Guided Surface Waveguide Probe Excitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of practical structures for efficiently launching open surface guided waves over planar or spherical surfaces of lossy, homogeneous media, as theoretical analyses have not been translated into effective engineering solutions.
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, such as the Earth, by synthesizing a wave front incident at a complex Brewster angle to minimize reflection and maximize energy coupling into a guided surface wave.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional antenna structures are used to transmit signals, then radio frequency radiation fields are launched, but energy transmission efficiency is low due to geometric spreading and attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional radiation-based electromagnetic transmission with a guided wave transmission mechanism. Instead of using traditional antennas that radiate energy in three dimensions, the invention uses a waveguide probe to excite and guide surface waves along the Earth's surface, substituting a controlled guidance system for uncontrolled radiation patterns, thereby reducing energy loss through geometric spreading
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the propagation mode parameter from radiation fields to guided surface waves. By adjusting the excitation parameters to match the complex Brewster angle and resonant frequency of the lossy conducting medium, the system transitions from inefficient radiation to efficient guided wave propagation, fundamentally changing how energy is transmitted through the medium
2Reliability
If theoretical analyses of guided surface waves are used, then understanding of wave propagation is improved, but practical engineering implementation is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a waveguide probe as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between theoretical analysis and practical implementation. The probe serves as a tangible structure that can be manufactured and deployed, translating abstract guided wave theory into a concrete engineering solution that excites surface waves on the Earth's surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the complex problem of guided wave excitation into manageable components: a specific probe structure with defined geometric parameters, positioned at a specific height above the surface, with controlled excitation frequency. This segmentation allows each parameter to be optimized independently based on theoretical analysis, making the overall system implementable
3Length of moving object
If guided surface waves are launched along lossy conducting media, then energy transmission distance is extended, but signal attenuation occurs due to medium losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-matching the excitation parameters to the complex Brewster angle of the lossy conducting medium before wave launch. The waveguide probe is designed with specific geometric parameters and positioned at an optimized height to create the ideal excitation conditions in advance, minimizing reflection and maximizing energy coupling into the guided surface wave mode before propagation begins
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the excitation parameters to match the complex Brewster angle condition, which is specific to lossy conducting media. By adjusting the frequency, polarization, and angle of incidence parameters to satisfy the Brewster angle condition, the system minimizes energy loss at the interface and maximizes guided wave excitation, thereby extending transmission distance despite medium losses
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 along lossy conducting media, achieving exponential decay perpendicular to the surface and effective energy transmission with reduced bound charge, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
by synthesizing a wave front incident at a complex Brewster angle to minimize reflection and maximize energy coupling into a guided surface wave
Implementation Method 2
achieve exponential decay perpendicular to the surface and effective energy transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for transmitting and receiving 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 excited by a guided surface waveguide probe.