Modular Small Cell Architecture for RF Coverage and Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional small cell radios face installation challenges due to poor aesthetics, weight, RF 'blind spots', limited capacity, and inflexibility in back-haul links, leading to high costs and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A modular sectorized architecture with lightweight components that allow single-person installation, sectorized design to avoid RF blind spots, and modular expansion for capacity and service additions, featuring common modules with integrated power and back-haul options, and radome cover assemblies with tuned dielectric properties for efficient cooling and antenna compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If conventional small cell radios integrate access radio and antenna with back-haul radio and antenna in a single assembly, then device integration is improved, but aesthetics deteriorate due to exposed heat sink fins and installation becomes difficult due to excessive weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conventional integrated small cell radio into separate modular components: access radio units with antennas and back-haul radio units can be independently deployed. This segmentation allows each module to be lighter and easier to install while maintaining functional integration through wireless back-haul connections, resolving the contradiction between integration and installation ease.
2Area of stationary object
If small cell radios are deployed to fill underserved areas, then service coverage is improved, but RF blind spots are created due to mounting pole obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs three-dimensional antenna arrays and spatial diversity techniques to overcome RF blind spots caused by mounting poles. By distributing antennas in multiple spatial dimensions and using beamforming, the system maintains coverage in areas that would otherwise be blocked by the mounting structure, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and RF blind spots.
3Device complexity
If conventional small cell radios are designed with fixed capacity, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to lack of sector or carrier growth paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic, software-defined radio architectures that allow the small cell system to adapt its capacity, sectors, and carriers through software configuration rather than hardware changes. This enables the system to grow and reconfigure dynamically based on service demands while maintaining a relatively simple physical infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
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
Enables efficient, cost-effective installation and expansion of small cell sites with improved RF coverage, reduced costs, and enhanced aesthetic appeal, allowing for flexible configuration of services and back-haul links.
Implementation Method 1
The radome cover assemblies may include features to direct cooling air over the heat sinks
Implementation Method 2
heat sink fins are exposed
Implementation Method 3
A radome cover assembly may include a dielectric insert with tuned dielectric properties
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication system is provided. The system includes a common module, is shaped as a sector of a cylinder and has a power supply. A sector radio module is coupled to the power supply and incudes an access radio and an access antenna. The access antenna is configured to serve a sector of not more than 180°, and is also shaped as a sector of a cylinder.