Multi-Band Base Station Antenna Linkage for Equal Downtilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing base station antennas require manual reconfiguration for downtilt adjustments, which is difficult, expensive, and time-consuming due to limited space in smaller antenna designs.
Innovation Solution
A base station antenna design with pivotally mounted wiper members and a phase shifter linkage that allows simultaneous downtilt angle adjustment in multiple frequency bands, utilizing a first and second wiper member configuration for each frequency band, and a phase shifter linkage that moves in concert to adjust downtilt angles equally across different frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual reconfiguration is used for downtilt adjustments, then the antenna can be adjusted, but the process becomes difficult, expensive, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable phase shifter mechanism that allows the downtilt angle to be dynamically changed after installation. The phase shifter includes movable components (wiper members on arc-shaped traces) that can be repositioned to alter the electrical path length to radiating elements, enabling electronic adjustment of the radiation pattern without physical antenna reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reconfiguration with an electronically controlled phase shifting system. Instead of physically moving or repositioning the antenna structure, the invention uses electrical phase shifters controlled by signals from a controller, substituting mechanical adjustment operations with electrical control operations.
2Volume of moving object
If smaller antenna designs are used, then space is saved, but manual reconfiguration becomes even more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for difficult manual reconfiguration in compact antennas by implementing an electronic phase shifting system. The phase shifter components (wiper members, arc-shaped traces, capacitive coupling elements) are integrated within the compact antenna structure, allowing electronic adjustment of downtilt angles without requiring physical access or manual manipulation of mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system includes a controller that can automatically adjust the phase shifter settings based on received signals or pre-programmed parameters. This self-adjusting capability allows the compact antenna to reconfigure its radiation pattern electronically without requiring external manual intervention, thereby overcoming the limitations of small physical size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable phase shifters are added to enable electronic downtilt adjustment, then operational flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna array into multiple sub-arrays or groups of radiating elements, each controlled by its own phase shifter unit. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of different portions of the antenna, providing flexible downtilt control while keeping each individual phase shifter unit relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shifter design uses universal components that can serve multiple functions. The wiper members on arc-shaped traces provide both phase shifting and amplitude control capabilities, and the same structural approach can be applied across multiple frequency bands or antenna elements, reducing overall system complexity through component reuse and standardization.
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 and space-saving downtilt angle adjustments in multiple frequency bands, reducing the need for manual reconfiguration and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The changes in these path lengths result in changes in the phases of the respective sub-components of the RF signal
Implementation Method 2
capacitively couple at least some of these sub-components to the wiper printed circuit board. The sub-components of the RF signal may be capacitively coupled from the wiper printed circuit board back to the main printed circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A base station antenna includes: a plurality of reflector panels; a plurality of printed circuit boards (PCBs), each of the circuit boards mounted on a respective one of the reflector panels; a plurality of radiating elements mounted on each of the PCBs, wherein the PCBs and the radiating elements are configured and arranged so that the base station antenna receives and transmits radio frequency signals in a first frequency band and a second frequency band; first and second wiper members pivotally mounted on each PCB at respective first and second pivots, the first and second wiper members being configured such that pivotal movement of the first and second wiper members induce downtilt angle adjustment in the radiating elements that transmit and receive signals in first frequency band; third and fourth wiper members pivotally mounted on each PCB at respective third and fourth pivots, the third and fourth wiper members being configured such that pivotal movement of the third and fourth wiper members induce downtilt angle adjustment in the radiating elements that transmit and receive signals in a second frequency band; and a phase shifter linkage comprising a first carrier member and a second carrier member fixed relative to the first carrier member, the first carrier member engaging the first and second wiper members and the second carrier member engaging the third and fourth wiper members. Actuation of the phase shifter linkage causes the first carrier member and the second carrier member to move in concert relative to the PCBs, so that downtilt angle adjustment of the first frequency band equals downtilt adjustment of the second frequency band.