Non-uniform Antenna Array Asymmetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Omnidirectional cylindrical array antennas are expensive and aesthetically unpleasant, while flat array antennas perform unequally at different angles, leading to blind angles and energy wastage due to side lobe radiation.
Innovation Solution
A network node with a non-uniform array of antenna elements on a common surface, featuring varying sizes, types, and tilt angles, coupled with transceiver circuitry for improved communication performance, including massive MIMO and irregular array configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If omnidirectional cylindrical array antennas are used, then coverage is improved, but cost and aesthetic appearance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using non-uniform antenna element spacing and varying antenna element characteristics (different sizes, types, and orientations) rather than symmetric uniform spacing. This asymmetric configuration achieves omnidirectional coverage patterns without requiring complex cylindrical structures, thereby reducing cost while maintaining coverage performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different properties to different antenna elements in the array - varying sizes, types, spacing intervals, and orientations based on their specific positions. This localized optimization allows each element to contribute differently to the overall radiation pattern, achieving omnidirectional coverage with a simpler, less expensive planar structure.
2Device complexity
If flat array antennas are used, then cost is reduced, but performance uniformity at different angles worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric spacing configurations where antenna elements are positioned at non-uniform intervals rather than equal spacing. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with varying element characteristics, creates more uniform radiation patterns across different angles, eliminating blind spots while maintaining the cost-effective planar structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters of the antenna elements including spacing intervals, element sizes, element types, and orientations. By varying these parameters non-uniformly across the array, the system achieves improved performance uniformity at different angles while maintaining the simple flat array structure and associated cost benefits.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform antenna element spacing is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but blind angles and side lobe radiation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates uniform spacing by implementing asymmetric, non-uniform spacing between antenna elements. This asymmetric configuration redistributes the radiation patterns to reduce side lobes and eliminate blind angles, while the overall manufacturing process remains relatively simple through standardized assembly techniques adapted to the non-uniform layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality optimization by adjusting spacing and characteristics of individual antenna elements based on their specific positions in the array. Elements at different locations have different spacing intervals and characteristics tailored to their local requirements, which suppresses side lobe radiation and eliminates blind angles while maintaining manufacturability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Network nodes including a non-uniform plurality of array antenna elements coupled to transceiver circuitry configured to provide communications in a cellular or short-range wireless network are provided. Sizes of the non-uniform plurality of array antenna elements, distances between adjacent ones of the non-uniform plurality of array antenna elements, tilt of the non-uniform plurality of array antenna elements, and/or antenna types of the non-uniform plurality of array antenna elements differ among the non-uniform plurality of array antenna elements.