Bendable Resin Meta-Patterns for 5G Signal Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency wireless communication signals, such as those used in 5G technology, experience significant outdoor-to-indoor penetration loss due to impedance mismatch between air and glass substrates, leading to weak signal strength and inadequate indoor coverage.
Innovation Solution
A bendable resin with patterned elements, comprising a base layer and meta-patterns of different materials, is attached to substrates to tilt and focus wireless communication signals, reducing reflection and enhancing penetration by adjusting wave amplitude and phase, thereby improving signal strength and coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-frequency wireless communication signals (5G mmWave) are used to achieve higher network speeds and lower latency, then data transmission rate is improved, but outdoor-to-indoor penetration loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (patterned conductive layer or meta-material layer) attached to the glass substrate that acts as a mediator between the incoming radio waves and the glass. This intermediary layer transforms the impedance mismatch problem by creating a gradual transition zone, allowing mmWave signals to penetrate the glass more effectively while maintaining high data transmission rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the glass-substrate interface by introducing patterned conductive elements or meta-materials with specific electromagnetic properties. These structures modify the local electromagnetic field distribution, impedance characteristics, and wave propagation parameters to enable better mmWave penetration while preserving the high-speed data transmission capability.
2Strength
If traditional glass windows are used for building construction, then structural integrity and transparency are maintained, but wireless signal penetration is blocked or reflected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by integrating patterned conductive layers or meta-materials with the glass substrate. This composite material approach maintains the structural integrity and transparency of the glass while adding electromagnetic wave manipulation capabilities, enabling reliable mmWave penetration through what would otherwise be blocking glass windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies patterned conductive elements or meta-materials at specific locations and orientations on the glass surface. By creating local variations in electromagnetic properties (conductive patterns, meta-structure geometries), the system selectively manipulates wave penetration in different regions and directions, maintaining overall structural integrity while achieving reliable signal transmission through the glass.
3Reliability
If distributed antenna system (DAS) is deployed to improve indoor coverage, then signal coverage is enhanced, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal amplification and distribution function from the complex DAS infrastructure and integrates it directly into the glass window itself. By embedding the patterned conductive structures or meta-materials in the glass, the window becomes an active signal transmission component, eliminating the need for separate distributed antenna systems, fiber optic connections, and central hubs, thereby dramatically reducing installation complexity and cost.
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 increases the strength of penetrated wireless communication signals, ensuring better indoor coverage and connectivity by forming focused communication beams, even through multi-layer glass substrates, with a cost-effective and simple installation process.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting the wireless communication signals from outdoor to indoor by wave impedance matching
Implementation Method 2
Each individual patterned element is configured to tilt the incidental radio wave to form one or more communication signal beams, wherein each individual communication signal beam is beam-focused at a predetermined focal point or a predetermined focal area
Implementation Method 3
the meta-pattern is configured to adjust an amplitude and a phase of the incidental radio wave when the incidental radio wave is transmitting through the substrate to the second region
Data Source
AI summary
A device attachable to a substrate for improving penetration of wireless communication signals is provided. The device is a bendable resin configured to enhance penetration of an incidental radio wave from a first region through the substrate to a second region by forming one or more communication signal beams in the second region. The bendable resin includes a base layer of a first material, and one or more patterned elements each formed by providing a meta-pattern of a second material on the base layer. The first and second materials are different and selected from the group consisting of a dielectric material and a metallic material. Each individual patterned element is configured to tilt the incidental radio wave to form the one or more communication signal beams, wherein each individual communication signal beam is beam-focused at a predetermined focal point or a predetermined focal area in the second region.