5G Beam Reflector Redirects Signals Around Obstructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G wireless communication system experiences shadow areas where beams do not arrive due to obstruction by objects, leading to reduced signal reception rates within buildings.
Innovation Solution
A reflector apparatus is designed to change the direction of incident beams, using a combination of reflectors and fixing members to ensure that receivers within buildings can receive 5G signals by dispersing or redirecting beams around obstructions, thereby eliminating shadow areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If beamforming is used in 5G wireless communication system, then data transfer rate is improved, but shadow areas are created where beams do not arrive
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector is introduced as an intermediary device to redirect millimeter wave beams around obstructions such as buildings. The reflector changes the propagation path of the beam, allowing signals to reach receivers in shadow areas without requiring direct line-of-sight transmission, thus resolving the coverage reliability issue while maintaining beamforming's high data transfer rate capability
2Reliability
If direct beam transmission is used, then signal strength is maintained, but receivers in shadow areas cannot receive signals
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector serves as a passive intermediary that simplifies the transmission system architecture. Instead of implementing complex adaptive beam steering or multiple transmission paths, a single reflector element redirects beams to cover shadow areas, maintaining signal strength while avoiding system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector utilizes spatial dimension by positioning itself at strategic locations to create alternative propagation paths. By changing the beam's trajectory in three-dimensional space rather than modifying the transmission system's internal complexity, the solution achieves shadow area coverage with minimal system complexity increase
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 solution effectively removes shadow areas by redirecting 5G beams, enhancing signal reception rates within buildings by ensuring that signals can penetrate through windows and around objects, thus improving coverage and reducing penetration loss.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector may be configured to change a direction of a beam incident in a first direction to a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques related to a 5th generation (5G) or pre-5G communication system to support higher data rates after a 4th generation (4G) communication system such as long term evolution (LTE) ae provided. A reflector is provided that is configured to change a direction of a beam incident in a first direction to a second direction different from the first direction, so that a receiving entity positioned in a shadow area caused by an object can receive the beam. Therefore, the reflector removes the shadow area at which the beam does not arrive in a 5G wireless communication system.