Dielectric Coupling Lens Using High Permittivity Resonators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Millimeter wave communication systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting high data rate signals due to the high cost and inefficiency of coaxial cables, and existing waveguide systems suffer from power loss and reflection issues.

Innovation Solution

A waveguide system incorporating a dielectric coupling lens with high dielectric resonators (HDRs) that enhances energy transfer and focusing efficiency, using a low relative permittivity substrate and HDRs arranged in a geometric pattern to resonate at specific frequencies, thereby improving coupling efficiency and reducing power loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If coaxial cables are used to carry millimeter waves, then signal transmission is achieved, but the system cost becomes very expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive coaxial cables with a cost-effective waveguide system comprising a substrate and dielectric resonators. This substitution maintains signal transmission functionality while dramatically reducing system cost, making millimeter wave communication economically viable for dense deployment architectures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the transmission medium parameters by using dielectric resonators with specific permittivity values and geometric configurations. This parameter optimization enables efficient millimeter wave propagation through the waveguide structure, achieving performance comparable to coaxial cables at fraction of the cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional waveguides are used for millimeter wave transmission, then signal carrying is achieved, but power loss and reflection issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal carrying capabilityVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dielectric resonators that resonate at specific millimeter wave frequencies, creating constructive interference patterns that enhance signal propagation. This resonant coupling mechanism minimizes power loss and reflection by matching the impedance characteristics of the waveguide to the transmitted signal, thereby improving transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The waveguide system uses composite structures combining low-permittivity substrate materials with high-permittivity dielectric resonators. This composite configuration optimizes electromagnetic field distribution, reduces unwanted reflections, and minimizes power loss through improved impedance matching and field confinement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 system achieves a power ratio increase of more than three times compared to traditional waveguides, providing a low-loss and low-reflection alternative for millimeter wave communication, supporting dense deployment architectures and offering fiber data rates at a lower cost.

Implementation Method 1

When an electromagnetic (EM) wave having a frequency at or near to that of the resonance frequency of an HDR passes through the HDR, the energy of the wave is magnified.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

Each of the plurality of resonators has a relative permittivity that is greater than a relative permittivity of the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric permittivity: Dielectric Permittivity

Data Source

PatentEP3245687B1Dielectric coupling lens using dielectric resonators of high permittivity
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP3245687B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3245687B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3245687B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

Techniques are described for a lens containing high dielectric resonators. In one example, a lens comprises a substrate for propagating an electromagnetic wave and a plurality of resonators dispersed throughout the substrate. Each of the plurality of resonators has a diameter selected based at least in part on a wavelength of the electromagnetic wave and is formed of a dielectric material having a resonance frequency selected based at least in part on a frequency of the electromagnetic wave. Each of the plurality of resonators also has a relative permittivity that is greater than a relative permittivity of the substrate. At least two of the plurality of resonators are spaced within the substrate according to a lattice constant that defines a distance between a center of a first one of the resonators and a center of a neighboring second one of the resonators.