Multi-Beam Antenna Drive Mechanism for Compact RET Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile communications antennas require multiple drive actuators for each band, leading to increased space usage on the antenna end face and higher susceptibility to faults due to complex mechanical implementations, especially in multi-band and multi-antenna installations.
Innovation Solution
A compact multi-beam-shaping means with a single drive member and switching interface on the antenna end face, featuring a drivable drive shaft with parallel driven shafts and wheels, allowing for simultaneous control of multiple phase shifters through a selectively engageable switching wheel, which reduces space usage and enhances mechanical simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple drive actuators are used for each band in multi-band antennas, then each antenna can be controlled independently, but the space usage on the antenna end face increases and the mechanical complexity increases leading to higher susceptibility to faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive actuators into a single shared drive mechanism that controls multiple phase shifters through a common transmission system. The drive shaft with multiple driven wheels allows one motor to actuate multiple phase shifters simultaneously, reducing the number of independent actuators from multiple (one per band) to a single shared actuator, thereby simplifying mechanical implementation and reducing fault susceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive shaft serves multiple functions by providing rotational drive to multiple driven wheels, each connected to different phase shifters. This universal drive mechanism replaces multiple specialized actuators, allowing one component to perform the work of several, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent control capability for each band.
2Ease of operation
If multiple drive actuators are installed on the antenna end face, then each phase shifter can be controlled separately, but the space requirements on the antenna end face increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple drive actuators are merged into a single compact drive assembly where a common drive shaft supports multiple driven wheels in close proximity. This consolidation reduces the spatial footprint on the antenna end face while maintaining the capability to control multiple phase shifters separately through the shared mechanical transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism transitions from a planar arrangement of multiple independent actuators on the end face to a three-dimensional configuration where the drive shaft extends axially with driven wheels arranged along its length. This dimensional reorganization allows multiple control points to be accessed through a compact end-face interface, reducing the required surface area while preserving operational independence.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical RET unit with motor and phase shifters is installed on the antenna, then beam characteristics can be controlled electrically, but the device complexity and space usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor, phase shifter control mechanisms, and transmission components into a single integrated RET (Remote Electrical Tilt) unit. Instead of separate mechanical assemblies for each phase shifter, the design combines all control functions into one compact mechanism with a shared drive shaft and multiple driven wheels, reducing mechanical complexity while preserving full beam characteristic control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RET unit is designed as a universal control system where a single motor and transmission mechanism can adjust multiple phase shifters simultaneously or independently. This multi-functional design allows one mechanical assembly to perform the work of multiple separate units, enabling comprehensive beam control (elevation, azimuth, beam width) with reduced device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile radio antenna comprises a multi beam forming device which comprises a drivable drive element having a drive shaft and at least two output shafts. Each output shaft is substantially parallel to the drive shaft. At least one output gear is rotationally fixed to the output shaft. At least two phase shifters are each operatively connected to a respective output shaft via a respective drive device. A changeover device enables the drive element to be operatively connected selectively to at least one of the output gears.