Rotatable 5G Antenna Position Sensing for Occlusion Avoidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Millimeter wave antennas in network devices used for 5G communication are susceptible to object occlusion, leading to weaker received signals and reduced communication effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A network device with a rotatable first signal receiving antenna and a position detector using a Hall sensor and magnetic element, allowing the antenna to automatically adjust its position to maximize signal strength by rotating to the direction where the signal intensity is strongest, and converting this signal into a stronger network signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If millimeter wave antennas are used for 5G communication, then communication speed is improved, but signal strength deteriorates due to object occlusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidsignal strength
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the antenna rotatable rather than fixed. The antenna can dynamically adjust its orientation to point towards the base station, allowing it to adapt to different occlusion scenarios and maintain optimal signal reception while preserving the high-speed 5G communication capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through a position detection mechanism that monitors the antenna's rotational position and provides information to a control system. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust the antenna orientation based on detected signal conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high speed and ensuring reliable signal reception

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the antenna is made rotatable to avoid occlusion, then signal strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a simplified rotational mechanism driven by a small motor. The position detection uses magnetic sensors rather than complex mechanical encoders, significantly reducing device complexity while still enabling the antenna to rotate and maintain optimal signal strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from complex spatial positioning to simple rotational angle measurement. By using Hall sensors or magnetic elements to detect rotational position, the system achieves accurate antenna orientation with minimal complexity, improving signal strength without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Improves communication quality by ensuring the network device receives the strongest available signal, enhancing the reliability and speed of 5G connections even in obstructed environments.

Implementation Method 1

The position detector comprises a Hall sensor and a magnetic element, one of the Hall sensor and the magnetic element being fixed to the base, the other of the Hall sensor and the magnetic element being fixed to the bracket and rotatable along with the bracket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4068796B1Network device
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4068796B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4068796B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4068796B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present application provides a network device. The network device comprises a base, a holder, a functional device, a position detector, and a master controller. The holder is rotatably connected to the base. The functional device is born on the holder, and rotates with the rotation of the holder. The position detector comprises a Hall sensor and a magnetic member. One of the Hall sensor and the magnetic member is fixed on the base, and the other is fixed on the holder and rotates with the rotation of the holder. The distance between the Hall sensor and the magnetic member keeps unchanged in the direction perpendicular to a plane of rotation where the holder rotates. The Hall sensor is located within the range of the magnetic field of the magnetic member. When rotating relative to the magnetic member, the Hall sensor senses the change in the magnetic field of the magnetic member and outputs a detection signal. The master controller determines the position of the functional device relative to the base according to the detection signal. According to the present application, the detection accuracy of detecting the position of the functional device relative to the base by the Hall sensor is high.