Snap-Around Metrocell Antenna Layout for Multi-Beam Pole Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional metrocell base station antennas face challenges in mounting due to the scarcity of suitable utility poles, leading to sub-optimal performance and aesthetics, especially with the increasing deployment of 5G systems, where existing wrap-around antennas are complex and only generate two omnidirectional beams, making it difficult to extend to the larger number of beams required.

Innovation Solution

The development of 'snap-around' metrocell antennas with first and second enclosures that mate around a utility pole, using blind-mate connectors for electrical connections and a power divider to generate multiple omnidirectional or sector beams, allowing for aesthetically pleasing and efficient antenna beam direction away from the support structure, eliminating scattering effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional wrap-around antennas are used, then mounting around utility poles is achieved, but the antenna structure becomes complex and can only generate two omnidirectional beams

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam generation capabilityVSAvoidantenna structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is divided into multiple independent radiating element groups, each capable of generating separate beams. The first plurality of radiating elements generates a first omnidirectional beam, the second plurality generates a second omnidirectional beam, and the third plurality generates sector beams, allowing independent control and configuration of each beam segment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: generating omnidirectional beams for 360-degree coverage, generating sector beams for directional coverage, and mounting around utility poles. The same radiating elements can be configured to serve different coverage patterns based on operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If antennas are mounted on top of utility poles, then installation is straightforward, but scattering effects degrade signal quality and aesthetics are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidscattering interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of mounting the antenna on top of the utility pole (conventional approach), the antenna is inverted to wrap around the pole. The radiating elements are positioned laterally around the pole rather than vertically above it, which eliminates the pole from being in the direct path of the radiated signals, thereby eliminating scattering effects while maintaining installation feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If more utility poles are deployed to accommodate increasing 5G metrocell antennas, then antenna deployment is enabled, but visual clutter and zoning ordinance violations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna deployment capacityVSAvoidvisual aesthetics

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna transitions from a vertical mounting configuration (on top of poles) to a horizontal wrapping configuration (around the pole). This dimensional change allows the antenna to utilize the circumferential space around the pole, effectively adding a new spatial dimension for deployment that reduces visual prominence while maintaining functional capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The snap-around metrocell antennas provide efficient and aesthetically pleasing solutions by generating multiple omnidirectional or sector beams, improving performance and compliance with zoning ordinances while reducing vandalism risks and scattering interference.

Implementation Method 1

a first omnidirectional beam, a second omnidirectional beam, and a plurality of sector beams

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11855336B2Metrocell antennas configured for mounting around utility poles

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC

AI summary

A metrocell antenna includes a plurality of linear arrays of first frequency band radiating elements, a first enclosure that includes a first of the linear arrays of first frequency band radiating elements mounted therein, a second enclosure that includes a second of the linear arrays of first frequency band radiating elements mounted therein, a third of the linear arrays of first frequency band radiating elements mounted within one of the first and second enclosures, a first RF port that is mounted through the first enclosure and a first blind-mate connector that provides an electrical connection between the first enclosure and the second of the linear arrays of first frequency band radiating elements that is mounted in the second enclosure.