Multilayer FSS Transmission Medium for Reduced Signal Attenuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for transmitting power and data in vehicles, especially non-land-based systems like aircraft and spacecraft, face challenges due to weight, size constraints, and inflexibility, with waveguides being difficult to modify and limited by tight design constraints, and frequency selective surface (FSS) layers having restricted frequency bands and being susceptible to attenuation by conductive objects.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer FSS transmission medium with dielectric layers separating FSS layers, allowing signal propagation between and beyond the layers with reduced height, enabling efficient power and data transmission over a broader frequency range and improving performance in low-height transmission cavities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single layer of FSS layer is used as transmission media, then the structure is simple, but the transmission is limited to a frequency band and the height of propagating electromagnetic wave is too high causing attenuation by conductive objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single FSS layer into multiple separated FSS layers (first FSS layer and second FSS layer) with a dielectric layer between them. This segmentation reduces the effective height of the electromagnetic wave propagation zone, minimizing attenuation by conductive objects while expanding the operational frequency band beyond what a single layer could achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional single-layer FSS structure to a three-dimensional multilayer structure by adding the dielectric layer between separate FSS layers. This dimensional change enables broader frequency transmission while reducing the vertical height of the electromagnetic wave, solving both the frequency limitation and attenuation problems.
2Reliability
If waveguides are used for transmission, then power and data can be transmitted, but the system is inflexible and design changes are difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid waveguide structures with flexible FSS layers that can be integrated into various vehicle configurations. These thin-film FSS structures maintain transmission capability while allowing design changes and adaptations without the substantial expense and difficulty associated with modifying traditional waveguide systems.
3Reliability
If waveguide or wire based transmission lines are used, then transmission can be established, but the connections are constrained to point-to-point in a single path and are not 2-dimensional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables two-dimensional transmission capabilities by using FSS layers that can transmit electromagnetic waves across the surface in multiple directions simultaneously. This allows point-to-multipoint and 2-dimensional connections rather than being constrained to single-path point-to-point connections, providing greater connection flexibility while maintaining stability.
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 FSS medium reduces signal attenuation, allows for flexible node placement, and enhances transmission efficiency and bandwidth, addressing the constraints of weight, size, and frequency limitations in vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
A frequency selective surface (FSS) layer may be used as a transmission medium to transmit an electromagnetic signal along a surface. In such configurations, a propagating electromagnetic wave may be bound to a surface of the FSS layer
Implementation Method 2
A multilayer FSS transmission medium with dielectric layers separating FSS layers, allowing signal propagation between and beyond the layers with reduced height
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems and methods to transmit power and data are provided. A particular apparatus includes a transmission component. The transmission component includes at least one first frequency selective surface (FSS) layer, at least one second FSS layer, and a dielectric layer separating the at least one first FSS layer and the at least one second FSS layer. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus also includes a first coupler coupled to the dielectric layer to send a signal along the transmission component.