Guided-Wave Transmission Device for Low-Loss Surface Wave Propagation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for bandwidth in communication networks due to widespread smartphone and portable device usage poses challenges for traditional macrocell base stations, necessitating higher bandwidth and the deployment of small cells like microcells and picocells, which requires expanded backhaul networks and distributed antenna systems for efficient network connectivity.

Innovation Solution

A guided-wave communication system utilizing a dielectric waveguide coupler that couples electromagnetic waves to the outer surface of transmission wires, enabling surface wave propagation, which allows for efficient data transmission over long distances with low loss, using materials like Teflon or polyethylene, and can operate at millimeter-wave or microwave frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If traditional macrocell base stations are used to provide wireless coverage, then network coverage area is maintained, but bandwidth capacity becomes insufficient to meet increasing data demand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capacityVSAvoiddata transmission capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network into macrocells for broad coverage and small cells (microcells, picocells) for high-capacity data transmission. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously maintain wide coverage while providing high bandwidth capacity through distributed small cell deployments connected via backhaul networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension for data transmission by utilizing the outer surface of existing utility wires as a transmission medium. This creates an additional communication pathway beyond traditional air interface and wired backhaul, enabling enhanced bandwidth capacity without requiring new infrastructure corridors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If small cells are deployed to provide high bandwidth, then bandwidth capacity increases, but network complexity and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth capacityVSAvoidbackhaul network complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing utility wires serve a dual function: their original purpose for power distribution and a new function for data transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated communication infrastructure, reducing network complexity while maintaining high bandwidth capacity through small cell deployments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes already-deployed utility wire infrastructure to provide backhaul connectivity for small cells. By leveraging existing infrastructure rather than requiring new dedicated transmission lines, the system achieves high bandwidth capacity without proportionally increasing infrastructure complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If electromagnetic waves are transmitted through traditional media, then data transmission occurs, but transmission losses increase over long distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dielectric waveguide coupler as an intermediary device that couples electromagnetic waves to the outer surface of the transmission wire. This coupler acts as a mediator between traditional electromagnetic transmission and the wire-guided surface wave mode, enabling efficient long-distance transmission with reduced losses by confining the electromagnetic energy to the wire surface where it experiences lower attenuation.

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 provides increased network connectivity and bandwidth by allowing guided waves to propagate along utility wires, reducing transmission losses and enabling efficient data transfer over long distances without the need for electrical circuits, thus enhancing the reach and capacity of wireless communication networks.

Implementation Method 1

A guided-wave communication system utilizing a dielectric waveguide coupler that couples electromagnetic waves to the outer surface of transmission wires, enabling surface wave propagation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface wave propagation: Surface Acoustic Wave

Implementation Method 2

using materials like Teflon or polyethylene

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric guidance: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS10200126B2Guided-wave transmission device with non-fundamental mode propagation and methods for use therewith

Publication Date: 2019.02.05 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a coupler that includes a tapered collar that surrounds a transmission wire. A coaxial coupler, that surrounds at least a portion of the transmission wire, guides an electromagnetic wave to the tapered collar. The tapered collar couples the electromagnetic wave to propagate along an outer surface of the transmission wire. Other embodiments are disclosed.