Guided Wave Coupler Suppressing Outer Surface Currents

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for higher bandwidth in wireless infrastructure due to ubiquitous smartphone and portable device usage poses challenges in reducing electromagnetic wave radiation on the outer surfaces of structures, particularly in small cell deployments and broadband access networks.

Innovation Solution

A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves bound to the outer surface of transmission media, such as wires, without requiring an electrical return path, using couplers and transceivers to launch and receive guided electromagnetic waves, which propagate with reduced radiation and loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If electromagnetic waves are transmitted through traditional wireless infrastructure, then bandwidth capacity increases, but electromagnetic radiation on outer surfaces of structures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capacityVSAvoidelectromagnetic radiation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces transmission media (such as wires or cables) as an intermediary to guide electromagnetic waves between transceivers. This mediator confines the electromagnetic energy within the transmission medium rather than allowing it to radiate freely through space, thereby increasing bandwidth capacity while reducing electromagnetic radiation on outer surfaces of structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the propagation parameter of electromagnetic waves from free-space radiation to guided propagation along transmission media. By transitioning from wireless broadcast to guided-wave transmission, the system achieves higher bandwidth capacity while the electromagnetic energy remains confined to the transmission medium, reducing harmful radiation effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If guided electromagnetic waves are used without electrical return paths, then device complexity is reduced, but signal loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical return path requirementVSAvoidpropagation loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the requirement for electrical return paths from the transmission system. By using transmission media that guide electromagnetic waves along their outer surfaces, the system eliminates the need for separate return conductors, reducing device complexity while maintaining energy efficiency through the guiding structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-conductor electrical circuits to single-conductor guided-wave transmission by utilizing the outer surface dimension of the transmission medium. This dimensional change allows electromagnetic waves to propagate without requiring a return path, reducing complexity while the guiding structure minimizes energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables efficient data transmission with reduced electromagnetic wave radiation and propagation loss, supporting increased bandwidth demands without the need for electrical return paths, thus enhancing wireless infrastructure efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

electromagnetic waves that are bound to the outer surface of a transmission medium... electromagnetic waves that are bound to or guided by the outer surface of the transmission medium and so as to propagate along an outer surface of the transmission medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface wave propagation: Creeping Wave

Implementation Method 2

a suppressor coupled to an inner surface of the structure, wherein the suppressor facilitates at least a reduction in a flow of an electrical current from the inner surface of the structure to an outer surface of the structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10389403B2Method and apparatus for reducing flow of currents on an outer surface of a structure

Publication Date: 2019.08.20 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system that can include a coupler having a structure that facilitates guiding electromagnetic waves along a transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path, and a suppressor coupled to an inner surface of the structure that facilitates at least a reduction in a flow of an electrical current from the inner surface of the structure to an outer surface of the structure. Other embodiments are disclosed.