Reflector Devices Redirect RF Beams for Coverage Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications systems, particularly in 5G and 5G-NR systems, beamforming coverage is optimized by radiating RF beams from a radio node mounted above the ground, but this often results in energy waste as some beams intercept the ground, degrading coverage and performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple reflector devices, both passive and active, in proximity to the radio node to intercept and redirect the RF beams radiated from the node, steering them horizontally parallel to the ground, thereby reducing energy waste and enhancing beamforming coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If RF beams are radiated downward from a radio node mounted above the ground, then coverage area is expanded, but energy is wasted when beams intercept the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Blessing in disguise' principle by converting the harmful ground-intercepted RF energy into a beneficial resource. Reflector devices are positioned to capture RF beams that would otherwise be wasted by hitting the ground, and redirect them horizontally to provide additional coverage. This transforms energy loss into useful signal propagation, simultaneously expanding coverage area and reducing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector devices serve as intermediary elements between the radio node and the ground. These intermediaries intercept the downward-radiated RF beams and redirect them horizontally, acting as a mediator that transforms the original beam direction into a more efficient propagation path that extends coverage without direct ground contact.
2Area of stationary object
If additional radio nodes are deployed to extend coverage, then coverage area is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector devices provide multi-functionality by serving multiple purposes: they redirect RF beams to extend coverage area, reduce energy waste from ground interception, and eliminate the need for additional radio nodes. This single component achieves what would otherwise require deploying multiple additional complex radio nodes, thereby extending coverage while maintaining system simplicity.
3Reliability
If RF beams are redirected horizontally parallel to the ground, then beamforming coverage is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to reflector devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the radio node responsible for generating RF beams, and separate reflector devices responsible for redirecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the radio node focuses on beam generation while the reflectors handle directional redirection, improving overall beamforming coverage through specialized functional division.
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 approach effectively reduces energy waste and improves beamforming coverage in the radio access network by redirecting RF beams horizontally, thus extending coverage without the need for additional radio nodes, which would increase costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
multiple reflector devices (passive and/or active) are provided in proximity to the radio node(s) to intercept the RF beams radiated from the radio node(s) and redirect the intercepted RF beams in parallel to the ground
Data Source
AI summary
Optimizing beamforming overhead and improving coverage in a radio access network in a wireless communications system (WCS) is disclosed. Herein, a radio node(s) is configured to radiate multiple radio frequency (RF) beams in a coverage area. Notably, the RF beams can intercept a ground since the radio node(s) is mounted above the ground (e.g., on a ceiling) and facing downward toward the ground. As a result, some of the radiated energy may be wasted to degrade coverage and performance in the coverage area. In this regard, in embodiments disclosed herein, multiple reflector devices (passive and/or active) are provided in proximity to the radio node(s) to intercept the RF beams radiated from the radio node(s) and redirect the intercepted RF beams in parallel to the ground. By redirecting the RF beams horizontally, it is possible to reduce energy waste and enhance beamforming coverage in the radio access network.