Wireless Antenna Coupling Structure with Dynamic Connection Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for wirelessly coupling cellular radio end devices to external antenna structures do not always guarantee an ideal coupling, as they are not optimized for specific devices and require manual connections or impractical test modes to assess coupling quality.

Innovation Solution

A system with a coupling structure having at least two connections, where a connection unit evaluates and adjusts the coupling quality during normal communication operations, allowing for continuous and simultaneous evaluation of coupling between the device and external antennas, and enabling connection to multiple external antennas for improved MIMO functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a coupling structure with multiple antennas and connections is used, then the adaptability to different cellular radio end devices is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different cellular radio end devicesVSAvoidcoupling structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between multiple connections based on real-time coupling quality evaluation. The connection unit continuously monitors coupling quality metrics and dynamically selects or switches between connections to maintain optimal performance across different device types and positions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-configuration and self-optimization by automatically evaluating coupling quality and selecting the best connection without requiring manual intervention or device-specific adaptation. The connection unit autonomously manages the multiple connections, allowing the system to adapt to different devices while keeping the control logic centralized and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If coupling quality is evaluated during normal communication operation, then the loss of time for separate testing is reduced, but the measurement precision may be affected by communication signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime for coupling evaluationVSAvoidcoupling quality measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous coupling quality evaluation during normal communication operations rather than requiring separate test phases. The connection unit continuously monitors coupling metrics while the device is in use, ensuring optimal performance without interrupting service or requiring dedicated test time, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining practical measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from actual communication signals to evaluate coupling quality in real-time. By monitoring communication performance metrics during normal operation, the connection unit can assess coupling quality based on actual signal transmission and reception, providing accurate measurements that reflect true operational conditions rather than idealized test scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If manual connection establishment is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection system complexityVSAvoidease of connecting to external antenna
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic connection establishment where the connection unit autonomously evaluates coupling quality and selects the optimal connection without requiring manual user intervention. The system self-configures the antenna connections based on real-time measurements, eliminating the need for users to manually establish connections while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through integrated automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical connection establishment with an automated electronic evaluation and selection system. Instead of requiring physical plugging or manual configuration, the system uses electronic coupling quality measurements and automated switching to establish optimal connections, substituting mechanical user actions with electronic automation while maintaining simple user interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10847873B2System for the wireless coupling of a cellular radio end device to an external antenna structure
Publication Date: 2020.11.24 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • US10847873B2 patent drawing
  • US10847873B2 patent drawing
  • US10847873B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system for the wireless coupling of a cellular radio end device to at least one first external antenna, in particular for coupling to an external vehicle antenna, having a coupling structure for the wireless coupling to an antenna structure of the cellular radio end device, wherein the coupling structure has at least two connections; and having a connection unit that connects the first external antenna to one of the at least two connections of the coupling structure in dependence on the coupling quality, wherein the connection unit evaluates the coupling quality between the antenna structure of the cellular radio end device and the at least two connections of the coupling structure during the normal communication operation of the cellular radio end device and/or continuously and/or for both connections simultaneously.