Single Motor RET Actuator for Base Station Antenna Phase Shifters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern base station antennas require increasingly complex remote electronic tilt (RET) actuators to manage multiple phase shifters, leading to larger size and higher costs due to the need for multiple motors and mechanical linkages, making it difficult to fit within customer-defined size limitations and increasing expenses.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a single motor RET actuator that controls multiple phase shifters in two linear directions, using a single rotary drive element with one-way clutches and drive systems to move mechanical linkages, allowing for compact and cost-effective adjustment of phase shifters across multiple arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors and mechanical linkages are used to control multiple phase shifters, then the ability to adjust multiple phase shifters is improved, but the device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple motor functions into a single motor by using a rotary drive element with one-way clutches that can selectively engage different drive systems. This merging approach allows one motor to perform the work of multiple motors while reducing the overall device volume and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary drive element serves multiple functions by being able to selectively drive different mechanical linkages in different linear directions. The single motor structure with one-way clutches provides multi-functionality, allowing it to control multiple phase shifters without requiring separate dedicated motors for each.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors and mechanical linkages are used to control multiple phase shifters, then the ability to adjust multiple phase shifters is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple motor functions into a single motor by using a rotary drive element with one-way clutches that can selectively engage different drive systems. This merging approach allows one motor to perform the work of multiple motors while reducing the overall device volume and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary drive element serves multiple functions by being able to selectively drive different mechanical linkages in different linear directions. The single motor structure with one-way clutches provides multi-functionality, allowing it to control multiple phase shifters without requiring separate dedicated motors for each.
3Volume of moving object
If a single motor is used to control multiple phase shifters, then the device size and cost are reduced, but the complexity of the drive system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way clutches act as intermediary mechanisms between the single rotary drive element and the multiple linear drive systems. These clutches mediate the power transmission by selectively engaging different drive systems based on rotation direction, simplifying the control architecture while managing the inherent complexity through standardized mechanical components.
4Volume of moving object
If a single motor is used to control multiple phase shifters, then the device size and cost are reduced, but the control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way clutches act as intermediary mechanisms between the single rotary drive element and the multiple linear drive systems. These clutches mediate the power transmission by selectively engaging different drive systems based on rotation direction, simplifying the control architecture while managing the inherent complexity through standardized mechanical components.
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 reduces the physical footprint and manufacturing costs of RET actuators while maintaining the ability to adjust multiple phase shifters, enhancing the efficiency and compactness of base station antennas.
Implementation Method 1
A first one-way clutch selectively connects the rotary drive element to the first drive system and a second one-way clutch selectively connects the rotary drive element to the second drive system
Data Source
AI summary
Base station antennas include a RET actuator, a plurality of phase shifters and a plurality of mechanical linkages, where each mechanical linkage is connected between the RET actuator and a respective one or more of the phase shifters. The RET actuator includes a rotary drive element movable in a first rotary direction and a second rotary direction. A first drive system is connected between the rotary drive element and the first mechanical linkage. The first drive system moves the first mechanical linkage in a first linear direction and a second linear direction when the rotary drive element is moved in the first rotary direction. A second drive system connected between the rotary drive element and the second mechanical linkage. The second drive system moves the second mechanical linkage in a third linear direction and a fourth linear direction when the rotary drive element is moved in the second rotary direction.