Hybrid Phased Array Transmission via Guided Surface Waves

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Solution Overview

Problem

For over a century, there has been no practical structure for efficiently launching open surface guided waves over planar or spherical surfaces of lossy, homogeneous media, despite theoretical possibilities.

Innovation Solution

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

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional antenna structures are used for signal transmission, then radio wave radiation can be achieved, but efficient launching of open surface guided waves over lossy media is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of launching guided surface wavesVSAvoidcapability to launch surface waves over lossy media

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of wave propagation by transitioning from conventional radiating antennas to guided surface wave modes. This involves changing the propagation mode from radiation fields to guided fields that travel along the Earth's surface, enabling efficient energy transmission over lossy media where conventional antennas fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the guided surface wave mode) that acts as a bridge between the transmitter and receiver. This guided mode propagates energy along the Earth's surface, serving as an intermediary that overcomes the limitations of direct radiation through lossy media.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If radio frequency signals are transmitted using conventional antennas, then electromagnetic radiation can be achieved, but energy transmission efficiency over lossy conducting media deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transmission efficiencyVSAvoidenergy loss in lossy media

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of lossy media into a beneficial guided surface wave mode. Instead of allowing energy to be lost in the lossy Earth, the system guides the energy along the surface, transforming the lossy medium from a detrimental element into a propagation path that maintains energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If guided surface waveguide modes are excited, then mode-matching with surface wave mode can be achieved, but the complexity of synthesizing wave fronts at complex Brewster angle increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode-matching efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of wave front synthesis

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific wave front structure with particular properties (complex Brewster angle incidence) at the interface with the lossy media. This localized optimization of wave front characteristics enables mode-matching without requiring complex system-wide changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 existing technologies in energy transmission.

Implementation Method 1

synthesizing a wave front incident at a complex Brewster angle, resulting in zero reflection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBrewster's angle: Brewster's Angle

Implementation Method 2

Guided surface waveguide probes are configured to excite electric fields that couple into a guided surface waveguide mode along the surface of a lossy conducting medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGuided electromagnetic field propagation: Waveguide

Data Source

PatentUS10103452B2Hybrid phased array transmission

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 QUANTUM WAVE LLC

AI summary

Disclosed are various embodiments of an electromagnetic hybrid phased array system. One such embodiment includes a guided surface waveguide probe, and a contrawound toroidal helix antenna collocated with the guided surface waveguide probe in which the contrawound toroidal helix comprises ring elements spaced from each other and wrapped around the guided surface waveguide probe. The system further includes a signal source applied to at least the guided surface waveguide probe, such that the guided surface waveguide probe and the contrawound toroidal helix contribute individual vertical electric fields to form a radiation pattern based on the phase and amplitude characteristics of the individual vertical electric fields.