Sunlight Sensor Dome for 3D Antenna Tilt and Direction Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Antenna installation in mobile communication base stations requires precise adjustment of tilting and directivity angles, which is challenging due to environmental factors like strong winds and misalignment, especially in high-frequency bands like 5G 3.5 GHz, where errors need to be minimized for optimal service coverage.

Innovation Solution

A tilt and direction detecting apparatus using a dome structure with a flexible printed circuit board and optical sensors to measure sunlight intensity, allowing for real-time three-dimensional tilt angle determination and directivity angle verification, enhancing maintenance and repair efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional tilt and direction detection methods are used, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision and reliability are insufficient due to environmental factors like strong wind and misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetilt angle measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement reliability under environmental factors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical tilt detection methods with an optical measurement system. Optical sensors detect the position of a laser spot on a scale, converting mechanical tilt measurements into optical measurements. This substitution eliminates the direct mechanical contact and sensitivity to vibration/wind, thereby improving measurement precision and reliability under environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary between the tilt source and the detection system. The laser spot position on the scale indirectly indicates the tilt angle, providing a non-contact measurement mechanism that is insensitive to environmental disturbances like strong wind and mechanical misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If complex adjustment procedures are used to ensure accurate antenna alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna alignment accuracyVSAvoidinstallation and adjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-aligning measurement system. The optical sensors automatically detect the laser spot position and provide tilt angle measurements without requiring manual adjustment or complex procedures. This self-service capability maintains high alignment accuracy while significantly reducing installation and adjustment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct mechanical angle reading to optical position detection. By measuring the laser spot position on the scale rather than using mechanical protractors or levels, the system achieves rapid and accurate tilt angle determination, reducing both time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate sensors are used for tilt detection, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidsensor assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical sensors into a single integrated detection system. The sensors are arranged on a common structure to simultaneously detect laser spot positions in different directions, achieving comprehensive tilt measurement coverage while simplifying the overall device structure and assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal measurement platform where the optical sensor system can detect tilt angles in multiple directions using the same basic detection mechanism. This multi-functional design provides comprehensive measurement coverage without requiring separate specialized sensors for each direction, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus provides reliable and cost-effective measurements, improving productivity by simplifying assembly and enabling remote monitoring and control of antenna direction, thus ensuring accurate antenna alignment and optimal service coverage.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of optical sensors configured to measure the intensity of sunlight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20230417867A1Tilt and direction detecting apparatus and antenna assembly using same

Publication Date: 2023.12.28 KMW INC

AI summary

A tilt and direction detecting apparatus and an antenna assembly using the same are disclosed. An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a tilt and direction detecting apparatus comprising: a dome structure including a spherical surface; a plurality of optical sensors configured to measure the intensity of sunlight; and a flexible circuit printed board configured to enclose at least a portion of the spherical surface, wherein, the flexible circuit board is disposed on the spherical surface such that the plurality of optical sensors are oriented in different directions from each other.