Multilayer Metasurface Angle Compactor for Wave Rerouting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic systems suffer from energy loss due to structures that block electromagnetic waves, resulting in reduced energy output, often by up to 20% or more.
Innovation Solution
The use of multilayer metasurface devices with wave refractors, combiners, and splitters to reroute electromagnetic waves around obstructive structures, minimizing energy loss and enhancing energy output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional structures are used in electromagnetic systems, then the system structure is simple, but energy loss increases by up to 20% or more due to wave blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The metasurface is segmented into multiple layers with distinct functional elements (wave refractors, combiners, splitters) arranged in specific patterns. Each layer performs a specific function in the wave manipulation sequence, allowing complex wave control to be achieved through modular, systematic segmentation rather than a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The multilayer metasurface acts as an intermediary device placed between the electromagnetic wave source and the obstructive structure. It mediates the interaction by refracting, combining, and splitting waves to guide them around the obstruction, preventing direct blocking while maintaining system simplicity.
2Productivity
If multilayer metasurface devices are used to reroute electromagnetic waves, then energy loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metasurface device integrates multiple functions (wave refraction, combination, and splitting) into a single multilayer structure. The same basic geometric pattern is used across different layers, but with varying orientations and positions to achieve multiple functions, reducing the need for entirely different structures for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses composite structures combining conductive materials (copper, aluminum, gold, or silver) with dielectric materials (such as those with permittivity values of 2.2, 3.0, or 4.4). This composite approach enables simultaneous control of wave refraction and combination/splitting functions through material properties rather than purely geometric complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If wave blocking structures are present, then manufacturing is simpler, but energy distribution becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The metasurface employs local variations in geometric pattern orientation and positioning across different layers. Specific regions have patterns oriented at different angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) to locally control wave behavior, achieving uniform overall energy distribution through localized adjustments rather than uniform structure throughout.
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 multilayer metasurface system effectively reroutes electromagnetic waves, reducing energy loss and maintaining a substantially uniform energy distribution, thereby improving the overall energy output of electromagnetic systems.
Implementation Method 1
A first multilayer metasurface device can include a first metasurface having a plurality of wave refractors operable to refract electromagnetic waves at an outward angle with respect to a normal axis of the first metasurface
Implementation Method 2
A second metasurface can have a plurality of wave combiners
Data Source
AI summary
A system that allows for electromagnetic energy to be “re-routed” around normally occlusive structures. The system comprises a first multilayer metasurface device and a second multilayer metasurface device. The first multilayer metasurface device has a plurality of wave refractors fabricated on a first metasurface and a plurality of wave combiners fabricated on a second metasurface. The second multilayer metasurface device has a plurality of wave splitters fabricated on a first metasurface and a plurality of wave refractors fabricated on a second metasurface. The occlusive structures are disposed between the first multilayer metasurface device and the second multilayer metasurface device such that energy is re-routed around the occlusive structures.