Guided Surface Waveguide Probe Launching Energy
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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, thereby launching a guided electromagnetic field in the form of a guided surface wave.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional antenna structures are used to transmit signals by radio waves, then electromagnetic fields can be launched, but energy is radiated and lost rather than guided efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lossy conducting medium (such as the Earth's surface) as an intermediary to guide electromagnetic energy. Instead of using conventional antennas that radiate energy into free space, the system couples electromagnetic fields to the conducting medium, which then guides the energy along its surface. This intermediary approach transforms the problem from radiating energy into open space to guiding it along a controlled path, significantly reducing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional antenna structures (mechanical/radiative systems) with a field-coupling approach that uses electromagnetic field synthesis. Instead of physically directing waves with antenna elements, the system synthesizes wave fronts with specific characteristics (Brewster angle incidence) to couple energy into the conducting medium. This substitution moves from mechanical radiation structures to field-based guidance.
2Loss of energy
If radiated electromagnetic fields are used for transmission, then signals can be sent over distance, but energy concentration is poor and loss is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the propagation parameters by transitioning from radiated fields in free space to guided fields along a conducting medium. Key parameter changes include: (1) changing the propagation mode from radiation to guidance, (2) changing the medium from free space to lossy conducting medium, (3) changing the field configuration to match guided surface wave modes. These parameter changes enable both reduced energy loss and improved transmission efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs continuous wave (CW) or periodic modulated signals to excite the guided surface wave modes. By using periodic action rather than impulsive radiation, the system maintains sustained energy concentration along the propagation path, improving both efficiency and reducing loss compared to conventional pulsed or modulated radio transmission.
3Productivity
If guided surface waves are launched along lossy conducting media, then energy concentration and transmission efficiency improve, but practical structures for launching such waves are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of wave launching from complex conventional antenna structures and isolates it into a simplified field-coupling mechanism. By taking out the radiation function and replacing it with direct field synthesis that couples to the conducting medium, the system achieves guided wave launch without needing complex antenna arrays or structures, thus improving ease of implementation while maintaining high transmission efficiency.
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 mode-matched propagation with significant energy concentration and reduced energy loss, overcoming the limitations of traditional radiated electromagnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
synthesizing a wave front incident at a complex Brewster angle, thereby launching a guided electromagnetic field in the form of a guided surface wave
Implementation Method 2
A guided surface waveguide probe generates electromagnetic fields that couple into a guided surface waveguide mode on the surface of a lossy conducting medium
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of return coupled wireless power transmission systems are described. A system can include a conductor. The conductor can extend from a guided surface waveguide probe. The conductor can be coupled to a ground of the guided surface waveguide probe. A guided surface wave receiver can be positioned proximate to the conductor.