Reflectarray Reflection Unit for Millimeter-Wave Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in changing the direction of wireless transmission paths effectively, particularly with high-frequency radio waves like millimeter waves, due to limitations in adjusting the direction of reflection and penetration through structural barriers.
Innovation Solution
The use of a reflection unit comprising a plurality of reflectarray reflectors that can be designed to radiate reflected waves into desired directions, allowing for increased freedom in beam control and penetration through structures, including diffusion, concentration, and non-diffusion/reflection types, while minimizing space requirements and aesthetic impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a metal reflection plate is used to change the direction of wireless transmission path, then the transmission direction can be changed, but the freedom in adjusting the reflection direction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reflection plate is divided into multiple independent reflectors (first reflector, second reflector, third reflector) that can be independently adjusted. Each reflector can be positioned and oriented separately to achieve precise control over the wireless signal reflection path, thereby increasing adaptability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The reflectors are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of their positions and orientations. This enables the system to adapt to different transmission requirements by reconfiguring the reflection paths, providing freedom in adjusting reflection direction without requiring a completely complex fixed structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of reflectors is increased to improve beam control, then the freedom in beam control increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each reflector in the plurality of reflectors is designed to perform multiple functions: reflecting wireless signals, directing beams to specific areas, and working in combination with other reflectors to achieve complex beam control patterns. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high beam control freedom without proportionally increasing the number of components, as each component contributes to multiple control objectives
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 enhances the flexibility and efficiency of wireless transmission by allowing high-frequency signals to reach non-line-of-sight areas and penetrate through obstacles, improving coverage and reducing transmission loss.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of reflectors configured to reflect the wireless communication signal. The plurality of reflectors include at least one reflectarray reflector
Data Source
AI summary
A reflection unit of this disclosure is a reflection unit installed in a wireless transmission path between a first wireless device configured to at least transmit a wireless communication signal and a second wireless device configured to at least receive the wireless communication signal, in order to change a direction of the wireless transmission path. The reflection unit includes a plurality of reflectors configured to reflect the wireless communication signal. The plurality of reflectors include at least one reflectarray reflector.