Stacked Base Station Antenna Jumper Layout for Low-Loss RF Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of additional base station antennas for multi-frequency band support is hindered by increased installation costs, leasing charges, and zoning regulations, and existing vertical stacking solutions face challenges in providing efficient RF connections while maintaining aesthetic and sealing performance.
Innovation Solution
A base station antenna unit comprising a first and second antenna with retractable jumper cables and diplexers, allowing for efficient RF connections between vertically stacked antennas, reducing insertion loss, and ensuring easy installation and aesthetic appeal while maintaining sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional base station antennas are deployed for multi-frequency band support, then frequency band coverage is improved, but installation costs and leasing charges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple base station antennas (first antenna with low-band array and second antenna with high-band array) into a single integrated antenna unit. The radiating elements from both antennas form continuous linear arrays that span across the physical boundaries of individual antennas, creating a unified multi-frequency base station antenna that provides both low-band and high-band service from one installed unit, thereby reducing the number of separate antenna installations required.
2Ease of manufacture
If base station antennas are vertically stacked to reduce installation costs, then installation cost is improved, but RF connection efficiency deteriorates due to increased insertion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces retractable jumper cables as intermediary components that provide RF connections between the first and second vertically stacked antennas. These jumper cables include connector ports that mate with corresponding ports on each antenna, creating controlled RF transmission paths. The retractable design allows the connectors to be precisely positioned to minimize connection length and insertion loss while maintaining sealed connections through protective boots and grommets.
3Shape
If base station antennas are vertically stacked, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but sealing performance deteriorates due to exposed connector ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested protective structure where retractable jumper cables are stored within compartments of the antenna housings. The connector ports are recessed into the antenna casings, and retractable protective boots or grommets nest over the connector interfaces when not in use. This nested design protects the RF connections from environmental elements while maintaining a clean, integrated aesthetic appearance from external viewing angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible protective boots and sealing grommets made from elastomeric materials that can stretch and flex to accommodate the connector ports while maintaining waterproof and environmental seals. These flexible protective elements cover the connector interfaces between stacked antennas, preventing moisture and contaminant ingress while allowing the connectors to function.
4Ease of operation
If simpler connection methods are used for vertically stacked antennas, then ease of installation is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-aligning connector ports with guiding features that automatically align the male and female connectors during the installation process. The retractable jumper cables include positioning mechanisms that guide the connectors into proper alignment without requiring precise manual positioning. Once connected, locking features engage to secure the connection, providing both ease of installation and reliable, repeatable connections that maintain consistent RF performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
Base station antenna units include a first and second base station antennas that have respective first and second housings. The first housing includes a top end cap and the second housing includes a bottom end cap. A jumper cable that includes a first connector port is mounted in one of the top end cap or the bottom end cap, and a second connector port that is configured to mate with the first connector port is mounted in the other one of the top end cap or the bottom end cap. A longitudinal axis of the first connector port extends in a vertical direction and a longitudinal axis of the second connector port extends in the vertical direction.