Passive Electrical Coupling Device Guided Wave Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face challenges in providing high bandwidth and efficient data transmission, especially with the increasing demand from smartphones and other portable devices, as traditional wireless infrastructure struggles to maintain signal strength and reduce propagation losses over long distances.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves bound to a transmission medium, such as wires or dielectric materials, to propagate signals without the need for an electrical return path, reducing signal loss and enabling efficient data transmission over longer distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional wireless infrastructure is used for data transmission, then communication coverage can be provided, but signal strength decreases and propagation losses increase over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmission medium (such as a wire or dielectric material) as an intermediary carrier for electromagnetic waves. This mediator guides the electromagnetic energy along a defined path, reducing dispersion and propagation losses compared to traditional wireless transmission through free space, thereby enabling efficient long-distance transmission.
2Loss of energy
If electromagnetic waves are bound to a transmission medium for guided wave communication, then propagation losses are reduced, but the system requires a physical transmission medium infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies guided wave communication technology that can be implemented using existing infrastructure such as power lines or communication cables. This multi-functional approach allows the same physical medium to serve both its original purpose (power distribution or data communication) and simultaneously function as a waveguide for electromagnetic energy transmission, reducing the need for dedicated new infrastructure.
3Productivity
If macrocell base stations are used to provide wireless coverage, then large area coverage is achieved, but bandwidth capability is insufficient for increasing data demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables deployment of multiple small cell nodes along a transmission medium, segmenting the coverage area into smaller zones. Each node can provide high-bandwidth localized service, and the guided wave infrastructure allows these nodes to be distributed over long distances, collectively providing both high bandwidth capability and extensive coverage area.
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 guided wave communication system effectively transmits data with reduced propagation losses, allowing for longer distance coverage and increased bandwidth without the need for separate electrical return paths, enhancing network efficiency and capacity.
Implementation Method 1
A passive electrical coupling device may be used to magnetically couple an electromagnetic energy from a transmitter to the transmission medium
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a coupling device includes a circuit that receives a signal. At least one passive electrical circuit element generates an electromagnetic field in response to the signal. A portion of the electromagnetic field is guided by a surface of a transmission medium to propagate as a guided electromagnetic wave longitudinally along the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.