Relay Station Antenna Switching Omni-Directional Directional Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay stations face limitations in extending coverage area and system capacity due to the need for precise alignment and installation of directional antennas, which complicates movement and increases interference, especially when trying to maintain efficient communication links between base stations and endpoints.
Innovation Solution
A relay station system with an antenna featuring multiple prongs that can switch between omni-directional and directional modes, allowing for greater flexibility in installation and increased distance between base stations and relay stations, while automatically selecting the most efficient communication path based on spectrum efficiency measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a directional antenna is used for communication with the base station, then the distance between base station and relay station can be increased, but the installation becomes more complex due to the need for precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple prongs (at least two), where each prong can be independently activated to provide different radiation patterns. This segmentation allows the antenna to function as both omnidirectional and directional without requiring separate antenna structures, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining the ability to extend communication distance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system dynamically switches between omnidirectional and directional modes by selectively activating different prongs based on operational requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to changing communication needs without physical repositioning or realignment, reducing installation complexity while preserving distance extension capability.
2Productivity
If a directional antenna is used for communication with the base station, then communication efficiency can be improved, but the antenna must be carefully realigned any time the relay station moves
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system provides dynamic mode switching between omnidirectional and directional operation. When the relay station moves, the system can quickly reconfigure by activating different prongs to establish new directional beams without requiring physical realignment, thereby maintaining communication efficiency while eliminating realignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna structure with multiple prongs serves multiple functions: it can operate in omnidirectional mode for initial acquisition and mobile scenarios, and switch to directional mode for optimized communication efficiency. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate antennas and the associated realignment procedures when the relay station moves.
3Ease of manufacture
If an omni-directional antenna is used for both upstream and downstream communication, then installation is simplified, but the distance between base station and relay station is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is segmented into multiple prongs that can be selectively activated. This allows the system to maintain simple omnidirectional installation by using all prongs simultaneously, while also enabling extended distance communication by activating only the necessary prongs for directional beam formation when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure provides universal functionality by combining omnidirectional and directional capabilities in a single device. This allows the system to achieve both installation simplicity (through omnidirectional mode) and extended communication distance (through directional mode) without requiring separate antenna systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are used for directional and omnidirectional communication, then communication flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna functions (omnidirectional and directional) into a single antenna structure with multiple prongs. This consolidation maintains communication flexibility by enabling mode switching, while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate antennas, switches, and mounting structures that would be required if multiple independent antennas were used.
Data Source
AI summary
A relay station for use in a relay network may include an antenna, a radio, and an electronic circuit. The antenna may include a plurality of prongs. The radio may be configured to transmit and receive radio data using the antenna. The electronic circuit may be configured to select between a first mode of operation for the antenna and a second mode of operation for the antenna. The first mode of operation of the antenna may include an omni-directional mode of operation. The second mode of operation may include a directional mode of operation.