Guided Surface Waveguide Probes for Efficient Energy Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of practical structures for efficiently launching open surface guided waves over planar or spherical surfaces of lossy, homogeneous media, as theoretical analyses have not been translated into effective engineering solutions.

Innovation Solution

Guided surface waveguide probes are configured to excite electric fields that couple into a guided surface wave mode along the surface of a lossy conducting medium, such as the Earth, by synthesizing a wave front incident at a complex Brewster angle, thereby launching a guided electromagnetic field in the form of a guided surface wave.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional antenna structures are used to transmit signals, then radio wave radiation fields are launched, but the transmission efficiency is low and energy loss is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy lossVSAvoidtransmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional radiating antenna structures with guided surface waveguide probes that launch electromagnetic waves along the Earth's surface as guided surface waves. This substitution transforms the transmission mechanism from free-space radiation to guided propagation along a lossy conducting medium, significantly reducing energy loss and improving transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental transmission parameter from radiated electromagnetic fields to guided surface wave modes. By adjusting the probe configuration and operating parameters to excite specific guided modes, the system achieves more efficient energy transmission with reduced losses compared to conventional antenna radiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If theoretical analyses of guided surface waves are conducted, then understanding of wave propagation is improved, but practical engineering solutions are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheoretical understandingVSAvoidpractical implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the complex theoretical problem of guided surface wave propagation into practical, implementable components: specific probe structures, defined excitation methods, and measurable performance parameters. This segmentation translates abstract theoretical concepts into concrete engineering solutions that can be manufactured and deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces guided surface waveguide probes as intermediary structures that bridge the gap between theoretical wave propagation analysis and practical transmission applications. These probes serve as the missing link that enables the implementation of theoretically understood guided surface wave modes in real-world engineering systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If radiated electromagnetic fields are used, then signal transmission is achieved, but mode-matching with surface wave modes is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidmode-matching

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamically adjustable probe structures that can be tuned to match the characteristics of guided surface wave modes. By making the probe parameters adjustable, the system achieves optimal mode-matching conditions that enable efficient energy coupling between the probe and the guided waves, ensuring both reliable transmission and proper mode excitation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enables the efficient launch of guided surface waves along lossy conducting media, achieving mode-matching with the surface wave mode and overcoming the limitations of traditional radiated electromagnetic fields.

Implementation Method 1

synthesizing a wave front incident at a complex Brewster angle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBrewster angle: Brewster's Angle

Data Source

PatentUS10498006B2Guided surface wave transmissions that illuminate defined regions

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 QUANTUM WAVE LLC

AI summary

Disclosed are various embodiments of systems and methods for transmitting guided surface waves that illuminate a defined region. In one embodiment, such a method comprises installing a plurality of guided surface waveguide probes across a defined region having set boundaries, and setting respective frequency values of operation for the plurality of guided surface waveguide probes that allow for respective service areas to be defined that in the aggregate cover the defined region with guided surface waves.