Perforated Monopole Module Door for Passive Cooling and Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna towers and monopoles face limitations in capacity and height, especially in urban environments, where additional capacity is needed to address growing wireless data demands and the scarcity of Macro-Cell sites.
Innovation Solution
A modular monopole design comprising vertically stacked antenna and radio modules, a base, and a power distribution unit, with passive cooling and air flow management, allowing for customizable configurations and efficient use of space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional antenna towers are used to increase capacity, then wireless data service capacity is improved, but structure height and land use requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monopole structure is divided into multiple modular sections that can be vertically stacked. Each module contains integrated antenna arrays and radio frequency units, allowing capacity expansion without increasing overall structure height. The segmented design enables multiple communication functions to be packed into a compact vertical footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
Antenna arrays and radio frequency units are nested within the monopole structure modules. The antennas are integrated inside the modular sections rather than mounted externally on separate frames, effectively nesting multiple functional components within a compact structure to maximize capacity while minimizing height and land use.
2Length of stationary object
If monopole structures are used to reduce height, then structure height is reduced, but capacity and space utilization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal expansion (multiple antennas on external frames) to vertical integration (multiple antenna arrays stacked within modular sections). By utilizing the vertical dimension within the monopole structure, the design achieves high capacity in a compact height, effectively packing more antennas into the same vertical space through multi-layer modular stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The monopole integrates multiple functional components that were previously separate: antenna arrays, radio frequency units, power distribution systems, and cooling mechanisms are merged into unified modular sections. This consolidation increases capacity by packing more functions into a compact structure while maintaining manageability through modular design.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple antennas and RRUs are mounted on monopoles, then wireless capacity is improved, but heat generation and cooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air flow management system with intake and exit sections that act as intermediaries for heat removal. Cooling air is drawn through dedicated intake sections, directed across heat-generating components (antennas and RRUs) mounted on internal walls, and exhausted through exit sections, effectively mediating heat transfer from components to the surrounding air.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system utilizes pneumatic principles by creating controlled air flow through the monopole structure. Air intake sections and exit sections establish pressure differentials that drive cooling air through the module, using fluid dynamics to efficiently remove heat from densely packed electronic components without requiring active cooling mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular monopole design is implemented to increase flexibility, then deployment adaptability is improved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monopole is segmented into standardized modular sections, each containing complete functional subsystems (antenna arrays, RF units, power distribution, cooling). This segmentation enables flexible deployment configurations by stacking different numbers and types of modules, while the standardization of each module simplifies manufacturing through repeated production of identical units.
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular section is designed as a universal unit that can perform multiple functions and be configured in various deployment scenarios. The modules incorporate standardized interfaces, mounting configurations, and integrated systems that allow the same basic module type to serve different communication needs, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining high 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
The modular design enhances capacity and flexibility, enabling efficient deployment of small cells in urban areas, optimizing antenna and RRU placement, and addressing cooling challenges through effective air flow management.
Implementation Method 1
The monopole may rely on passive cooling air that enters an equipment module through an air intake section (typically perforated) and exits through an air exit section (also often perforated)
Data Source
AI summary
A modular monopole for wireless communications includes: an antenna module having a floor, a ceiling and a side wall that form an antenna compartment, wherein at least one antenna resides within the antenna compartment; a radio module having a floor, a ceiling and a side wall that form a radio compartment, wherein at least one remote radio unit (RRU) resides within the radio compartment; and a base. The base, the radio module, and the antenna module are arranged in vertically stacked relationship, with the base below the radio module and the antenna module above the radio module.