Guided Surface Wave Probe for Disaster Notification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently notifying people in disaster-stricken areas, especially those without access to power sources, as traditional methods like radiated electromagnetic fields are ineffective in areas without power or reliable infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

The development of guided surface waveguide probes that excite electric fields to launch a guided surface wave along lossy conducting media, such as the Earth, allowing for efficient electromagnetic energy transmission over long distances without the need for continuous power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional radiated electromagnetic field methods are used for disaster notification, then communication can be achieved in areas with power infrastructure, but the system becomes ineffective in areas without power sources or reliable infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to power-less areas

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the Earth itself as an intermediary medium for electromagnetic wave propagation. Instead of relying on traditional air-based radiated waves that require powered transmitters and receivers, the system launches guided electromagnetic waves along the Earth's surface, which can carry information over long distances without requiring continuous power sources at intermediate points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical infrastructure-based notification system (powered towers, cables, devices) with a natural medium-based system (Earth-guided waves). This substitution eliminates the need for complex powered infrastructure in disaster zones while maintaining communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If guided surface wave probes are deployed to enable transmission without continuous power sources, then adaptability to power-less areas is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to power-less areasVSAvoidprobe system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guided surface wave probes are designed to perform multiple functions: they can launch electromagnetic waves, detect wave presence, and potentially serve as both transmitters and receivers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment in power-less areas, offsetting the initial complexity increase with long-term operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Length of moving object

If electromagnetic energy is transmitted along lossy conducting media like the Earth, then transmission distance is extended without continuous power sources, but energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidelectromagnetic energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the Earth's natural electrical and electromagnetic parameters (conductivity, permittivity, magnetic properties) as propagation medium characteristics. By understanding and working with these inherent parameters rather than trying to modify them, the system achieves long-distance transmission while minimizing energy loss to the lossy medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables reliable and efficient electromagnetic energy transmission along lossy conducting media, ensuring effective communication and notification in disaster scenarios even in areas without reliable power infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

guided surface waveguide probes that excite electric fields to launch a guided surface wave along lossy conducting media, such as the Earth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGuided surface wave: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

excite electric fields to launch a guided surface wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10467876B2Global emergency and disaster transmission

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 CPG TECH LLC

AI summary

Disclosed is a system and method for disaster warning recovery including a power modulator. A location is determined for an area affected by an emergency event. An emergency message is generated that corresponds to the emergency event. The emergency message is transmitted by via a guided surface wave. The guided surface wave is launched by a guided surface waveguide probe. The power modulator is coupled to the guided surface waveguide probe.