Reflector-Enhanced mmWave Antenna Module for Spherical Beam Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing beamforming for millimeter wave systems, particularly in reducing cost and complexity while maintaining spherical coverage and handling hand/body blockage, especially when using single antenna modules with non-radiating reflectors.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an antenna array with a non-radiating reflector of energy, which enhances beamforming by allowing multiple bounces of radiation and providing a capability indication to the network node for efficient beam training and refinement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single antenna module is used to reduce cost and complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but spherical coverage capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna module configurationVSAvoidspherical coverage capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension to beam management by enabling dynamic switching between different beamforming configurations. The system transitions from static single-antenna limitations to dynamic multi-beam capabilities, allowing the single antenna module to achieve spherical coverage through time-varying beam patterns rather than spatial multiplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic beam switching mechanisms that adapt beamforming parameters in real-time based on channel conditions and coverage requirements. This dynamic behavior allows a single antenna module to emulate the coverage characteristics of multiple antenna modules by continuously adjusting beam directions and patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional beam training methods are used without capability indication, then compatibility is maintained, but beam management overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam management efficiencyVSAvoidbeam training time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary capability indication before beam training, where the UE informs the network node about its reflector-equipped antenna module capabilities in advance. This preliminary information exchange enables the network node to pre-configure appropriate beam training procedures, avoiding unnecessary training steps and reducing overall beam management overhead

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The capability indication mechanism establishes a feedback loop where the UE communicates its specific hardware capabilities to the network node. This feedback enables the network to adapt its beam training strategy to match the UE's actual capabilities, optimizing the training process efficiency and reducing time consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-radiating reflectors are added to enhance beamforming, then spherical coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeamforming capabilityVSAvoidantenna module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The non-radiating reflector acts as an intermediary element that manipulates electromagnetic wave paths without actively generating or transmitting signals. This passive intermediary component enables complex beamforming patterns and spherical coverage enhancement while adding minimal active complexity to the antenna module structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex active beamforming mechanisms with simpler passive reflector-based beam manipulation. Instead of using multiple active antenna elements requiring complex signal processing, the patent uses geometric reflector structures to achieve beam shaping and directional control through passive electromagnetic reflection principles

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 approach reduces implementation cost and complexity, enhances spherical coverage, and optimizes beam management overhead, processing utilization, and power consumption in beamformed communications.

Implementation Method 1

a non-radiating reflector of energy associated with the antenna array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12520167B2UE capability indication of a millimeter wave antenna module enhanced with a reflector

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

UE capability indications of a millimeter wave antenna module enhanced with a reflector are described. An apparatus is configured to train or refine, with a network node, at least one beam for beamformed communications associated with the UE. The UE includes an antenna array with an associated non-radiating reflector of energy. The apparatus is configured to communicate, with the network node, using the antenna array and the at least one beam. Another apparatus is configured to train or refine, with a UE, at least one beam for beamformed communications associated with the UE based on a capability indication that indicates the UE includes an antenna array with an associated non-radiating reflector of energy. The apparatus is configured to communicate with the antenna array of the UE based on the at least one beam.