Liquid Crystal Resonator Plate for Precise Radio Wave Refraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for controlling electromagnetic waves lack effective methods for refracting radio waves without using dielectric lenses.
Innovation Solution
A radio wave control plate and composite resonator are designed with a plurality of unit structures, each comprising a first and second resonator separated by a reference conductor, and a liquid crystal layer between electrodes, allowing for adjustable capacitance and flexible control of radio wave refraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dielectric lens is used to refract radio waves, then refraction control is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous dielectric lens into discrete resonator elements arranged in a grid pattern. Each resonator element acts as an independent unit that can be individually controlled, replacing the monolithic dielectric lens with a segmented structure that achieves similar refraction functionality with reduced complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using resonant frequency characteristics of metal resonators instead of dielectric permittivity. By adjusting the geometry and arrangement of resonator elements, the refraction angle is controlled through parameter optimization rather than requiring complex dielectric material properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If resonator elements are arranged to control radio waves, then refraction functionality is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces liquid crystal materials between the resonator elements that can dynamically change their dielectric properties when voltage is applied. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the refraction angle to be changed without physically repositioning the resonator elements, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal layer acts as an intermediary between the resonator elements and the radio waves. By controlling the liquid crystal's molecular orientation through voltage application, the effective dielectric constant between resonators is adjusted, enabling dynamic refraction control without requiring precise mechanical adjustment of resonator positions.
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 design enables precise control of radio wave refraction by varying the capacitance value, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of wave direction change.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and extending in the first plane direction
Implementation Method 2
The design enables precise control of radio wave refraction by varying the capacitance value
Implementation Method 3
controlling electromagnetic waves without using a dielectric lens... refracting a radio wave by changing parameters of respective elements in a structure including an array of resonator elements
Data Source
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.