Liquid Crystal Resonator Plate for Tunable Radio Wave Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for controlling radio waves without dielectric lenses are limited in their ability to efficiently refract radio waves by varying the parameters of resonator elements.
Innovation Solution
A radio wave control plate and composite resonator design featuring a plurality of unit structures with first and second resonators, each including electrodes and a liquid crystal layer, allowing for adjustable capacitance and refractive direction control of radio waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If parameters of resonator elements are varied to refract radio waves, then radio wave refraction control is achieved, but the efficiency and flexibility of refraction control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the capacitance values of resonator elements through liquid crystal material properties. By changing the orientation of liquid crystal molecules via applied voltage, the effective dielectric constant changes, thereby adjusting the resonant frequency and impedance of each resonator element. This enables dynamic control of radio wave refraction angles and paths without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using voltage-controlled liquid crystal layers to create dynamically adjustable resonator elements. The liquid crystal molecules can be reoriented in real-time by applying different voltages, allowing the electromagnetic parameters (capacitance, resonant frequency) of each resonator element to be changed dynamically. This provides flexible and efficient refraction control that adapts to different operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a dielectric lens is used to control radio waves, then focusing and direction control are achieved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the radio wave control function into discrete resonator elements arranged in an array. Each element can be independently controlled through its own liquid crystal layer and voltage application, allowing localized adjustment of radio wave phase and amplitude. This segmented approach replaces the monolithic dielectric lens with a modular, electronically controllable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical dielectric lens structure with an electronic control system based on resonator elements and liquid crystal layers. Instead of relying on fixed physical geometry to control radio waves, the system uses electronically adjustable resonant circuits whose parameters can be modified via voltage control of liquid crystal materials, thereby reducing structural complexity and enabling dynamic reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If resonator element parameters are adjusted to improve refraction efficiency, then radio wave control performance increases, but the adaptability to different refraction angles decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the capacitance of resonator elements through liquid crystal orientation control. By varying the applied voltage across liquid crystal layers, the effective dielectric constant changes, which adjusts the resonant frequency and impedance of each element. This enables continuous tuning of refraction angles while maintaining high efficiency, as each element can be optimized for its specific operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing resonator elements that can perform multiple functions through parameter adjustment. The same resonator structure can be tuned to achieve different refraction angles, frequencies, and beam directions by modifying the liquid crystal orientation and corresponding capacitance values. This multi-functionality allows a single device configuration to adapt to various operational requirements without requiring separate specialized structures.
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 flexible and efficient refractive control of radio waves by varying the capacitance of the unit structures, thereby enhancing the performance of radio wave refracting plates.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer including a plurality of liquid crystal molecules extending in the first direction in an initial state, and a capacitance value that is variable by changing an orientation of the liquid crystal molecules
Implementation Method 2
a capacitance value that is variable by changing an orientation of the liquid crystal molecules
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of unit structures arrayed in a first plane direction... each of the plurality of unit structures includes a first resonator extending in the first plane direction
Implementation Method 4
enables flexible and efficient refractive control of radio waves by varying the capacitance of the unit structures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A radio wave control plate includes a plurality of unit structures arrayed in a first plane direction and a reference conductor serving as a reference potential of the plurality of unit structures. The plurality of unit structures each include a first resonator extending in the first plane direction, and a second resonator separated from the first resonator in a first direction and extending in the first plane direction. At least one of the first resonator or the second resonator includes a first electrode extending in the first plane direction, a second electrode separated from the first electrode in the first direction and extending in the first plane direction, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and extending in the first plane direction.