Intelligent Reflecting Surface With Fixed-Pitch Liquid Crystal Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array antenna devices and metamaterial reflecting surfaces face challenges in efficiently controlling the direction of radio waves due to limitations in phase shifting methods and the complexity of adjusting the pitch and interval of reflective elements for optimal radio wave reflection.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent reflecting surface utilizing a substrate with a reflective region of liquid crystal elements arranged at specific pitches and intervals, allowing for adjustable reflection angles by varying the liquid crystal layer's orientation with applied voltages, enabling constant pitch alignment and simplified direction control when combining multiple surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pitch and interval of reflective elements are adjusted for optimal radio wave reflection, then the reflection efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the reflective elements by introducing liquid crystal materials that can alter their dielectric properties through voltage application. This allows the pitch and interval parameters to be dynamically adjusted without physical reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between optimization and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the reflective surface dynamic by incorporating liquid crystal elements that can change their state in real-time through electrical control. This enables adaptive optimization of radio wave reflection while maintaining a fixed physical structure, reducing alignment complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple reflecting surfaces are combined for enhanced radio wave control, then the direction control precision is improved, but the installation and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface for multiple reflecting surfaces by standardizing the pitch relationships. Each surface can function independently or in combination with others, allowing flexible deployment while maintaining consistent alignment through the standardized pitch parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter standardization (pitch as integral multiples) to create compatibility between multiple surfaces. This allows different surfaces to be combined without complex custom alignment, as the standardized parameters ensure proper spacing and phase relationships
3Adaptability or versatility
If liquid crystal elements are used to control reflection phase, then the adaptability of radio wave direction control is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic control of liquid crystal elements through frame-based updating. Rather than continuous control, the liquid crystal states are updated at discrete time intervals corresponding to frame rates, reducing energy consumption while maintaining directional control adaptability between updates
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 allows for precise control of radio wave reflection directions and simplifies the installation and alignment of multiple reflecting surfaces, enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of radio wave management in phased array antenna systems.
Implementation Method 1
a method using characteristics unique to a liquid crystal material in which a dielectric constant is changed by an applied voltage
Implementation Method 2
a metamaterial reflecting surface which uses the dielectric anisotropy of the liquid crystal to change the phase of reflected wave of a radio wave incident on the reflective element
Implementation Method 3
the radiation directivity of the antenna can be controlled while the direction of the antenna is fixed in one direction by controlling the amplitudes and phases of the respective high-frequency signals
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent reflecting surface includes a substrate having a first surface including a first side and a reflective region including a plurality of reflective elements arranged on the first surface, a plurality of reflective elements separated from each other by a first interval and arranged at a first pitch in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Twice a distance from the first side to a first reflective element adjacent to the first side among the plurality of reflective elements is a sum of an integral multiple of the first pitch and the first interval.