Meta-Structure Reflectarray Relay for Non-Line-of-Sight mmWave Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of providing reliable and high-speed wireless coverage in non-line-of-sight areas due to the susceptibility of millimeter wave signals to atmospheric attenuation and environmental obstructions, particularly in dense urban environments and remote areas with extreme weather conditions, is addressed.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of meta-structure based reflectarrays that act as relays to reflect RF signals from base stations to non-line-of-sight areas, utilizing meta-structure reflector elements designed for specific phase and frequency distribution, enabling improved wireless coverage and performance through geometric and link budget considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If millimeter wave signals are used for high-speed wireless communications, then data rates and bandwidth are improved, but signal reliability deteriorates due to atmospheric attenuation and environmental obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflectarray antenna as an intermediary device that reflects millimeter wave signals from a base station to a user equipment in non-line-of-sight areas. The reflectarray consists of multiple reflective elements that manipulate the signal path, enabling reliable high-speed communication by mediating the signal transmission through environmental obstructions.
2Area of stationary object
If large array antennas are deployed to extend coverage range, then wireless coverage is improved, but device stability deteriorates in extreme weather conditions with strong winds and storms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large antenna system into two separate components: a base station with a large array antenna and a portable reflectarray device. This segmentation allows the large antenna to remain stationary and stable at the base station, while the coverage extension function is performed by the smaller, more mobile reflectarray unit that can be strategically positioned without requiring the same structural stability.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional reflectarrays are used to provide non-line-of-sight coverage, then wireless coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reflectarray design that uses inexpensive, simple reflective elements that can be mass-produced at low cost. The reflectarray is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component with a simple planar structure consisting of basic reflective elements, avoiding complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms or expensive materials, thereby reducing both manufacturing cost and device 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
The reflectarrays significantly enhance wireless coverage and data rates, achieving up to 10 times the current 5G data rates with low cost, easy installation, and self-calibration capabilities, supporting various environments and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The reflectarrays are arrays of cells having meta-structure reflector elements that reflect incident radio frequency ("RF") signals in specific directions
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to reflectarray antenna for enhanced wireless applications. The reflectarray antenna has a ground conductive plane, a dielectric substrate coupled to the ground conductive plane, and a patterned conductive plane coupled to the dielectric substrate and comprising an array of cells to generate an antenna gain. In some aspects, each cell in the array of cells includes a reflector element with a predetermined custom configuration and configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal and to generate an RF return beam at a predetermined direction. Other examples disclosed herein relate to a portable reflectarray and a method of fabricating a reflectarray antenna.