Guided Wave Communication Using Insulator Surface Propagation
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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 reliance on broadband services, as they require extensive infrastructure and electrical return paths for signal propagation.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves bound to transmission media like wires or dielectric materials, allowing for propagation without an electrical return path, using couplers and transceivers to launch and receive waves along the surface or within these media, enabling efficient data transmission over long distances with reduced loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional wireless infrastructure is used to provide broadband access, then coverage area is extended, but propagation loss increases and electrical return paths are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical signal transmission requiring return paths with electromagnetic wave propagation along transmission lines. This substitution eliminates the need for complex electrical return path infrastructure while reducing propagation loss, as the electromagnetic waves travel along the surface or within dielectric materials of existing utility infrastructure like power lines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables existing utility infrastructure such as power lines to serve dual purposes: continuing to deliver electrical power while simultaneously functioning as transmission media for electromagnetic wave-based communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated communication infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity
2Productivity
If small cell deployment is pursued to provide additional mobile bandwidth, then bandwidth capability increases, but infrastructure complexity and deployment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing utility infrastructure to serve communication purposes autonomously without requiring additional dedicated communication towers or cables. The electromagnetic wave transmission system utilizes the existing physical structure of power lines and utility poles, allowing the infrastructure to 'serve itself' for both power delivery and data communication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of existing infrastructure by introducing electromagnetic wave propagation modes along transmission lines. By operating at specific frequencies and utilizing guided wave modes, the system achieves high bandwidth capability without physical infrastructure changes, maintaining productivity improvements while avoiding deployment complexity
3Length of stationary object
If electromagnetic waves are guided along transmission media, then propagation loss is reduced and transmission distance increases, but electrical currents cannot flow through the same media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the utility infrastructure into distinct functional zones: electrical power delivery occurs through the conductive core, while electromagnetic wave communication occurs along the insulator surface or within dielectric materials. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without interference, maintaining long transmission distances for communication while preserving electrical current flow for power delivery
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 enhances data transmission efficiency by reducing propagation loss and eliminating the need for electrical return paths, allowing guided electromagnetic waves to travel long distances with minimal disruption, even in the absence of electrical currents, thus addressing the bandwidth and infrastructure demands of modern communication needs.
Implementation Method 1
A method and apparatus for communicating using electromagnetic waves and an insulator are described. In an embodiment, a first electromagnetic wave propagating along a first transmission medium that is coupled with the device and the first waveguide system is received. The first electromagnetic wave propagates along the first transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path.
Implementation Method 2
a first antenna positioned at the first end of the hollow chamber; and a second antenna positioned at the second end of the hollow chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a device having a non-conductive body with first and second ports that are electrically insulated from each other; a first antenna coupled to the first port; and a second antenna coupled to the second port. When the first and second ports are coupled to first and second transmission mediums, respectively: the first and second transmission mediums are electrically insulated from each other, a first electromagnetic wave conveying information and propagating along the first transmission medium causes the first antenna to transmit an RF signal to the second antenna, the RF signal conveys the information, the RF signal received at the second antenna causes a communication signal to be communicated via the second transmission medium, the communication signal conveys the information, and the first electromagnetic wave propagates along the first transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path. Other embodiments are disclosed.