Guided Wave Communication System Using Couplers for Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in providing high bandwidth and efficient data transmission, especially with the increasing demand for mobile data and broadband access, as they require complex infrastructure and electrical return paths, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave communication system that uses electromagnetic waves bound to a transmission medium, such as wires or dielectric materials, to propagate signals without the need for electrical return paths, allowing for efficient data transmission over long distances with reduced loss, using couplers and transceivers to launch and extract guided waves at millimeter-wave frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional wireless communication systems are used to provide high bandwidth capability, then mobile data demand can be addressed, but infrastructure complexity and cost increase due to requirement of electrical return paths and complex infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the requirement for electrical return paths from the communication system. By using electromagnetic waves that are bound to transmission media (such as power lines or cables) rather than relying on traditional two-wire electrical circuits, the system removes the need for complex return path infrastructure, thereby reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining bandwidth capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical circuit-based communication system with an electromagnetic wave-based system. Instead of using electrical currents that require closed-loop circuits with return paths, the system uses electromagnetic waves bound to transmission media, substituting the mechanical electrical circuit approach with a field-based electromagnetic approach that simplifies infrastructure
2Length of stationary object
If electromagnetic waves are used for data transmission, then signal propagation over long distances is achieved, but signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transmission media (such as power lines, cables, or other conductive/dielectric structures) as intermediaries to guide and confine electromagnetic waves. These media act as mediators that enable long-distance propagation by binding the electromagnetic waves to their surfaces, reducing radiation losses and allowing signals to travel farther than free-space propagation would permit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the propagation parameters of electromagnetic waves by binding them to transmission media surfaces. This confinement alters the wave's interaction with the environment, reducing energy loss through radiation and absorption, thereby enabling longer transmission distances with acceptable signal loss levels
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wireless infrastructure is deployed to support broadband access, then data services are provided, but energy consumption increases due to multiple conductive components and electrical return paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing infrastructure structures (such as power lines and cables) multi-functional by using them both for their original purposes (power distribution or signal transmission) and as waveguides for electromagnetic communication. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated communication infrastructure, reducing overall system energy consumption while maintaining broadband access capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the communication function from traditional electrical circuit systems and implements it through electromagnetic waves bound to existing infrastructure. By removing the requirement for separate communication circuits with return paths, the system reduces energy consumption associated with multiple conductive components while preserving broadband access versatility
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 and reliable data transmission with reduced infrastructure complexity and energy consumption, supporting high-bandwidth applications while minimizing signal loss and requiring fewer conductive components, thus addressing the limitations of traditional wireless systems.
Implementation Method 1
uses electromagnetic waves bound to a transmission medium, such as wires or dielectric materials, to propagate signals
Implementation Method 2
using couplers and transceivers to launch and extract guided waves at millimeter-wave frequencies
Implementation Method 3
using couplers and transceivers to launch and extract guided waves at millimeter-wave frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for receiving a communication signal, generating an electromagnetic wave from the communication signal, and inducing the electromagnetic wave on a portion of a transmission medium having an insulation layer with a tapered end covering at least part of a conductor. Other embodiments are disclosed.