5G Access Point Wireless Power Transfer for Building Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G wireless networks face challenges with millimeter wave frequencies having reduced range and increased attenuation when passing through building materials, requiring a higher density of transmitters and complicating installation without physical penetration of buildings.
Innovation Solution
A 5G wireless access point system comprising an outdoor unit with a 5G modem and wireless power receive unit mounted externally, and an indoor unit with a wireless power transmit unit, allowing wireless power transfer between units without physical penetration, enabling installation on building surfaces like windows or walls without drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If 5G millimeter wave frequencies are used to provide greater bandwidth and spectral efficiency, then data throughput is improved, but signal range is reduced and attenuation through building materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The 5G access point system is divided into two separate units: an outdoor unit that receives millimeter wave signals from the 5G network, and an indoor unit that provides Wi-Fi connectivity inside the building. This segmentation allows the outdoor unit to be positioned where strong 5G signals are available, while the indoor unit delivers high-speed internet to devices inside, effectively overcoming the limited range and building penetration issues of millimeter wave frequencies.
2Reliability
If a higher density of transmitters is deployed to compensate for reduced millimeter wave range, then network coverage is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the 5G receiver functionality from the traditional indoor access point and relocates it to an outdoor unit. This allows the main processing and Wi-Fi transmission components to remain inside the building, while only the 5G modem and antenna are placed outside where signals are strongest. This extraction simplifies installation compared to deploying multiple distributed transmitters, as a single outdoor unit can serve an entire building.
3Reliability
If traditional wired installation methods are used to provide power to outdoor units, then reliable power supply is achieved, but physical penetration of building components is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired power transmission system with a wireless power transmission system. The outdoor unit receives power wirelessly from an indoor power source through a wireless power transfer link, eliminating the need to drill holes through walls or windows for power cables. This substitution maintains reliable power supply while dramatically simplifying installation and preserving building integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outdoor unit is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving 5G millimeter wave signals, wirelessly transmitting power back to the indoor unit, and communicating control data between the indoor and outdoor components. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate devices (5G modem, power transmitter, data communicator) into a single integrated outdoor unit, reducing installation complexity.
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 efficient millimeter wave signal reception and data transmission within buildings without physical penetration, simplifying installation and reducing interference, while maintaining reliable power supply to external units.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transmit unit of the indoor unit providing power to operate the outdoor unit via a wireless link between the wireless power transmit unit and the wireless power receive unit
Implementation Method 2
the 5G modem receives millimeter wave 5G signals without requiring those millimeter wave 5G signals to penetrate the building
Data Source
AI summary
A 5G wireless access point, includes: an outdoor unit comprising a 5G modem and a wireless power receive unit, and configured to be affixed to an exterior surface of a building component of a building; an indoor unit comprising a wireless power transmit unit and configured to be affixed to an interior surface of the building component at a location opposite the outdoor unit on an interior surface of the building component; and a Wi-Fi router communicatively coupled to the 5G modem and configured to transmit or receive information wirelessly with a device within the building. The wireless power transmit unit of the indoor unit may provide power to operate the outdoor unit via a wireless link between the wireless power transmit unit and the wireless power receive unit.