Small Cell Antenna Ball-Joint Link for Hidden Cables and Dual-Band Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small cell base station antenna apparatuses have limited structural flexibility, poor aesthetic appearance due to external cable exposure, and difficulty in achieving dual-band coverage when installed indoors.
Innovation Solution
A small cell base station antenna apparatus with a multifunction link that allows tiltable and steerable antenna modules, coupled with a connector system that conceals cables and enables dual-band operation by dividing antenna modules or using multiple modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the antenna module is mounted on the upper side of the support pole and the radio unit is mounted on the lower side, then the components can be fixed using standard mounting brackets, but the cables connecting them are externally exposed resulting in poor aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the radio unit inside the antenna module housing, creating a nested structure where the radio unit is contained within the antenna module. This eliminates the need for external cable connections between separate components, resolving the aesthetic issue while maintaining functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the antenna module and radio unit into a single integrated structure. The radio unit is mounted inside the antenna module housing, merging two previously separate components into one unified unit, thereby eliminating external cable exposure and improving aesthetic appearance
2Device complexity
If a single antenna module is used for each remote radio head, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but it is difficult to cover dual-band ranges when installed indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the antenna module with multi-functional capability to cover multiple frequency bands (e.g., 700MHz, 2.6GHz, 3.5GHz) through a single module. This is achieved by integrating multiple antenna elements and RF circuits within one module, enabling dual-band or multi-band operation without requiring separate antenna modules for each frequency band
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the antenna module into multiple antenna elements (e.g., first antenna element, second antenna element, third antenna element) that can operate at different frequency bands. Each element is optimized for specific frequency ranges, and they work together to provide comprehensive multi-band coverage through beamforming and signal combining techniques
3Ease of operation
If the base station antenna apparatus is installed outdoors using a support pole structure, then the components can be easily mounted and connected, but it cannot be installed indoors due to aesthetic concerns and structural limitations
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the radio unit inside the antenna module housing, the patent creates a single unified unit that eliminates external cable connections. This integrated design is suitable for both outdoor and indoor installations, as it removes the aesthetic drawback of exposed cables while maintaining ease of installation through standardized mounting interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the antenna module with universal mounting capability that can be installed in various environments (outdoor poles, indoor walls, ceiling mounts). The integrated design with hidden cables and standardized mounting brackets enables flexible installation locations, making the system adaptable to both outdoor and indoor deployment scenarios
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
Facilitates easy installation and aesthetic improvement by hiding cables, enables wide directional control angles, and achieves dual-band coverage, enhancing space utilization and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first fixture and the second fixture are coupled via a ball joint to enable the antenna module to be installed to perform tilting rotation and steering rotation motions with respect to the radio unit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a small cell base station antenna apparatus and a connector for same. The small cell base station antenna apparatus comprises: a radio Unit (RU); at least one antenna module installed to be tiltable and steerable with respect to the a radio unit; and multifunction link configured to mediate the installation of each antenna module to the radio unit, wherein the multifunction link comprises: a center body; a first fixture connected between one end of the center body and the antenna module; and a second fixture connected between the other end of the center body and the radio unit, and wherein the first fixture and the second fixture are coupled via a ball joint to enable the antenna module to be installed to perform tilting rotation and steering rotation motions with respect to the radio unit.