Polyphase Waveguide Probe for Guided Surface Wave Launching
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no known structure for practically launching open surface guided waves over planar or spherical surfaces of lossy, homogeneous media, despite theoretical possibilities existing for over a century.
Innovation Solution
Polyphase waveguide probes are configured to excite radial surface currents that synthesize surface-waveguide modes on lossy conducting media, such as the Earth, by generating electromagnetic fields mode-matched to Zenneck surface waves, using complex Brewster angle illumination to minimize reflection and maximize guided wave propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional antenna structures are used to transmit radio waves, then radiation fields can be launched, but the energy density and propagation distance are limited due to inherent radiation losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental propagation parameter from radiated waves to guided surface waves by using polyphase waveguide probes. This parameter change enables energy to travel along the Earth's surface as guided modes rather than radiating into free space, dramatically reducing energy loss and extending propagation distance to thousands of miles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the Earth's surface as an intermediary medium to guide electromagnetic energy. By using the Earth's surface as a waveguide rather than relying on free-space propagation, the system achieves low-loss transmission over long distances, with the surface acting as a natural conduit for guided surface wave modes.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional antenna structures are used, then simple radiation can be achieved, but energy density decreases rapidly with distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the energy propagation parameter from spherical radiation to guided surface wave modes. This parameter change causes energy density to decrease much more slowly with distance, as the energy is confined to and guided along the Earth's surface rather than dispersing in three-dimensional free space.
3Productivity
If no guided surface wave structure is used, then conventional radio transmission can operate, but practical launching of open surface guided waves over lossy media is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the Earth's surface as an intermediary waveguide medium, eliminating the need for complex artificial waveguide structures. The natural Earth surface serves as the guiding medium for surface wave modes, simplifying the overall system while enabling long-distance guided wave propagation.
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 solution enables efficient propagation of guided surface waves with reduced radiation, achieving longer distances and higher energy density compared to conventional radiated waves, with experimental results confirming the effectiveness of the polyphase waveguide probes in launching Zenneck surface waves.
Implementation Method 1
Polyphase waveguide probes are configured to excite radial surface currents that synthesize surface-waveguide modes on lossy conducting media, such as the Earth, by generating electromagnetic fields mode-matched to Zenneck surface waves
Implementation Method 2
using complex Brewster angle illumination to minimize reflection and maximize guided wave propagation
Implementation Method 3
The solution enables efficient propagation of guided surface waves with reduced radiation, achieving longer distances and higher energy density compared to conventional radiated waves
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for exciting a guided surface waveguide probe to create a plurality of resultant fields that are substantially mode-matched to a Zenneck surface wave mode of a surface of a lossy conducting medium and embodiments for receiving energy from a Zenneck surface wave launched on the lossy conducting medium.