Wiper Phase Shifter Assembly for Base Station Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing base station antennas face challenges in achieving precise phase shifting for RF signals due to mechanical hysteresis and size constraints, which affect the accuracy and efficiency of beam tilt adjustments in wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a phase shifter assembly with a mirror-image arrangement of phase shifters and interlocking supports, coupled with a linkage system that drives multiple phase shifters collectively, reduces mechanical hysteresis and improves accuracy by allowing synchronized movement and reduced force requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single wiper phase shifter is used, then the device size is reduced, but mechanical hysteresis increases and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter assembly is divided into multiple independent wiper phase shifters (first, second, third, fourth) arranged in a compact configuration. Each wiper phase shifter can be independently adjusted to apply precise phase shifts to different sub-components of the RF signal, thereby reducing mechanical hysteresis effects and improving overall phase shifting accuracy while maintaining a manageable device size through systematic segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple wiper phase shifters are combined within a single assembly structure, where their collective operation achieves higher precision phase control than a single unit could provide. The merging of multiple phase shifting functions in one assembly allows for compensated mechanical hysteresis and improved accuracy while maintaining structural integration.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple wiper phase shifters are arranged in a compact assembly, then the overall size is reduced, but the mechanical linkage complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper phase shifters are arranged in a nested or overlapping configuration where components are positioned in three-dimensional space to maximize compactness. The first and second wiper phase shifters are placed beside each other, while the third and fourth are positioned to overlap with the first two, creating a space-efficient nested arrangement that reduces overall assembly volume while managing linkage complexity through spatial optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shifters are arranged in multiple spatial dimensions rather than a simple linear sequence. By positioning wiper phase shifters in overlapping configurations across different spatial planes, the design achieves compact volume while distributing mechanical linkages across multiple dimensions, thereby managing complexity through spatial distribution rather than sequential arrangement.
3Measurement precision
If traditional RET actuators with DC motors are used, then the phase taper can be applied, but mechanical hysteresis affects the accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical drive system is segmented into multiple independent actuation points, with each wiper phase shifter having its own adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows for distributed error compensation, where individual hysteresis effects in each segment can be compensated by adjacent segments, thereby improving overall beam tilt accuracy and reducing the impact of mechanical hysteresis compared to a single traditional RET actuator.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A base station antenna comprising: a first wiper phase shifter, and a second wiper phase shifter that is beside the first wiper phase shifter; and first and second wiper supports on the first and second wiper phase shifters, respectively, the first wiper support comprising a portion that is beside and interlocked with a portion of the second wiper support.