Directional Coupling Device Guided Wave Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face challenges in providing high bandwidth and efficient data transmission, especially with the increasing demand from smartphones and other portable devices, as traditional wireless infrastructure struggles to maintain signal strength and integrity over longer distances without significant loss.
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 with reduced loss, eliminating the need for electrical return paths and allowing for bi-directional communication over long distances using couplers and repeaters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional wireless infrastructure is used to provide broadband access, then coverage area can be extended, but signal loss increases and bandwidth capability decreases over longer distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling device as an intermediary component that bridges the transmitter and transmission medium. This coupler enables efficient energy transfer from the transmitter to the guided wave on the transmission medium, reducing signal loss over distance by providing a dedicated coupling interface rather than relying on traditional wireless propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional wireless electromagnetic propagation with guided wave transmission along a physical transmission medium. This substitution of transmission mechanism allows signals to be confined and guided along the medium, significantly reducing signal loss compared to free-space wireless propagation over long distances.
2Productivity
If traditional wireless infrastructure is used, then deployment is simpler, but bandwidth capability is insufficient to address increased data demand
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission medium serves multiple functions: it guides the electromagnetic waves for high-bandwidth communication while also providing a physical pathway that can be deployed using existing infrastructure. The coupling device provides universal interfacing between different transmission systems, enabling high bandwidth capability without requiring complete system replacement.
3Length of stationary object
If wireless signals are transmitted over longer distances, then coverage is improved, but signal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes wireless signal propagation with guided wave transmission along a physical medium. This mechanical guidance structure maintains signal confinement and reduces interference from environmental factors, thereby preserving signal integrity over longer transmission distances compared to wireless propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary that ensures efficient and clean energy transfer from the transmitter to the guided wave, minimizing signal degradation at the interface. This dedicated coupling mechanism protects signal integrity by providing a controlled transition point rather than direct wireless radiation.
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 communication efficiency by reducing signal loss and maintaining strong signal integrity over longer distances, enabling reliable high-bandwidth data transmission without the need for traditional electrical return paths, thus addressing the limitations of existing wireless infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic coupler magnetically couples the RF signal to the transmission medium as a guided electromagnetic wave that is bound by an outer surface of the transmission medium
Data Source
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Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a coupling device including a first antenna that radiates a first RF signal conveying first data; and a second antenna that radiates a second RF signal conveying the first data from the at least one transmitting device. The first RF signal and second RF signal form a combined RF signal that is bound by an outer surface of a transmission medium to propagate as a guided electromagnetic wave substantially in a single longitudinal direction along the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.