizes outside area interference, reduces propagation loss, and maintains communication with industrial devices by directing beams vertically, thus enhancing communication reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna is adapted for generating beams towards the ground for communicating with the UE
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an antenna system for operating in an industrial environment including a plurality of industrial devices. Each industrial device being connected to a user equipment (UE). The antenna system including an antenna and a support for supporting the antenna in an elevated position in relation to ground and facing towards the ground. The antenna being adapted for generating beams towards the ground for communicating with the UE.