Radial Antenna for Guided Wave Communication Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for higher bandwidth in communication networks due to widespread use of smartphones and data-intensive services poses challenges for traditional wireless infrastructure, particularly in providing efficient and reliable data transmission over longer distances with minimal loss.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves bound to a transmission medium, such as wires, to propagate data without the need for an electrical return path, using couplers to launch and extract these waves at millimeter-wave frequencies, allowing for efficient data transmission with reduced propagation loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional wireless infrastructure is used to provide broadband data access, then coverage area is extended, but propagation loss increases and bandwidth capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hybrid communication system that uses guided electromagnetic waves along conductors (power lines) as an intermediary transmission medium. This guided wave mode acts as a mediator between the power distribution infrastructure and wireless communication, enabling data transmission with reduced propagation loss compared to traditional wireless methods while utilizing existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables power lines to serve dual functions: traditional power distribution and data communication. By using the same infrastructure for both purposes, the system achieves increased bandwidth capability without requiring separate communication infrastructure, thus improving productivity while reducing energy loss through efficient guided wave transmission.
2Productivity
If small cell deployment is pursued to provide coverage for smaller areas, then bandwidth capability is improved, but infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing power lines to serve dual purposes as both power distribution and data communication channels. This eliminates the need for separate small cell infrastructure deployment, achieving high bandwidth capability while avoiding the complexity of installing numerous small cell base stations throughout the network.
3Loss of energy
If guided wave communication is used for data transmission, then propagation loss is reduced, but device complexity increases due to couplers and wave launching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs impedance mismatch at discontinuities in the power line infrastructure (such as T-connections and dead-ends) to automatically launch guided waves without requiring external couplers or complex wave launching mechanisms. The system uses the inherent electrical properties of the power line topology to generate and guide the electromagnetic waves, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining low propagation loss.
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 reliable and efficient data transmission over longer distances with reduced propagation loss compared to traditional wireless methods, supporting increased bandwidth demands while simplifying infrastructure requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A first plurality of antenna elements radially arranged in a first plane at a corresponding first plurality of angles to transmit first plurality of beams in the first plane at the corresponding first plurality of angles
Implementation Method 2
the second plurality of antenna elements radially arranged in a second plane at a corresponding second plurality of angles that are angularly displaced from the first plurality of angles
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, antenna that includes a first plurality of antenna elements radially arranged in a first plane to wirelessly transmit first channel signals received from a guided wave communication system to a plurality of client devices via a first plurality of beams at a corresponding first plurality of angles. A second plurality of antenna elements are radially arranged in a second plane that is displaced a first distance from the first plane to wirelessly transmit second channel signals received from the guided wave communication system to the plurality of client devices via a second plurality of beams at a corresponding second plurality of angles that are angularly displaced from the first plurality of angles. Other embodiments are disclosed.