Variable Beam Antenna with Rotatable Reflectors for Horizontal Width Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication base station antennas face challenges in easily and cost-effectively adjusting horizontal beam width to minimize shadowing and overlap between sectors, particularly in three 120-degree sector configurations, with current methods either increasing antenna size and cost or degrading performance.
Innovation Solution
A one-column antenna design with vertically arranged radiator portions and rotatable reflectors, controlled by external signals, allowing for adjustable horizontal beam width and steering without the need for additional columns or complex mechanical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a three or more-column antenna is used to change horizontal beam width through distribution ratio and phase control, then horizontal beam width can be adjusted, but antenna size and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single-column antenna with dynamically adjustable reflector angles instead of a static multi-column antenna. The reflectors can be rotated to different positions to change the horizontal beam width, providing adaptability without increasing antenna size. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the same physical structure to serve multiple beam width requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independent reflector elements that can be individually adjusted. Each reflector can be positioned independently to control the horizontal beam width, allowing fine-grained control without requiring additional antenna columns. This segmentation enables flexible beam shaping using a compact single-column structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expensive and high-loss parts are used to change distribution ratio and phase in a multi-column antenna, then horizontal beam width can be controlled, but antenna gain decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical phase control mechanisms (which require expensive and lossy components) with a mechanical reflector rotation system. By physically rotating the reflectors to different angles, the horizontal beam width is controlled without introducing additional electrical losses. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for high-loss phase shifters and distribution ratio controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls horizontal beam width by changing the physical angle parameter of the reflectors rather than changing electrical parameters like phase and amplitude. This parameter change approach uses simple mechanical rotation to achieve beam width control without introducing the energy losses associated with electrical signal manipulation in multi-column antennas.
3Reliability
If mechanical horizontal steering is used instead of electrical phase control, then horizontal side lobe is avoided, but the system becomes more complex for two-dimensional control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges vertical tilting and horizontal steering control into a single antenna structure with rotatable reflectors. The same reflector rotation mechanism that provides horizontal steering also enables vertical tilting control, eliminating the need for separate control systems. This merging approach maintains the side lobe suppression benefits of mechanical steering while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable reflector mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides both horizontal steering and vertical tilting control, as well as horizontal beam width adjustment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electrical phase control systems for two-dimensional beam control, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable side lobe suppression through mechanical control.
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
Enables dynamic network optimization with reduced size and cost, minimizing shadowing and overlap while maintaining antenna performance, and allowing for flexible beam control suitable for various network scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force generator is provided to provide rotational force in response to an external control signal
Implementation Method 2
a force transfer portion is provided to transfer the rotational force generated from the force generator to at least one reflector
Implementation Method 3
each having a reflector with at least one radiator installed therein... rotates the at least one reflector
Data Source
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AI summary
An antenna for a mobile communication base station is provided. In a variable beam controlling antenna in a mobile communication base station, at least two radiator portions are arranged vertically, each having a reflector with at least one radiator installed therein. At least one force generator provides rotational force by an external control signal, and a force transfer portion transfers the rotational force generated from the force generator to at least one reflector and thus rotates the at least one reflector. According to the present invention, the variable beam controlling antenna can be fabricated with low cost and allows for easy automatic optimization required for a recent mobile communication wireless network because it is configured to be a one-column antenna capable of controlling a horizontal beam width.