Dielectric Waveguide Coupler for Guided Electromagnetic Wave Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for bandwidth in wireless communication systems, particularly with the proliferation of smartphones and portable devices, poses challenges for existing wireless infrastructure, which requires higher bandwidth capabilities. Additionally, interference and disturbances in electromagnetic wave propagation, such as those caused by environmental factors or obstructions, can disrupt communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave communication system utilizing a dielectric waveguide coupler that facilitates the propagation of electromagnetic waves along a wire surface, allowing for efficient transmission and reception of signals without direct contact with the wire. This system includes sensors to detect disturbances and adjust the waveguide configuration to mitigate interference, ensuring reliable communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small cell deployment is pursued to provide additional mobile bandwidth, then bandwidth capacity is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wireless communication functionality with existing utility infrastructure (power lines, communication cables) by using them as waveguides for electromagnetic wave propagation. This merging approach enables small cell deployment without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure, thereby increasing bandwidth capacity while reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes existing utility infrastructure serve multiple functions: power lines continue to deliver electrical power while simultaneously guiding electromagnetic waves for communication signals. This multi-functionality allows the same physical infrastructure to support both traditional power distribution and enhanced wireless communication, avoiding the need for separate small cell hardware deployments.
2Productivity
If electromagnetic waves are propagated along wire surfaces for guided wave communication, then signal transmission efficiency is improved, but interference from environmental factors and obstructions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric waveguide coupler as an intermediary component between the transmission source and the wire surface. This coupler mediates the coupling of electromagnetic waves to the wire, enabling efficient guided wave propagation while the waveguide structure itself provides protection against environmental interference and obstructions along the transmission path.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional direct contact or close-proximity mechanical coupling methods with electromagnetic field-based coupling through the dielectric waveguide. This substitution allows signal transmission without physical contact between the transmitter and wire, reducing susceptibility to mechanical disturbances, environmental factors, and obstructions while maintaining high transmission efficiency.
3Reliability
If sensors are added to detect and mitigate disturbances, then signal reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensor functionality directly into the existing waveguide or coupling structure, combining disturbance detection with the primary signal transmission function. This integration approach enables reliable disturbance detection and mitigation while minimizing additional complexity by reusing existing structural components rather than adding separate standalone sensor systems.
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 solution enables increased bandwidth capacity and improved network connectivity by efficiently transmitting electromagnetic waves along wire surfaces, while sensors detect and mitigate disturbances, maintaining signal integrity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A guided wave communication system utilizing a dielectric waveguide coupler that facilitates the propagation of electromagnetic waves along a wire surface
Implementation Method 2
dielectric waveguide coupler that facilitates the propagation of electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 3
sensors to detect disturbances and adjust the waveguide configuration to mitigate interference
Implementation Method 4
adjust the waveguide configuration to mitigate interference, ensuring reliable communication
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for detecting an accumulation of a liquid on a transmission medium that may interfere with the propagation of guided electromagnetic waves on a surface of the transmission medium, and directing a device to remove at least a portion of the liquid accumulating on the surface of the transmission medium to mitigate the interference. Other embodiments are disclosed.