Spherical Lens Multi-Beam Antenna With Movable RF Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sector antenna designs for base station applications are limited by a small number of ports, poor beam isolation, and marginal pattern performance, making them unsuitable for high-capacity cellular networks.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system utilizing an array of spherical lenses with mechanically movable RF elements and phase shifters, controlled by a mechanism that adjusts the phase and position of RF elements to achieve in-phase output signals for focused geographical coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sector antenna designs are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the number of ports is limited and beam isolation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system divides the spherical lens into multiple segments, each with RF elements positioned at different locations. Each segment can independently control beam formation, enabling multiple ports and improved beam isolation. The segmentation allows complex functionality to be achieved through modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar sector antenna elements to a three-dimensional spherical lens structure. RF elements are positioned on the surface of the sphere, utilizing spatial distribution in multiple dimensions to achieve better beam isolation and increased port capacity compared to conventional two-dimensional array arrangements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spherical lens with fixed RF elements is used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the coverage area cannot be dynamically adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The RF elements are designed to be mechanically movable along curved tracks on the spherical lens surface. This dynamic positioning capability allows the antenna to adjust beam directions and coverage areas in real-time, transforming a static structure into an adaptable system that can respond to changing communication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Curved tracks serve as intermediaries between the RF elements and the spherical lens surface. These tracks guide the mechanical movement of RF elements while maintaining their proper positioning on the sphere, enabling smooth adjustment of beam directions without complex constraint mechanisms.
3Reliability
If multiple RF elements are positioned at different locations on spherical lens, then beam isolation is improved, but phase alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism incorporates feedback to automatically adjust the phase of signals from RF elements based on their relative positions. By monitoring the spatial arrangement of RF elements and compensating for path differences, the system maintains proper phase alignment across multiple beams, enabling both good isolation and coherent signal combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the phase parameter of signals based on the positions of RF elements. By adjusting phase as a controllable variable, the system compensates for the effects of different element locations, maintaining constructive interference in desired directions while achieving isolation between beams.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mechanically movable RF elements are used, then coverage flexibility is enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RF elements are designed to be mechanically movable along curved tracks on the spherical lens surface. This dynamic positioning capability allows the antenna to adjust beam directions and coverage areas in real-time, transforming a static structure into an adaptable system that can respond to changing communication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the curved surface of the spherical lens to naturally guide the movement of RF elements. The curvature of the sphere provides a geometric framework that simplifies the mechanical design compared to flat surfaces, as the spherical geometry inherently accommodates the movement paths and positioning requirements.
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
Enhances cellular coverage capacity and flexibility by dynamically adjusting coverage areas and signal phases, enabling efficient utilization of spherical lenses in base station antennas.
Implementation Method 1
using a spherical lens (e.g., a Luneburg lens, etc.) along with radio frequency transceivers can provide better result than traditional sector antenna
Implementation Method 2
The control mechanism comprises an electronic device configured to automatically modify a phase of the output signals according to the relative positions between the RF elements
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A radio frequency antenna uses an array of spherical lens and mechanically movable radio frequency (RF) elements along the surface of the spherical lens to provide cellular coverage for a narrow geographical area. The antenna includes at least two spherical lens, where each spherical lens has an associated element assembly. Each element assembly has a track that curves along the contour of the exterior surface of the spherical lens and along which a radio frequency (RF) element can move. The antenna also includes a phase shifter configured to adjust a phase of the signals produced by the RF elements. The antenna includes a control mechanism configured to enable a user to move the RF elements along their respective tracks, and automatically configure the phase shifter to modify a phase of the output signals from the elements based on the relative positions between the RF elements.