Standard Antenna Interface for RRH Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional wireless radio network installations involving separate remote radio heads (RRH) and antennas are complex, time-consuming, prone to errors, and result in RF losses and Passive Intermodulation (PIM) issues, limiting flexibility and increasing costs due to the need for multiple jumper cables and non-standard mounting configurations.

Innovation Solution

A Standard Antenna Interface with universal mounting structures and RF interconnection modules that allow for flexible mounting of RRHs and antennas from different suppliers, eliminating the need for jumper cables and enabling independent replacement of RRHs and antennas, thus reducing installation time and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If separate RRH and antenna are mounted with multiple jumper cables, then RF signal transmission is achieved, but installation time increases and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the RRH and antenna into a single integrated unit mounted on the tower, eliminating the need for multiple jumper cables and separate mounting procedures. This integration directly reduces installation time and complexity while maintaining RF signal transmission functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple jumper cables are used to connect RRH and antenna, then RF signal transmission is achieved, but RF losses increase and PIM performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF signal qualityVSAvoidRF losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the RRH and antenna into a single unit, the patent eliminates multiple jumper cable connections that cause RF losses and Passive Intermodulation (PIM) products. The direct integration ensures better RF signal quality without energy loss through intermediate connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If integrated antenna design is used, then installation simplicity is improved, but supplier flexibility is reduced and adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidsupplier flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal mounting interface that can accommodate RRH and antenna units from different suppliers. The standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces allow network operators to mix and match components from various manufacturers while maintaining installation simplicity, thus achieving both ease of operation and supplier flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate mounting structures are used for RRH and antenna, then mounting flexibility is achieved, but installation errors increase and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a standardized universal mounting structure with predefined mechanical and electrical interfaces. This standardization eliminates installation errors caused by custom mounting configurations while maintaining the flexibility to mount different RRH and antenna models. The consistent interface design ensures reliable connections across all installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

5Loss of time

If integrated antenna unit is used, then installation time is reduced, but inventory costs increase and repair complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation timeVSAvoidinventory cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the integrated unit into replaceable modular components (RRH module and antenna module) connected through standardized interfaces. This allows the antenna to be replaced independently of the RRH and vice versa, reducing inventory costs by allowing separate stocking of components and simplifying repairs by enabling targeted component replacement rather than entire unit replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution reduces installation time, prevents RF electrical path interference, allows for flexible equipment selection, and reduces inventory costs by enabling separate stocking of RRHs and antennas, while minimizing PIM and improving aesthetic appeal through standardized installations.

Implementation Method 1

The float gasket may be made of an elastomer material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first flange and the second flange may be operable to secure the float gasket in the opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

a capacitive coupling at least partially disposed in the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9450351B2Standard antenna interface
Publication Date: 2016.09.20 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC
  • US9450351B2 patent drawing
  • US9450351B2 patent drawing
  • US9450351B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An RF interconnection module includes a housing having a perimeter, a capacitive coupling, and a float gasket disposed about the perimeter of the housing. When the housing is mounted in an opening, the float gasket is positioned between the housing and the opening. The float gasket may be made of an elastomer material and may include a plurality of outwardly extending ribs for movable securing the gasket in the opening. In addition, a mount assembly includes a bracket assembly attachable to a tower-mounted equipment and at least one jumper cable having at least one ohmic connector for connecting to the tower-mounted equipment and at least one capacitive connector. The capacitive connector may comprise an RF interconnection module mounted on the bracket assembly. The bracket assembly may be adjustable to accommodate tower mounted equipment of various sizes.