Meta-Structure Antenna Beam Steering for Vehicle 5G Connectivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
5G wireless networks face challenges in providing reliable and high-speed connectivity to moving vehicles due to high atmospheric attenuation, short range of millimeter wave frequencies, and environmental obstructions, which hinder the generation of desired beam forms and increase interference.
Innovation Solution
The Meta-Structure (MTS) antenna system, which includes a passive or active phased antenna array located on the exterior of vehicles, retransmits wireless signals to an internal gateway, utilizing metamaterial cells for high directivity and narrow beams, enabling seamless handoffs and reduced side lobes, and employs beam steering and pilot signals for precise location determination and synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large array antennas are used to provide high gain and narrow beams for 5G millimeter wave communication, then the beam directivity and signal strength are improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to environmental conditions such as strong winds and storms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large array antenna into multiple smaller antenna elements distributed across different locations on the vehicle. Each smaller antenna can independently form beams, and their combined effect provides the necessary coverage and reliability without the vulnerability of a single large structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements different antenna configurations and beamforming strategies for different regions of the vehicle. Each antenna element is optimized for its specific location and local communication requirements, allowing the system to maintain reliable connectivity while adapting to local environmental conditions.
2Productivity
If millimeter wave frequencies are used to extend 5G operations for higher data rates, then the bandwidth and speed are improved, but the atmospheric attenuation and signal loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pilot signals transmitted before actual data communication to establish beam alignment and predict signal conditions. This preliminary action allows the system to optimize beamforming parameters and select the best antenna elements before high-rate data transmission begins, ensuring maximum efficiency and minimizing attenuation losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms where the system monitors signal quality and atmospheric conditions in real-time. Based on this feedback, the beamforming parameters are dynamically adjusted to compensate for atmospheric attenuation, maintaining optimal data rates despite varying environmental conditions.
3Reliability
If beam steering is used to generate desired beam forms in controlled directions, then the signal directionality is improved, but the interference among multiple signals and structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic beam steering that continuously adapts beam directions based on real-time detection of interfering signals and environmental structures. The system can dynamically adjust beamforming weights and directions to avoid nulls in the radiation pattern that would cause interference, while maintaining desired directionality for legitimate communications.
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 MTS antenna system provides high-gain, focused beams for reliable two-way signal transmission, supports high data rates, and ensures seamless connectivity by accurately steering beams and synchronizing with network nodes, even in high-speed and dense-scattering environments.
Implementation Method 1
a passive or active phased antenna array located on an exterior part of the vehicle... utilizing metamaterial cells for high directivity and narrow beams
Implementation Method 2
The MTS antenna system provides high-gain, focused beams for reliable two-way signal transmission
Implementation Method 3
employs beam steering and pilot signals for precise location determination and synchronization
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to a meta-structure (“MTS”) antenna system for next generation wireless networks in moving vehicles. The MTS antenna system includes an MTS antenna mounted on an exterior surface of the moving vehicle and comprising an MTS array of MTS cells, and an internal gateway for communicating wireless signals to the MTS antenna.