Dielectric Antenna Array Guided Wave Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for higher bandwidth in communication networks due to widespread use of smartphones and data-intensive services poses challenges for traditional wireless infrastructure, particularly in providing efficient mobile bandwidth and reliable broadband access.

Innovation Solution

A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves bound to transmission media such as wires or dielectric materials, allowing for efficient data transmission without the need for electrical return paths, and employs coupling devices to launch and extract guided waves at millimeter-wave frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional wireless infrastructure is used to provide mobile bandwidth, then coverage area is large, but bandwidth capacity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capacityVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional free-space wireless propagation with guided electromagnetic wave transmission through dielectric materials. This substitution enables higher bandwidth capacity and more efficient data transmission by confining energy within the dielectric structure, reducing radiation losses, and allowing for higher frequency operation with better signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes millimeter-wave frequencies and transforms electromagnetic waves into guided modes within dielectric structures. By changing the propagation mode from unguided to guided waves and operating at higher frequencies, the system achieves increased bandwidth capacity and improved data transmission efficiency while maintaining coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If electromagnetic waves are transmitted through free space, then installation is simple, but propagation loss is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropagation lossVSAvoidtransmission medium complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dielectric materials as intermediary structures to guide electromagnetic wave propagation. These dielectric waveguides act as mediators that confine and direct energy, significantly reducing propagation loss compared to free-space transmission while providing a structured path for signal transmission between transmitter and receiver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes free-space propagation with guided wave transmission through dielectric structures. This replacement reduces energy loss by confining electromagnetic energy within the dielectric boundaries, preventing radiation into free space, and enabling more efficient long-distance transmission despite the added structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If conventional antenna systems are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but bandwidth capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capacityVSAvoidantenna system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs arrays of dielectric waveguide elements rather than single conventional antennas. By segmenting the transmission system into multiple guided wave channels, the system achieves higher bandwidth capacity through spatial multiplexing and increased degrees of freedom, while each individual dielectric element remains relatively simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectric waveguide array structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides guidance for electromagnetic waves, enables beamforming capabilities, supports multiple data streams for increased bandwidth, and maintains a relatively compact form factor. This multi-functionality achieves high bandwidth capacity without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduced propagation loss and increased bandwidth capacity, supporting long-distance data transmission with low loss, and can operate on various transmission media, including power lines, without requiring a separate electrical return path.

Implementation Method 1

A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves bound to transmission media such as wires or dielectric materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGuided electromagnetic waves: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

employs coupling devices to launch and extract guided waves at millimeter-wave frequencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10090606B2Antenna system with dielectric array and methods for use therewith

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, an antenna system that includes a plurality of dielectric members configured to propagate first guided electromagnetic waves. A dielectric antenna array is configured to receive the first guided electromagnetic waves and to transmit a controllable beam in response thereto. Other embodiments are disclosed.