Rail Car Antenna Array for Concurrent Multi-Frequency Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems for vehicles face challenges in accommodating multiple cellular and local area wireless network frequencies, as well as GPS signals, while adhering to mechanical and aesthetic constraints, particularly in railway environments, where retrofitting with multiple antennas is cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-frequency antenna array system integrated into a vehicle, featuring broadband elements that enable concurrent cellular and local area wireless network communication sessions, along with GPS reception, designed to switch between different communication clouds and carriers, utilizing a compact, multi-frequency rail car antenna array with a detachable end cover and adapter skirt for minimal re-fabrication and compliance with railway standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are installed to support multiple frequencies and communication protocols, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity and mechanical installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements (first broadband elements for cellular, second broadband elements for local area wireless, and GPS broadband element) into a single integrated antenna array structure. This merging approach allows the system to support multiple communication protocols and frequencies while reducing the number of separate antenna components that would otherwise need to be installed and managed individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is designed with broadband elements that can operate across multiple frequency ranges and support different communication protocols simultaneously. The first broadband elements handle cellular frequencies, the second broadband elements handle local area wireless frequencies, and the GPS broadband element handles satellite frequencies, making the entire array universal for multiple communication functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are installed to support multiple frequencies and communication protocols, then communication versatility is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements (first broadband elements for cellular, second broadband elements for local area wireless, and GPS broadband element) into a single integrated antenna array structure. This merging approach allows the system to support multiple communication protocols and frequencies while reducing the number of separate antenna components that would otherwise need to be installed and managed individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is designed with modular broadband elements that can be manufactured separately and then assembled into the complete array. The first broadband elements, second broadband elements, and GPS broadband element can be produced as distinct modules, facilitating easier manufacturing and potential retrofit installation while maintaining the integrated functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a compact antenna design is used to meet mechanical and aesthetic constraints, then ease of installation and appearance are improved, but the ability to accommodate multiple frequencies and concurrent communication sessions may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple broadband elements in a spatial array configuration rather than stacking them linearly or placing them in a single location. This dimensional arrangement allows the antenna array to maintain a compact footprint while accommodating multiple first broadband elements and second broadband elements that can operate concurrently on different frequencies without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the antenna array are assigned specific functions: certain areas contain first broadband elements optimized for cellular frequencies, other areas contain second broadband elements for local area wireless frequencies, and specific positions are allocated to the GPS broadband element. This spatial differentiation of local qualities allows each element to perform its function optimally within the compact overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and systems utilizing a multiple-frequency antenna array system. The multiple-frequency antenna array system includes a first set of broadband elements that allows the establishment of a first cellular data communication session and a concurrent second cellular data communication session. The system also includes a second set of broadband elements that allow the establishment of a first local area wireless network communication session and a concurrent second local area wireless network communication session. Further, there is a broadband element configured to receive a global positioning signal. In addition, the multiple-frequency antenna array system is coupled to a vehicle. A method for establishing multi-frequency communication sessions using an antenna array is also presented.