Guided Surface Wave Probe for Low-Loss Launch on Lossy Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
For over a century, there has been no practical structure for efficiently launching open surface guided waves over planar or spherical surfaces of lossy, homogeneous media, despite theoretical possibilities.
Innovation Solution
Guided surface waveguide probes are configured to excite electric fields that couple into a guided surface wave mode along the surface of a lossy conducting medium, substantially mode-matching the fields to a Zenneck waveguide mode, allowing for the launch of guided electromagnetic fields with minimal reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional antenna structures are used to transmit radio waves, then radiation fields can be launched, but the field strength decreases rapidly with distance and energy loss is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental propagation parameter from radiated waves to guided surface waves, enabling energy to travel along the interface between air and lossy conducting media (earth, water, etc.). This parameter change allows field strength to be maintained over longer distances with reduced energy loss compared to conventional radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a guided surface wave mode as an intermediary propagation mechanism that travels along the boundary interface between two media (air and lossy conducting medium). This intermediary mode couples energy efficiently between the transmitter and receiver without the rapid decay characteristic of free-space radiation
2Productivity
If guided surface wave modes are excited on lossy conducting media, then field strength and launching efficiency are improved, but no practical structure has existed to achieve this
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna structure into multiple elements (e.g., vertical monopoles, horizontal dipoles) arranged in specific geometries. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to exciting the guided surface wave mode while maintaining a manageable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional three-dimensional radiation to two-dimensional surface wave propagation along the interface. This dimensional change enables guided wave excitation by confining energy to the boundary between air and lossy conducting media, achieving high launching efficiency without excessive structural complexity
3Loss of energy
If radiated electromagnetic waves are used, then transmission can occur through air, but energy loss is high and field strength is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of lossy conducting media (which normally attenuate electromagnetic waves) into a beneficial guiding mechanism. By exciting guided surface wave modes along the interface, the lossy media becomes a waveguide that channels energy efficiently between transmitter and receiver, transforming what was previously a source of loss into a propagation advantage
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 enables the efficient launch of guided surface waves with high launching efficiency, achieving significant field strength and coupling into the guided surface wave mode with reduced energy loss and increased efficiency compared to traditional radiated electromagnetic waves.
Implementation Method 1
Guided surface waveguide probes configured to excite electric fields that couple into a guided surface wave mode along the surface of a lossy conducting medium
Implementation Method 2
transmitting and/or receiving energy conveyed in the form of a guided surface-waveguide mode along the surface of a lossy conducting medium
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
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AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for transmitting energy conveyed in the form of a guided surface-waveguide mode along the surface of a lossy medium such as, e.g., a terrestrial medium by exciting a guided surface waveguide probe.