IRS System Integrated Into Mobile Device Antenna Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The propagation characteristics of high-frequency bands such as mmWave and THz frequencies suffer from low coverage and penetration obstacles such as walls, trees, tunnels, user's mobility, and the like, leading to signal blocking and blind spots in 5G/6G cellular networks, necessitating innovative solutions to extend coverage and ensure reliable connectivity.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS) system into mobile devices, comprising reflectors, a controller, and a substrate, which reflects or refracts signals towards the device's antenna, optimizing signal reception using a maximum antenna area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mmWave and THz frequencies are used for cellular communication, then data rates are improved, but coverage is reduced due to signal loss and penetration issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS) as an intermediary component integrated into the mobile device. The IRS consists of multiple reflectors that act as mediators to redirect and focus high-frequency signals (mmWave/THz) toward the antenna, enabling the device to overcome the inherent coverage limitations of these frequencies while maintaining their high data rate capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the traditional external IRS deployment into an internal integration within the mobile device structure. By moving the IRS from a separate external system to an integrated component within the device (embedding it in the rear cover or housing), the solution adds a new dimensional approach to solving coverage issues - transitioning from network-side infrastructure to device-side intelligence
2Reliability
If IRS system is integrated into mobile device, then coverage and signal quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the IRS system with the mobile device's existing structural components, particularly the rear cover or housing. By combining the IRS functionality with the device's structural elements, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent components, while still achieving improved signal reception through the IRS's signal-focusing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated IRS system serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component of the mobile device and an active signal processing element. The reflectors simultaneously provide mechanical support as part of the device housing while performing electromagnetic signal reflection and focusing, thereby reducing the need for additional separate components and lowering overall system complexity
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
Enhances coverage and improves signal quality by maximizing antenna utilization, optimizing resource use, and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of reflectors for reflecting or refracting a reception signal according to predetermined characteristics
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of reflectors for reflecting or refracting a reception signal according to predetermined characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS) system includes a plurality of reflectors for reflecting or refracting a reception signal according to characteristics thereof, a controller configured to control the characteristics of the plurality of reflectors to either reflect or refract the reception signal in a direction toward an antenna of a mobile device, and a substrate with a front side on which the plurality of reflectors arranged in a predetermined shape and the controller are mounted. The controller is designed to control the characteristics of the plurality of reflectors to maximize an area of the antenna to receive the reception signal, and the substrate is integrated into the mobile device.