Rotatable Antenna Arrays for 3D Beam Steering With Lower Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications, the use of higher frequency signals leads to path loss issues, particularly at the edges of cells, and requires beam steering in three dimensions, which is complex and costly, especially in densely populated urban environments where antenna deployments at varying elevations are necessary.
Innovation Solution
An antenna apparatus with multiple arrays that combine electronic beam steering in one plane with mechanical rotation of the arrays to steer beams in three dimensions, using a mounting plate and rotation mechanisms to adjust the orientation and polarization, allowing for flexible deployment configurations and modes of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If higher frequency signals are used to increase bandwidth, then bandwidth is improved, but path loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely electronic beam steering with a hybrid system combining mechanical rotation of antenna arrays and electronic beamforming. The mechanical rotation physically repositions antenna arrays to achieve three-dimensional beam steering, substituting complex electronic steering in the elevation plane with simpler mechanical movement, thereby reducing the complexity and cost of hardware while maintaining effective signal delivery despite path loss at higher frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic mechanical rotation mechanisms that allow antenna arrays to change their physical orientation in three-dimensional space. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt beam directions to track users at different elevations and locations, compensating for path loss by maintaining optimal beam alignment without requiring complex electronic steering across all three dimensions
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic beam steering in three dimensions is implemented, then beam steering capability is improved, but hardware complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam steering function into two independent parts: mechanical rotation for coarse positioning in the elevation plane and electronic beamforming for fine adjustment within the beamforming plane. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, with the mechanical rotation handling the computationally intensive three-dimensional positioning while the electronic beamforming handles only two-dimensional adjustments, significantly reducing overall hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic beam steering in the elevation plane with mechanical rotation of antenna arrays. By using physical rotation to achieve elevation angle changes, the system eliminates the need for complex electronic phase shifters and signal processing required for three-dimensional electronic steering, thereby reducing hardware complexity and cost while maintaining full three-dimensional beam steering capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If antenna arrays are deployed at various elevations in urban environments, then coverage flexibility is improved, but beam steering requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mechanical rotation mechanisms that enable antenna arrays to physically reposition themselves to match the varying elevation requirements of urban deployments. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle diverse deployment scenarios (rooftop, street level, different building heights) by mechanically adjusting array orientations, simplifying the beam steering requirements for each specific deployment while maintaining overall system versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform where the mechanical rotation mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables deployment at various elevations, provides three-dimensional beam steering, and adapts to different urban environments. This multi-functional design allows the same hardware architecture to handle diverse deployment scenarios without requiring complex environment-specific beam steering configurations
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
This solution provides efficient and cost-effective beam steering in three dimensions, enhancing coverage and flexibility in densely populated areas without the need for complex and costly hardware, allowing for various deployment configurations and modes of operation.
Implementation Method 1
beamforming circuitry to electronically steer the beam of each antenna array in its associated beamforming plane
Implementation Method 2
an antenna array rotation mechanism configured to rotate each antenna array in its antenna array plane, so as to cause the beamforming plane to rotate, a mounting plate rotation mechanism configured to rotate the mounting plate about a first axis, and a further rotation mechanism configured to rotate the plurality of antenna arrays about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis
Data Source
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AI summary
An antenna apparatus comprising at least one antenna array configured to produce a beam to facilitate wireless communication with at least one other antenna apparatus is described, in which the beam can be electronically steered in an associated beamforming plane by beamforming circuitry. The at least one antenna array has an associated antenna array plane, and an antenna array rotation mechanism is configured to rotate each antenna array in its associated antenna array plane to cause its beamforming plane to rotate. Methods for operating such an antenna apparatus, and for deploying an antenna apparatus in a wireless communication network, are also described.