Adjustable Pivot Reflector for Millimeter-Wave Non-Line-of-Sight Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Millimeter-wave communication systems face challenges in establishing non-line-of-sight connections due to the directional and absorptive nature of mmWave energy, which increases system complexity and cost, especially when reflective surfaces are distant or non-existent, limiting beam-steering accuracy and signal strength.
Innovation Solution
A reflector system with an adjustable pivot and flexible mount is used to position a reflective surface between a transmitter and receiver unit, allowing for directional alignment and signal detection, reducing the need for precise beam-steering and lowering system complexity and cost by using passive, reflective materials like metallic or non-metallic surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beam-steering capability is used to establish non-line-of-sight connections, then connection capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary element to establish non-line-of-sight connections. Instead of relying solely on complex beam-steering mechanisms in the communication devices, a passive reflector is positioned to redirect millimeter-wave signals around obstacles, thereby achieving NLOS connectivity with reduced system complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If beam-steering capability is used to establish non-line-of-sight connections, then connection capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector serves as a cost-effective intermediary that enables NLOS connections without requiring expensive beam-steering hardware in the communication devices. The reflector can be a simple passive structure, significantly reducing the overall system cost while maintaining connection capability.
3Measurement precision
If reflective surfaces are distant or non-existent, then beam-steering accuracy must increase, but this increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector acts as an intermediary that creates a localized reflection point, eliminating the need for high beam-steering accuracy over long distances. By positioning the reflector appropriately, the system achieves NLOS connectivity with relaxed beam-steering requirements, thereby reducing system complexity.
4Device complexity
If passive reflective materials are used, then system complexity and cost are reduced, but directional positioning capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an adjustable pivot mechanism that enables dynamic positioning of the passive reflector. This allows the reflector to be manually or automatically adjusted to optimal angles for establishing NLOS connections, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite using simple passive reflective materials.
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 reflector system effectively establishes non-line-of-sight connections with reduced signal attenuation, lowering system complexity and cost by allowing flexible placement and using passive reflective materials, enhancing mmWave communication capabilities in obstructed environments.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting surface configured to reflect the millimeter-wave signal from the transmitter to the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for establishing a non-line of sight millimeter wave connection that include a transmitter unit having beam-steering capability, a receiver unit having beam-steering capability, and a reflecting unit in a position having a line-of-sight path to the transmitter unit and the receiver unit. The reflecting unit includes an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a mounting point on an object or surface, a reflecting surface that is reflective to millimeter-wave radiation, and an adjustable pivot connected between the attachment mechanism and the reflecting surface configured to permit directional positioning of the reflecting surface relative to the attachment mechanism.