Modular Test Device Carrier Rack for Flexible RF Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measurement systems for evaluating wireless communication infrastructure face challenges in flexibility and ease of use, particularly in large or crowded areas, as moving measurement devices between vehicles is cumbersome and difficult.

Innovation Solution

A modular test device carrier rack with adjustable stands and device carrier beams that allow secure fixation and versatile positioning of test devices, such as smartphones and RF scanners, to facilitate flexible and efficient measurement setups in various environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If measurement devices are installed in a vehicle for mobile measurements, then measurement flexibility in large and crowded areas is improved, but the difficulty of moving measurement devices from one vehicle to another increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement flexibilityVSAvoidease of moving devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier rack is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to be installed in multiple types of vehicles and locations. The stand includes multiple mounting interfaces and adjustable components that enable the same rack structure to be securely installed in different vehicle types (cars, vans, trucks) and even in fixed locations like offices or laboratories, eliminating the need for device-specific mounting solutions for each vehicle type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier rack is divided into modular components including a stand, device carrier beams, and test device fixtures. This segmentation allows the rack to be disassembled and reassembled easily when moving between vehicles. The modular design enables quick configuration changes and simplifies transportation, as components can be selectively assembled based on the specific measurement requirements of each vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple test devices are positioned at a specific location (e.g., window opening) for optimal RF reception, then measurement quality is improved, but the complexity of arranging and repositioning devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF reception characteristicsVSAvoidarrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device carrier beams are designed to be movable along the stand structure, and the test device fixtures can be adjusted to different positions on the beams. This dynamic positioning capability allows test devices to be quickly reconfigured from one optimal measurement location to another without complex manual arrangement. The movable mechanisms enable smooth transitions between positions while maintaining secure device holding at each location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device carrier beams act as intermediary elements between the fixed stand structure and the movable test devices. These beams provide guided movement paths and positioning mechanisms that simplify the repositioning process. By introducing this intermediate layer, the system enables easy adjustment of device positions along predefined trajectories without requiring direct manual manipulation of each device relative to the stand structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3389283B1Test device carrier rack
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3389283B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3389283B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3389283B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a test device carrier rack (100, 200, 300, 750, 751, 752, 753, 800) for carrying test devices (101), the test device carrier rack (100, 200, 300, 750, 751, 752, 753, 800) comprising a rack frame, the rack frame comprising a stand (102, 103, 202, 802, 803) and a number of device carrier beams (108, 109, 208, 209, 308, 309, 808, 809) that are coupled to the stand (102, 103, 202, 802, 803), and a number of test device fixtures (110, 111, 112, 113, 210, 211, 310, 311, 810, 811, 812, 813) movably arranged on the device carrier beams (108, 109, 208, 209, 308, 309, 808, 809) configured to carry the test devices (101).