Guided Surface Waveguide Probe Mode Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack practical structures for efficiently launching open surface guided waves over planar or spherical surfaces of lossy, homogeneous media, despite theoretical possibilities existing for over a century.
Innovation Solution
The development of guided surface waveguide probes that excite electric fields mode-matched to a guided surface wave mode on lossy conducting media, such as the Earth, using charge terminals and feed networks to launch guided surface waves with minimal reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional antenna structures are used for RF energy transmission, then radio frequency signals can be transmitted, but the range is severely limited and the field strength decreases rapidly with distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of wave propagation from radiated electromagnetic waves to guided surface waves. By mode-matching the electric field to guided surface wave modes on lossy conducting media, the system achieves extended transmission range with maintained field strength, resolving the contradiction between range and field strength degradation.
2Length of stationary object
If RFID systems use RF energy emitted from reader device to power tags, then tags can be activated and identified, but the range is severely limited and tag capabilities are constrained by small energy availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the energy transmission mechanism from conventional RF radiation to guided surface wave propagation. This parameter change enables extended operable range and increased energy delivery to tags, as guided surface waves maintain field strength over longer distances compared to radiated RF signals, thereby resolving both the range and energy quantity limitations.
3Loss of energy
If conventional radiated electromagnetic fields are used, then energy can be transmitted through air, but significant energy loss occurs and range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guided surface waves on lossy conducting media as an intermediary transmission mechanism. Instead of direct radiated propagation through air, the system uses the Earth's surface or other conducting media as a waveguide to channel electromagnetic energy, significantly reducing energy loss and extending transmission range.
4Productivity
If guided surface waveguide probes are designed to excite mode-matched electric fields, then efficient propagation along lossy conducting surfaces is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves efficient guided surface wave excitation by carefully controlling the phase and amplitude parameters of the electric field at the probe terminals. By mode-matching these parameters to the guided surface wave characteristics, the system achieves high propagation efficiency. The complexity is managed through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity.
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
These probes enable the efficient propagation of guided electromagnetic fields along lossy conducting surfaces, achieving significant field strength at close distances and extending range beyond conventional radiated fields.
Implementation Method 1
guided surface waveguide probes that excite electric fields mode-matched to a guided surface wave mode on lossy conducting media
Implementation Method 2
These probes enable the efficient propagation of guided electromagnetic fields along lossy conducting surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5A
AI summary
An object identification system (400) includes a guided surface waveguide probe (P) that produces a guided surface wave from which object identification tags (402) obtain electrical power to operate, each tag associated with an object (404); and a plurality of receivers deployed at strategic locations to receive return signals from one or more of the tags as the tags move with the associated objects during a lifecycle of the objects.