Single Drive Variable Azimuth Beam Tilt Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern wireless antennas face challenges in efficiently adjusting azimuth and elevation beam patterns and Half Power Band Width (HPBW) due to high costs associated with individual phase shifters and the added weight, size, and complexity of electromechanical control systems.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically variable antenna system utilizing a single actuator coupled to mechanical drive elements and a phase shifter, allowing for remote control of azimuth direction, elevation beam tilt, and beamwidth adjustments through a motor control module and transfer mechanism, reducing the need for multiple phase shifters and electromechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual phase shifters are used for each antenna element to control beam tilt, then beam tilt control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive elements (azimuth drive and elevation drive) into a single drive unit that can selectively couple to different mechanical components. This merging reduces the number of independent phase shifters needed while maintaining beam tilt control capability through mechanical adjustment of the reflector position.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both azimuth rotation and elevation tilt control through selective coupling. This universal component replaces multiple specialized phase shifters, reducing system complexity while preserving control precision through mechanical positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromechanical control systems are added to provide variable azimuth and elevation control, then adaptability is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single drive unit performs multiple functions (azimuth rotation and elevation tilt control) through selective coupling to different mechanical components. This multi-functional design provides full adaptability for beam pattern control without requiring separate electromechanical systems for each function, thereby reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a mechanically controlled phase shifter system where mechanical positioning of the reflector and radiators achieves beam tilt and azimuth control. This mechanical substitution replaces complex electromechanical control systems, reducing weight while maintaining adaptability.
3Device complexity
If a single common phase shifter is used for a group of antenna elements, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase shifting function into a single mechanically controlled system that adjusts the position of radiators relative to the reflector. This combining reduces device complexity by eliminating multiple independent phase shifters, while mechanical positioning provides the necessary precision for beam control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote actuators are added to adjust azimuth and elevation patterns, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single drive unit with selective coupling provides universal control for both azimuth and elevation adjustments. This multi-functional actuator system achieves full adaptability for beam pattern control without requiring separate remote actuators for each function, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines azimuth and elevation control functions into a single drive unit that can selectively couple to different mechanical components. This merging of control functions into one actuator system provides complete adaptability while minimizing device complexity compared to using multiple independent remote actuators.
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 a cost-effective and lightweight means to remotely control antenna beam patterns and HPBW, enhancing geographic coverage and cell coverage adjustments while minimizing the weight and complexity of the antenna assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a motor coupled to a first drive element and a second drive element
Implementation Method 2
a mechanically controlled phase shifter... adjusting the phase adjuster by the actuator in a second control mode
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna array employing a combined azimuth and elevation beam angle adjustment electromechanical system is disclosed. The system employs a dual purpose remotely controllable actuator. The actuator is used to adjust azimuth angle of the antenna array and radiation beam tilt of the same. An antenna array employing a combined azimuth, beamwidth and elevation beam angle adjustment electromechanical system is also disclosed.