Configurable Guided Wave Launcher for Transmission Mediums

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless infrastructure faces challenges in providing high bandwidth due to increased data usage, particularly in supporting smart phones and portable devices, as existing systems require higher bandwidth and traditional methods rely on electrical circuits for signal propagation, which can be inefficient and dependent on electrical return paths.

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 requiring an electrical return path, allowing for efficient data transmission over various surfaces and configurations, including insulated and uninsulated wires, and dielectric materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If electrical circuits are used for signal propagation, then signal transmission can be achieved, but the system becomes dependent on electrical return paths and suffers from higher loss over distance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal lossVSAvoidelectrical circuit dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical circuit-based signal propagation with electromagnetic wave propagation along transmission media. Instead of using conventional electrical circuits that require return paths, the system uses electromagnetic waves bound to transmission media (wires, dielectric materials) to carry signals, thereby eliminating dependency on electrical return paths and reducing signal loss over distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary transmission medium (wire or dielectric material) that binds and guides electromagnetic waves for signal transmission. This intermediary allows the electromagnetic waves to propagate efficiently over longer distances without requiring electrical return paths, thus reducing signal loss while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional wireless infrastructure is used, then coverage can be provided, but bandwidth capability is insufficient for increased data usage demands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capabilityVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental transmission parameter from conventional electrical signals or traditional wireless radio waves to electromagnetic waves bound to transmission media. This parameter change enables higher bandwidth capability by utilizing the guiding effect of transmission media, which allows for more efficient signal propagation and higher data transmission rates, thereby meeting increased data usage demands while maintaining reliable network performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If electromagnetic waves are used for data transmission, then longer distance transmission with reduced loss is achieved, but the system requires specific transmission medium configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidtransmission medium configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal transmission system that can operate with multiple types of transmission media (insulated wires, uninsulated wires, dielectric materials). The guided wave launcher is designed to adapt to different medium configurations, allowing the system to achieve long-distance transmission with reduced loss while maintaining versatility across various transmission medium types and configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 loss over longer distances, independent of electrical circuits, and supports multiple transmission paths, enhancing bandwidth capabilities and network coverage without the need for electrical return paths.

Implementation Method 1

an array of antennas configured to generate near field signals that combine to induce a first guided electromagnetic wave on a transmission medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11362438B2Configurable guided wave launcher and methods for use therewith

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a guided wave launcher includes an array of antennas configured to generate near field signals. A controller is configured to: select, in response to a first control signal, at least one of a plurality of guided wave modes; and adjust beam steering parameters of the array of antennas according to the selected one(s) of the plurality of guided wave modes. The near field signals combine to induce a guided electromagnetic wave having the selected one(s) of the plurality of guided wave modes, wherein the first guided electromagnetic wave is guided by the transmission medium and propagates along the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path.