Guided Wave Antenna Mounting for Interference Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for bandwidth in wireless communication networks due to ubiquitous smartphone use and reliance on broadband services poses challenges, particularly in maintaining quality of service due to interference from various devices and network components, which existing technologies struggle to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves bound to a transmission medium, such as wires or dielectric materials, to propagate signals without requiring an electrical return path, using couplers and transceivers to launch and extract guided electromagnetic waves at millimeter-wave frequencies, enabling efficient data transmission with reduced propagation loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If traditional wireless communication infrastructure is used to provide broadband access, then coverage area is extended, but interference from various devices and network components degrades quality of service

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a guided wave transmission system as an intermediary medium between transceivers. Electromagnetic waves are bound to and guided along transmission media (such as wires or dielectric materials), which act as intermediaries to carry signals over distances while being shielded from external interference. This mediator approach allows wireless communication functionality while physically protecting the signal path from harmful electromagnetic interference that plagues traditional wireless infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If guided wave communication system is implemented, then propagation loss is reduced, but device complexity increases due to requirement of transmission medium and couplers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropagation lossVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages existing transmission infrastructure (wires, cables, dielectric materials) that already exist in deployed networks for these structures to serve dual purposes: their original function plus guiding electromagnetic waves for communication. This multi-functionality approach reduces the need for entirely new infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving reduced propagation loss through guided wave transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If millimeter-wave frequencies are used for guided electromagnetic waves, then bandwidth capability is increased, but interference from other network devices remains a challenge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capabilityVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of electromagnetic interference into a benefit by using the guiding structure to selectively channel and control electromagnetic energy. The transmission medium acts as a filter that allows desired millimeter-wave signals to pass while blocking or attenuating interfering signals from other network devices. This transforms the problematic electromagnetic environment into an advantageous condition where interference is naturally mitigated by the guided wave structure itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This solution allows for reliable and efficient data transmission with reduced interference and propagation loss, supporting higher bandwidth requirements while eliminating the need for electrical return paths, thus enhancing network performance and scalability.

Implementation Method 1

A guided wave communication system is presented for sending and receiving communications via guided electromagnetic waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

electromagnetic waves that are bound to or guided by a dielectric material or other transmission medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric binding: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS10224595B2Method and apparatus for mounting network devices

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, an antenna including a dielectric antenna and a mounting carriage connectable with a mounting bracket. Wireless signals can be transmitted by electromagnetic waves that propagate without requiring an electrical return path, where the electromagnetic waves are guided by a dielectric core of a cable coupled to a feed point of the dielectric antenna. The mounting bracket is connectable with a cross member of a utility pole, where the mounting carriage includes an opening for receiving an antenna mount, and where, when received in the mounting carriage, the antenna is suspended beyond distal ends of the cross member. Other embodiments are disclosed.