Guided Wave Communication System Using Dielectric Couplers on Power Grids

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for bandwidth in communication networks due to the proliferation of smartphones and portable devices poses challenges for traditional macrocell base station devices, necessitating the expansion of backhaul networks and the deployment of small cells like microcells and picocells to provide additional network connectivity and coverage.

Innovation Solution

A guided wave communication system utilizing a dielectric waveguide coupler that facilitates the propagation of electromagnetic waves along a wire, allowing for the transmission and reception of signals as guided waves, enabling network connectivity and data distribution through existing power grid infrastructure without requiring direct contact with high-voltage wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional macrocell base station devices are used to provide network coverage, then existing wireless infrastructure can be utilized, but bandwidth capability is insufficient to address increased demand from smartphones and portable devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capabilityVSAvoidnetwork expansion flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network infrastructure into macrocells and small cells (microcells and picocells). Small cells are deployed to provide additional bandwidth capability in specific areas, dividing the overall network into functional segments that can be independently managed and scaled to meet varying demand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing small cells with different coverage areas and bandwidth capabilities compared to traditional macrocells. This allows the network to adapt to increased data usage by deploying cells with optimized parameters for high-bandwidth scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If small cell deployment is pursued to provide additional mobile bandwidth, then network coverage and bandwidth capability are improved, but installation complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobile bandwidthVSAvoiddeployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing power grid infrastructure serve a dual function: continuing to deliver electrical power while simultaneously serving as transmission medium for guided wave communication signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate communication infrastructure, reducing deployment complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system leverages the existing power grid infrastructure that is already in place and operational, allowing it to serve communication purposes without requiring new dedicated transmission infrastructure. The power grid essentially serves itself by providing both power and communication functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If guided wave communication system is implemented to transmit signals along power lines, then network connectivity is enhanced and installation costs are reduced, but safety concerns arise from proximity to high-voltage wires

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidhigh-voltage safety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a non-conductive support structure as an intermediary between the power lines and the guided wave communication system. This intermediary provides physical separation and electrical insulation, allowing the communication system to operate near high-voltage wires without direct contact, thereby eliminating safety risks while maintaining installation advantages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 network connectivity and data distribution efficiency by leveraging existing power grid infrastructure, reducing installation complexity and costs while maintaining reliable communication services.

Implementation Method 1

A guided wave communication system utilizing a dielectric waveguide coupler that facilitates the propagation of electromagnetic waves along a wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a dielectric waveguide coupler that facilitates the propagation of electromagnetic waves along a wire, allowing for the transmission and reception of signals as guided waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWave coupling: Waveguide

Data Source

PatentUS9918124B2Method and apparatus for distributing content in a communication network

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for receiving decoded satellite signals, obtaining media channels from the decoded satellite signals, selecting a portion of the media channels for distribution to a plurality of media processors, encoding the portion of the media channels selected according to a satellite distribution protocol, such as a protocol that facilitates satellite switching, to generate satellite encoded content, formatting the satellite encoded content according to a transport protocol to generate formatted content, and providing the formatted content for distribution to the plurality of media processors via a communication network, such as a single wire communication network or other network. Other embodiments are disclosed.