Magnetic Coupled Antenna Underwater Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underwater communication systems face challenges with signal attenuation, limited bandwidth, and restricted distances due to the conductive nature of water, particularly in seawater, which affects both acoustic and electromagnetic communication methods.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device underwater communication system utilizing electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antennas that transmit and receive electromagnetic and magnetic signals, with data compression and error correction techniques to optimize signal propagation and increase transmission distance and data rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If acoustic techniques are used for underwater communication, then communication capability is provided, but the system is degraded by noise and interference and becomes virtually unusable in some environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidnoise and interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces acoustic communication (mechanical wave propagation) with electromagnetic communication. The system uses electromagnetic signals transmitted through water-conductive media, substituting the mechanical acoustic wave system with an electromagnetic field-based system that is immune to acoustic noise and interference affecting traditional underwater communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Length of stationary object

If extreme low frequency electromagnetic signals are used for long-range communication, then communication distance is extended, but data rates are limited to a few bits per second

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication distanceVSAvoiddata rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic frequency selection and adaptive modulation techniques. The system can operate across a range of electromagnetic frequencies and dynamically adjusts operating parameters based on communication distance requirements, allowing it to achieve both long-range communication with lower data rates and shorter-range communication with higher data rates, rather than being fixed at extreme low frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes electromagnetic signal parameters including frequency, modulation scheme, and power levels based on communication requirements. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can optimize for either distance or data rate depending on the specific application scenario, resolving the trade-off between communication distance and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If conventional electromagnetic antennas are used underwater, then signal transmission occurs, but signals are rapidly attenuated due to water conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission speedVSAvoidsignal attenuation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces specialized electromagnetic transducers and signal processing intermediaries that convert signals into forms better suited for underwater propagation. The system uses intermediate signal conversion stages and adaptive equalization techniques to compensate for water conductivity effects, reducing signal attenuation while maintaining transmission speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If magnetic antennas are used to launch predominantly magnetic fields, then some technical advantages are achieved, but available bandwidth is highly restrictive and transmission distance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal stabilityVSAvoidbandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal electromagnetic communication system that can operate in multiple modes and frequency ranges. The system incorporates both magnetic field-based and electromagnetic wave-based transmission capabilities, allowing it to adapt to different bandwidth requirements and distance scenarios, rather than being restricted to a single magnetic field mode with limited versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system significantly enhances communication distance and data rate by minimizing signal attenuation and bandwidth restrictions, allowing for effective communication in underwater environments through the use of magnetic coupled antennas and advanced signal processing techniques.

Implementation Method 1

A mobile device underwater communications system for transmitting electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

magnetically coupled antennas launch a predominantly magnetic field. A similar arrangement is described in GB2163029. Whilst the communications systems of WO01/95529 and GB2163029 have some technical advantages

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field propagation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11750300B2Mobile device underwater communications system and method
Publication Date: 2023.09.05 CSIGNUM LTD
  • US11750300B2 patent drawing
  • US11750300B2 patent drawing
  • US11750300B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.