Dielectric Waveguide Coupler for Guided Wave Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for bandwidth in wireless communication systems, particularly with the rise of smartphones and portable devices, necessitates enhanced network connectivity and infrastructure, which existing technologies struggle to provide efficiently, especially in providing additional mobile bandwidth and network connectivity to base station devices and distributed antenna systems.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave communication system utilizing a dielectric waveguide coupler that facilitates the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves along a wire surface, enabling increased network connectivity by coupling electromagnetic waves to a wire surface and propagating them as guided waves, without requiring direct electrical contact, and incorporating sensors to detect and mitigate disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small cell deployment is pursued to provide additional mobile bandwidth, then network connectivity and bandwidth are improved, but device complexity and infrastructure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide system enables existing utility infrastructure (power lines, communication wires) to serve dual purposes: traditional electrical/power functions and electromagnetic wave transmission for communication. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide additional bandwidth without requiring dedicated communication infrastructure, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes already-deployed utility infrastructure that physically spans the required coverage areas. By leveraging existing wire structures that are already in place for other purposes, the system avoids the need to build new towers, mount equipment on existing structures, and perform complex installation work, thus reducing deployment complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional macrocell base stations are used to address increased data demand, then coverage area is maintained, but bandwidth capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication function from the physical infrastructure. Instead of requiring large macrocell base stations to provide both coverage and high bandwidth, the invention separates these functions: existing infrastructure provides coverage area, while the waveguide system layered on top provides enhanced bandwidth capability through efficient electromagnetic wave transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension to existing infrastructure by implementing electromagnetic wave guidance along utility wires. This creates an additional transmission pathway that operates parallel to traditional communication systems, enabling bandwidth enhancement without expanding the physical footprint or coverage area requirements.
3Productivity
If waveguide is positioned in proximity to wire without surrounding it, then coupling efficiency is improved, but electromagnetic wave transmission stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is positioned to surround the wire in specific localized regions where coupling is needed, rather than completely surrounding the entire wire or maintaining uniform proximity. This local quality approach allows the system to achieve high coupling efficiency at critical interface points while maintaining transmission stability in other regions where full surrounding would cause interference or instability.
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 enhances network connectivity and bandwidth by allowing electromagnetic waves to propagate efficiently along wire surfaces, providing a cost-effective and efficient means to expand network infrastructure, while also detecting and mitigating disturbances that could affect signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the first electromagnetic wave couples at least in part to a wire surface of the wire and travels at least partially around the wire surface as a second electromagnetic wave
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus including a waveguide, an antenna, and a transmitter. The transmitter can facilitate transmission of first electromagnetic waves via the antenna, the first electromagnetic waves having a fundamental mode. The waveguide can facilitate propagation of the first electromagnetic waves at least in part on a surface of the waveguide. The waveguide can be positioned at a location that enables the first electromagnetic waves to induce second electromagnetic waves having fundamental and non-fundamental modes that propagate on a surface of a transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.