Metastructure Switched Antenna Beam Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless systems face challenges in providing increased speed, connecting more devices, reducing latency, and minimizing power consumption, spatial footprint, and computing power for efficient wireless connectivity across various environments and devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a Metastructure Switched Antenna (MSA) system within wireless devices, utilizing an array of metastructure cells, an RFIC layer, and a feed network layer to control and switch RF beams based on location, environmental conditions, and communication type, allowing for efficient direction and phase shifting of electromagnetic radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional antenna systems are used to provide wireless connectivity, then coverage and connectivity are achieved, but power consumption and spatial footprint are excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidwireless connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is segmented into multiple individual antenna elements arranged in an array. Each element can be independently controlled and switched, allowing the system to activate only the necessary subset of elements for a given transmission, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining connectivity reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system implements dynamic beam switching capability where the active antenna elements can be reconfigured in real-time based on transmission requirements, user position, and environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptation optimizes power usage by activating only the minimum necessary elements while preserving reliable connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple antennas are deployed to improve coverage and connectivity, then wireless performance is enhanced, but spatial footprint and device size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless coverageVSAvoidspatial footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple antenna elements are merged into a compact array structure with shared feeding networks and control circuits. The metastructure cells integrate multiple functional elements in a unified compact form factor, achieving enhanced coverage without proportionally increasing spatial footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each antenna element in the array is designed to be multi-functional, capable of operating in different modes and configurations. The same physical structure serves multiple purposes: transmission, reception, beam forming, and spatial filtering, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated components and minimizing overall spatial footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If complex antenna arrays are used to enable beam switching and directional control, then transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidantenna structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system achieves beam switching and directional control by changing electrical parameters (phase, amplitude, frequency) of the signals fed to different antenna elements rather than physically reconfiguring the antenna structure. This parameter-based control simplifies the mechanical and structural complexity while maintaining high transmission efficiency through electronic beam steering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical beam-steering mechanisms with electronic phase shifting and signal processing. Instead of physically moving or reconfiguring antenna elements mechanically, the system uses electronic control of signal parameters to achieve the same beam directional control, thereby reducing mechanical complexity and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enhances wireless coverage by dynamically selecting and configuring transmission beams, reducing power consumption and spatial requirements while maintaining efficient connectivity across diverse environments and devices.

Implementation Method 1

an array of non- or semi-periodic structures that are spatially distributed to provide a specific phase and frequency distribution and capable of controlling and manipulating EM radiation at a desired direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation control:

Implementation Method 2

The MSA array is fed and controlled so as to switch its transmission beams to one of multiple positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase shifting:

Data Source

PatentUS11355840B2Method and apparatus for a metastructure switched antenna in a wireless device

Publication Date: 2022.06.07 METAWAVE CORP

AI summary

Examples disclosed herein relate to a wireless device having a plurality of metastructure switched antennas, each metastructure switched antenna having an array of metastructures. A controller in the wireless device selects a metastructure switched antenna from the plurality of metastructure switched antennas and determines a direction for transmission of a beam from the selected metastructure switched antenna.