Small Cell Antenna Multifunction Link for Tiltable Steering
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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 covering dual-band frequency ranges 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 brackets, but the cables become externally exposed resulting in poor aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the radio unit inside the antenna module housing, creating a nested configuration where the radio unit is contained within the larger antenna structure. This eliminates the need for external cable connections between separate components, resolving the aesthetic issue while maintaining installation simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the antenna module and radio unit into a single integrated base station apparatus. The radio unit and antenna module are merged into one structural unit, eliminating the need for connecting cables between them and improving aesthetic appearance
2Device complexity
If one antenna module is provided for each remote radio head, then the structure is simple, but it is difficult to cover dual-band frequency ranges when installed indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the antenna module with multi-functional capability to cover both frequency bands (e.g., 700MHz and 2.6GHz) simultaneously. The same antenna module structure can operate across multiple frequency ranges, providing versatility without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the antenna module into multiple antenna elements that can be independently configured to handle different frequency bands. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for specific bands while maintaining overall system simplicity
3Volume of moving object
If the base station is installed in narrow indoor spaces, then space efficiency is improved, but the structural flexibility and directional control become limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements within the antenna module that allow directional control to be modified after installation. The module can be dynamically adjusted to change beam directions or coverage patterns, providing operational flexibility in constrained indoor environments
Data Source
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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 radio unit; and a 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.