Compact Passive Repeater Antenna Arrays Conformal Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passive repeaters are too large and unsuitable for use in homes and small offices due to their size and requirement for minimal maintenance and no on-site electric power, which limits their deployment in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact passive repeater system utilizing two or more antenna arrays with a defined aperture for transmissive or reflective modes, employing complex coupling and phase delay adjustments to achieve conformal mapping and efficient signal transmission or reflection between regions, allowing for improved signal strength and coverage without the need for amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional passive repeaters use large reflective panels or parabolic antennas, then signal relay capability is achieved, but device size becomes too large for home and small office environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large passive repeater structure into multiple smaller antenna elements arranged in arrays. Instead of using a single large reflective panel or parabolic antenna, the system employs segmented antenna elements that can be closely spaced to form an electronic aperture, achieving the same signal relay function in a compact form factor suitable for home and small office environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional reflective surfaces to a three-dimensional arrangement of antenna elements with controlled spacing. By utilizing the spatial dimension and creating an electronic aperture through closely spaced antenna arrays, the system achieves compact size while maintaining signal relay capability through phase-controlled beam forming
2Device complexity
If passive repeaters use simple reflective surfaces, then device complexity is reduced, but signal strength becomes significantly weaker without amplification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the antenna elements by introducing phase delay adjustments between elements. This phase control allows the compact antenna arrays to constructively interfere in desired directions, enhancing signal strength without requiring active amplification. The phase parameter adjustment enables the system to achieve directional beam forming and improve signal power while maintaining passive operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite antenna structures combining multiple antenna elements with specific phase control characteristics. By creating a composite system of phased antenna arrays rather than simple reflective surfaces, the system achieves enhanced signal strength through constructive interference while maintaining the simplicity of passive operation without active amplification components
3Ease of operation
If wireless repeaters are positioned unobtrusively in confined spaces, then ease of deployment improves, but signal coverage and strength are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic phase control capability to the compact antenna arrays, allowing the system to adaptively steer beams and optimize signal coverage. This dynamic phase adjustment enables the repeater to maintain strong signal coverage even when positioned in confined or unobtrusive locations, as the phase control can electronically direct signals to cover the required areas without requiring physical repositioning or large antenna structures
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 compact passive repeater system enhances Wi-Fi signal coverage and strength by effectively relaying signals between regions with improved power distribution and reduced size, making it suitable for domestic and small office environments.
Implementation Method 1
A transmissive passive repeater has two or more antenna arrays. Each antenna array has an associated region. An aperture is defined by the antenna arrays with which energy at the antenna arrays passes between each of the regions.
Implementation Method 2
A reflective passive repeater has an aperture. Energy received at the aperture is reflected back from the aperture. The aperture is configured to provide a conformal mapping between two regions as determined by complex coupling by individual antenna elements.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention provides a transmissive passive repeater having two or more antenna arrays, each array comprised of a plurality of antenna elements. Each antenna array has an associated region. An aperture is defined by the antenna arrays with which energy at respective antenna arrays passes between each of the regions. Another embodiment of the invention provides a reflective passive repeater having an aperture. Energy received at the aperture is reflected back from the aperture. The aperture is configured to provide a conformal mapping between two regions as determined by complex coupling by individual antenna elements.