Reconfigurable Analog Array for Arbitrary Electromagnetic Field Shaping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies are limited in generating magnetic fields in arbitrary directions and aligning electromagnetic radiation without external optics, as they rely on fixed geometry magnets and antennae, which restricts the flexibility and efficiency of electromagnetic field manipulation.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically generating spatially variable conductive paths using a spatial array of conductive segments with switching devices and a control system to form and modify conductive paths, allowing for the generation or interaction with electromagnetic fields in arbitrary directions, independent of fixed geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed geometry magnets are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to generate magnetic fields in arbitrary directions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to generate magnetic fields in arbitrary directionsVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the magnetic field generation function into multiple independent planar antenna arrays, each capable of being independently controlled to generate magnetic fields in specific directions. By segmenting the overall array into multiple planes, the system can synthesize magnetic fields in arbitrary directions through coordinated operation of these segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability by allowing the electrical connections between antenna elements to be changed in real-time. Switching networks enable the antenna array to dynamically adjust its geometry and orientation, transforming from a static structure to a dynamic system that can adapt to generate magnetic fields in any required direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed geometry antennae are used, then the device structure is simple, but the alignment of electromagnetic radiation cannot be optimized without external optics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment of electromagnetic radiationVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna array employs dynamic reconfigurable electrical connections that allow the physical orientation and geometry of the antenna elements to be adjusted in real-time. This dynamic capability enables the array to optimize its alignment with incoming electromagnetic radiation without requiring external optical components, as the antenna geometry itself can be adapted to match the desired reception or transmission direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reconfigurable antenna array serves multiple functions: it can transmit electromagnetic radiation, receive electromagnetic radiation, and dynamically adjust its orientation for both transmission and reception modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixed-geometry antennas and external optical alignment components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If individual fixed geometry antennae are coordinated, then the directional effect can be synthesized, but the individual antennae are not optimally aligned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirectional effect synthesisVSAvoidantennae alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than relying on fixed-geometry antennas that are statically suboptimally aligned, the patent implements a dynamic reconfigurable array where the electrical connections between antenna elements can be changed to create optimally aligned virtual antenna structures. This allows the system to synthesize directional effects with optimal alignment by dynamically reconfiguring which physical elements are electrically connected and how they are phased.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the creation of customizable electromagnetic fields for various applications, including particle transport, quantum state alteration, and electromagnetic radiation manipulation, without the need for external optics, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in electromagnetic field manipulation.

Implementation Method 1

A conductive path is dynamically generated for generating or interacting with an electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnetic field is applied to the conductive path to produce an interaction with the conductive path and wherein the interaction with the electromagnetic field depends at least in part on the spatial arrangement of the connected sequence of the conductive segments in the conductive path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS11934758B2Field programmable analog array
Publication Date: 2024.03.19 11886894 CANADA LTD
  • US11934758B2 patent drawing
  • US11934758B2 patent drawing
  • US11934758B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for dynamically generating or interacting with an electromagnetic field includes providing a spatial array of conductive segments, a switching device operable on each of the conductive segments to either allow or block transmission of an electrical signal and a control device operable on the switching device. A sequence of the conductive segments are connected to form a conductive path where each segments intersects with at least two different ones of the conductive segments at a node. The switching device operates to connect a selected first one of the conductive segments with a selected second one of the conductive segments to form the sequence according to a logic signal from the control device. Power is supplied to the conductive path to produce an electromagnetic field which depends at least in part on the spatial arrangement of the connected sequence of the conductive segments.