Cylindrical Coupler Guided Wave Launcher
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for bandwidth in wireless communication due to the proliferation of smartphones and data-intensive services poses challenges for traditional wireless infrastructure, which requires more efficient management of wireless resources to provide reliable and high-capacity connections.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves bound to a transmission medium, such as wires or dielectric materials, to propagate signals without the need for an electrical circuit, allowing for efficient data transmission with reduced loss over long distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional wireless infrastructure is used to meet increasing bandwidth demand, then wireless coverage can be provided, but propagation loss increases and capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmission medium (such as a wire or cable) as an intermediary to guide electromagnetic waves between locations. This mediator enables signals to travel along a defined path with reduced propagation loss compared to traditional wireless transmission, while still supporting high-bandwidth data transmission through the guided wave communication system.
2Loss of energy
If guided wave communication is implemented, then propagation loss is reduced, but device complexity increases due to coupling devices and transmission media
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical coupling device is designed to perform multiple functions: it couples electromagnetic waves between free space and the transmission medium, provides mechanical support for the transmission medium, and can be integrated with existing wireless infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies overall system deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission medium is positioned within or alongside existing wireless infrastructure components such as towers, poles, or building structures. The cylindrical coupling device nests the transmission medium within its structure, allowing the guided wave communication system to leverage existing infrastructure and reduce overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If electromagnetic waves are bound to transmission medium, then data transmission reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases due to installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular segments: individual cylindrical coupling devices can be installed at discrete locations along the transmission medium. Each coupling device operates independently to couple waves between the transmission medium and wireless devices, allowing for simplified installation and maintenance without requiring system-wide changes.
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
This solution enables reliable and efficient data transmission with reduced propagation loss, allowing for the expansion of wireless networks to meet growing bandwidth demands while minimizing infrastructure changes.
Implementation Method 1
The cylindrical coupler launches the radio frequency signal from an aperture of the cylindrical coupler as a guided electromagnetic wave that is bound to an outer surface of the transmission medium
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a launching device including a transmitter configured to generate a radio frequency signal on a transmission medium, wherein the transmitter is included in a launching circuit with the transmission medium having an electrical return path. A cylindrical coupler launches the radio frequency signal from an aperture of the cylindrical coupler as a guided electromagnetic wave that is bound to an outer surface of the transmission medium, wherein the guided electromagnetic wave propagates along the outer surface of the transmission medium without an electrical return path. Other embodiments are disclosed.