Integrated Cell Site Module for RRU and RF Conditioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless radio network installations involving remote radio units (RRUs) and antennas are complex, time-consuming, and prone to errors due to the need for multiple jumper cables and RF signal conditioning units, which are affected by outdoor temperature and humidity conditions, leading to potential interconnect quality issues and performance problems.

Innovation Solution

A modular telecommunications system comprising a mounting frame with integrated RRU and RF signal conditioning units, covered by a single module with perforated regions for cooling, allowing for pre-installation testing, simplified installation, and enhanced reliability, featuring a frame with adapter plates for easy component replacement and reduced tower leasing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate RRUs and antennas are mounted on the tower with multiple jumper cables and RF signal conditioning units, then the system can be deployed with existing component standards, but the installation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent compatibilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the RRU, RF signal conditioning units, and antenna mounting structure into a single integrated cell site module. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate components and jumper cables, directly reducing installation complexity while maintaining adaptability through standardized external interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the RRU for radio frequency processing, includes RF signal conditioning units for signal optimization, provides mounting structures for antennas, and incorporates cooling systems. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate installations needed while maintaining compatibility with existing component standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple jumper cables and RF signal conditioning units are installed on site, then the system can be configured flexibly, but the installation time increases to approximately 12-15 hours per site

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem configurabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The RRU, RF signal conditioning units, and interconnections are pre-assembled and pre-tested as a complete module at the manufacturing facility. This preliminary action allows the module to be deployed as a single unit, reducing on-site installation time from 12-15 hours to a fraction of that time, while maintaining system configurability through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By merging all installation components into a single pre-assembled module, the patent eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site cable routing, connection, and configuration tasks. The module maintains adaptability through standardized external interfaces that allow flexible system integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If installations are performed outdoors in variable temperature and humidity conditions, then the system can be deployed at remote locations, but interconnect quality and overall system performance are adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment capabilityVSAvoidinterconnect quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

All interconnections and configurations are completed in a controlled manufacturing environment before deployment. This preliminary action ensures high interconnect quality by avoiding exposure to adverse outdoor conditions during installation, while the completed module retains full deployment capability at remote locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated module design protects internal components and interconnections from environmental factors by enclosing them within a sealed structure. This beforehand protection prevents temperature and humidity from degrading interconnect quality, while still allowing the system to operate in remote outdoor locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate mounting kits and hardware are used for each component, then the system can accommodate different component variations, but the installation involves substantial complexity and multiple mounting procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent accommodationVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple separate mounting kits and hardware sets into a single integrated mounting structure that holds all components (RRU, RF signal conditioning units, antennas). This merging simplifies the mounting process to a single installation procedure while maintaining adaptability through adjustable mounting points and standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 modular design simplifies and speeds up installations, reduces errors, enhances system performance by improving interconnect quality, and facilitates easier maintenance and repair while providing effective cooling and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Implementation Method 1

the second cover defines an air flow path that provides cooling to the adjacent RRU

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS10390386B2Integrated cell site module for mounting a remote radio unit and radio frequency signal conditioning unit as a single unit
Publication Date: 2019.08.20 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC
  • US10390386B2 patent drawing
  • US10390386B2 patent drawing
  • US10390386B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A module for a communications cell site includes: a mounting frame; a remote radio unit (RRU) mounted to the frame; a radio frequency (RF) signal conditioning unit mounted to the frame; and a cover mounted to the frame that covers the RRU and the RF signal conditioning unit.