Switchable Gear Assembly for Selective RET Rod Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional base station antennas with multiple remote electronic tilt (RET) actuators are bulky, heavy, and costly due to the large number of components in their switchable transmission mechanisms, which increase size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A switchable transmission mechanism for base station antennas featuring a gear assembly system with a rod adapter and lateral movement capabilities, allowing selective engagement with transmission rods, reducing the number of components and simplifying the structure while maintaining adjustability of phase shifters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switchable transmission mechanisms are used in multi-RET actuators, then multiple phase shifters can be selectively adjusted, but the number of components increases significantly, leading to increased size and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transmission functions into a single integrated mechanism. The transmission unit includes a first gear assembly and a second gear assembly that work together with a single rod adapter to selectively engage multiple transmission rods, eliminating the need for separate RET actuators for each phase shifter.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod adapter is designed as a universal component that can engage with any of the multiple transmission rods through lateral movement. The single rod adapter performs the function of multiple separate actuators by selectively coupling to different transmission rods based on which phase shifter needs adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate RET actuators are provided for each phase shifter, then each phase shifter can be independently adjusted, but the size and weight of the base station antenna significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate RET actuators are merged into a single multi-functional actuator system. The first gear assembly, second gear assembly, and rod adapter work together as one integrated unit that can adjust multiple phase shifters, dramatically reducing the total weight compared to having separate actuators for each phase shifter.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod adapter is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, able to laterally move and engage with different transmission rods as needed. This dynamic capability allows a single lightweight actuator to perform the work of multiple fixed actuators, reducing overall system weight while maintaining independent adjustment capability.
3Ease of operation
If each phase shifter is equipped with a separate RET actuator, then full adjustment control is achieved, but the cost of the base station antenna increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The rod adapter serves as a universal interface that can connect to multiple transmission rods, allowing a single RET actuator to control multiple phase shifters. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of actuators needed, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining full adjustment control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple expensive separate actuators into a single integrated actuator system. By combining the transmission mechanisms and using a shared rod adapter, the overall manufacturing cost is significantly reduced while preserving the ability to independently adjust each phase shifter.
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 mechanism reduces the size, weight, and cost of the base station antenna by enabling efficient adjustment of phase shifters with fewer components, improving the compactness and operational efficiency of the antenna system.
Implementation Method 1
a first gear assembly and a second gear assembly transmissibly connected to the first gear assembly, wherein the second gear assembly is engageable with or dis-engageable from any one of the transmission rods
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a switchable transmission mechanism for a base station antenna. The switchable transmission mechanism includes a plurality of axially drivable members, each of which is mounted on a corresponding one of a plurality of transmission rods arranged in parallel and is configured to be connected with a corresponding one of a plurality of phase shifters in the base station antenna; a transmission unit including a first gear assembly and a second gear assembly transmissibly connected to the first gear assembly, where the second gear assembly is engageable with or dis-engageable from any one of the transmission rods via a rod adapter that is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position along an axial direction; and a switch unit configured to move the second gear assembly along a lateral direction perpendicular to the axial direction when the second gear assembly is disengaged from the transmission rod, so that the switchable transmission mechanism can selectively drive any one of the transmission rods.