Plasmonic Antenna Coverage Through Conductive Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G communication networks face challenges in providing reliable coverage near or inside conductive enclosures such as buildings and vehicles, due to the inability of high-frequency electromagnetic waves to penetrate these structures effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of plasmonic antennas to generate surface electromagnetic waves that can tunnel through conductive enclosures, allowing 5G signals to be transmitted and received within these structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high-frequency electromagnetic waves are used for 5G communication, then bandwidth and transmission speed are improved, but signal penetration capability through conductive enclosures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces surface electromagnetic waves as an intermediary mechanism to transfer 5G signals through conductive enclosures. Instead of direct high-frequency wave transmission which is blocked by conductive structures, the system uses surface waves that propagate along the interface between the conductor and dielectric, enabling signal penetration while maintaining high-frequency benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the propagation parameter of electromagnetic waves from volumetric transmission to surface-bound transmission. By transforming the wave propagation mode from bulk electromagnetic waves to surface electromagnetic waves, the system achieves both high-speed transmission and improved penetration through conductive enclosures
2Reliability
If conventional electromagnetic wave transmission is used, then signal strength is maintained in open space, but coverage near or inside structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends coverage by utilizing the surface of conductive enclosures as a propagation dimension. Surface electromagnetic waves travel along the two-dimensional surface interface, allowing signals to reach areas inside and near structures that conventional three-dimensional volumetric transmission cannot penetrate effectively
3Reliability
If surface electromagnetic waves are used to tunnel through enclosures, then coverage and penetration are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs surface electromagnetic waves that naturally propagate along conductor-dielectric interfaces without requiring complex active control systems. The surface wave mode inherently provides the tunneling effect through enclosures, reducing the need for additional complexity in signal routing and management
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 solution enables the distribution of 5G signals over larger distances and through obstructions, improving coverage and reducing latency for devices operating within conductive enclosures.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna element configured, in response to receiving fifth generation (5G) communication signals carrying encoded data, to generate a first surface electromagnetic wave. The first surface electromagnetic wave is capable of tunneling through a conductive enclosure
Implementation Method 2
a second antenna element, within the conductive enclosure configured, in response to receiving the first surface electromagnetic wave, to generate a second surface electromagnetic wave within the conductive enclosure for distributing the encoded data
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a system includes a first antenna element configured, in response to receiving fifth generation (5G) communication signals carrying encoded data, to generate a first surface electromagnetic wave. The first surface electromagnetic wave is capable of tunneling through a conductive enclosure and includes the encoded data. The system includes a second antenna element, within the conductive enclosure configured, in response to receiving the first surface electromagnetic wave, to generate a second surface electromagnetic wave within the conductive enclosure for distributing the encoded data to an electronic device operating in the conductive enclosure.