Capacitance-Controlled Lens for Wireless Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in controlling beam patterns with low power and low latency, particularly in maintaining non-resonance and dipole characteristics for external electromagnetic waves while preventing control wires from shielding these waves.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a lens structure comprising unit cells and control wires, where the capacitance of each unit cell is controlled using an electrical signal to manage beam patterns, and the control wires are laid out to function as a polarization plate, allowing external electromagnetic waves to pass through without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control wires are added to control unit cells, then beam pattern control capability is improved, but control wires may shield external electromagnetic waves
Solution Approach 1:
The control wires are positioned at specific locations within the unit cell structure where they control the capacitance of specific regions without interfering with the main electromagnetic wave propagation path. This localized positioning allows beam pattern control while minimizing shielding effects on external electromagnetic waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The control wires are integrated within the unit cell structure itself, nested inside the lens assembly. The control wires are positioned between the front surface and the rear surface of the lens, utilizing the internal space of the unit cells to house the control conductors without adding external shielding elements.
2Measurement precision
If capacitance control is implemented for beam pattern management, then beam control precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls beam patterns by changing the capacitance values of unit cells through electrical signals. By adjusting the capacitance parameter of individual unit cells, the refractive index distribution is modified to achieve precise beam control. The capacitance control allows dynamic adjustment of beam direction and shape with low power consumption compared to mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical beam control mechanisms (such as moving lenses or mirrors) with an electrical capacitance control system. The unit cells are controlled by electrical signals that adjust their capacitance values, eliminating the need for mechanical actuators and reducing power consumption while improving control precision and response speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If unit cells are arranged in layers to control beam patterns, then beam control versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple unit cells arranged in layers, with each unit cell being a独立 controllable element. This segmentation allows independent control of different regions of the lens to achieve various beam patterns. The unit cells are organized in a systematic layered structure that provides versatility in beam control while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each unit cell is designed as a universal module that can perform multiple functions: controlling capacitance, guiding electromagnetic waves, and contributing to overall beam pattern formation. The same unit cell structure serves both as a functional element for beam control and as part of the lens assembly, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device structure.
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 control of beam patterns with low power consumption and low latency, maintaining non-resonance and dipole characteristics, and ensuring that control wires do not shield external electromagnetic waves, facilitating complete physical integration of polarizing filters and unit cell layers.
Implementation Method 1
at least one processor configured to determine a beam pattern, and control capacitance of each of the plurality of unit cells based on the beam pattern
Implementation Method 2
a transceiver configured to transmit a signal in the determined beam pattern through the lens
Implementation Method 3
each of the plurality of unit cells includes a first conductive member, a second conductive member disposed in a manner of overlapping at least a portion of the first conductive member, and spaced apart from the first conductive member, and a dielectric interposed between overlapped portions
Implementation Method 4
a layout structure of control wires that makes a layer of control wires for controlling unit cells function as a polarization plate
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device for controlling a beam in a wireless communication system and a method therefor are provided. The communication device includes a lens including at least one layer in which unit cells are disposed, at least one processor configured to determine a beam pattern and control capacitance of each of the unit cells based on the beam pattern, and a transceiver for transmitting a signal in the determined beam pattern through the lens, which is capacitance-controlled. Each unit cell includes a first conductive member, a second conductive member overlapping at least a portion of the first conductive member, and spaced apart from the first conductive member, and a dielectric interposed between the overlapped portions of the first conductive member and the second conductive member. An overlap region of the first and second conductive members is arranged in a direction shielded from an external electromagnetic wave.