Guided Wave Launcher With Dielectric Lens For Low Loss 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 additional infrastructure and electrical return paths for signal propagation.
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 an electrical return path, utilizing couplers and transceivers to launch and receive guided waves along the medium, enabling efficient data transmission over long distances with low loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional wireless infrastructure is used to provide high bandwidth, then mobile data capacity increases, but additional infrastructure and electrical return paths are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing electrical infrastructure (power lines, communication cables) as an intermediary medium to guide electromagnetic waves for data transmission. Instead of building new wireless infrastructure, the invention leverages the existing cable network as a waveguide, eliminating the need for additional towers, base stations, and electrical return paths while maintaining high bandwidth capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables existing electrical infrastructure to serve multiple functions simultaneously - power delivery and data communication. By using the same cables for both electrical power transmission and guided electromagnetic wave propagation, the system eliminates the need for separate communication infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while increasing mobile data capacity
2Loss of energy
If guided waves are used for data transmission, then propagation loss is reduced, but specialized couplers and launchers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service mechanisms where the coupler and launcher structures utilize the natural electromagnetic field distribution and impedance characteristics of the transmission medium itself. The launcher uses a simple antenna structure that naturally couples to the cable surface, and the coupler uses passive reflective surfaces or dielectric structures that automatically guide waves without requiring complex active control systems or sophisticated impedance matching networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive launcher and coupler structures that can be easily deployed and replaced. The launchers are basic antenna elements that can be mounted on existing poles, and couplers use simple reflective surfaces or dielectric blocks rather than complex engineered components, reducing overall system cost and complexity while achieving low propagation loss
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 propagation loss, supporting high bandwidth requirements without the need for electrical return paths, and can operate on various transmission media, including insulated and uninsulated wires, and dielectric materials.
Implementation Method 1
A dielectric lens is configured to guide the first near field signals to a surface of a transmission medium
Implementation Method 2
The first near field signals inducing a first guided electromagnetic wave that is guided by the surface of the transmission medium
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one or more embodiments, a guided wave launcher includes an array of antennas that generates first near field signals. A dielectric lens is configured to guide the first near field signals to a surface of a transmission medium, the first near field signals inducing a first guided electromagnetic wave that is guided by the surface of the transmission medium and propagates along the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path.