In-Home Relay Antenna Alignment for mmWave LOS Reception

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Solution Overview

Problem

5G communication systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting and receiving signals in ultra-high frequency bands due to strong linearity and resistance to diffraction, particularly when connecting domestic information appliances to networks.

Innovation Solution

An in-home relay device is installed at a location ensuring a line of sight with a repeater, with its antenna aligned for efficient signal transmission and reception, and equipped with mechanisms for maintenance and management to ensure continuous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If 5G communication systems use ultra-high frequency (mmWave) bands to achieve higher data transmission rates, then data transmission rate is improved, but signal transmission reliability deteriorates due to strong linearity and resistance to diffraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A relay device is introduced as an intermediary between the base station and user equipment. The relay device receives mmWave signals from the base station, processes them, and retransmits them to user equipment. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain high data transmission rates while improving signal reliability by providing an additional signal path and processing point within the building.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the antenna is aligned precisely to secure line of sight with the repeater, then signal reception quality is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception qualityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay device incorporates automatic antenna alignment functionality. The device autonomously measures signal quality from multiple directions and automatically adjusts the antenna orientation to achieve optimal line of sight with the repeater, eliminating the need for manual alignment procedures and reducing installation complexity while maintaining high signal reception quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the relay device continuously measures signal quality metrics and uses this information to adjust antenna orientation. The device receives feedback about signal strength and quality, processes this information, and automatically repositions the antenna to maintain optimal alignment with the repeater, ensuring consistent signal reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4009541B1In-home relay device and electronic device connected thereto
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4009541B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4009541B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4009541B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An in-home relay device according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may comprise: a housing; an antenna provided in the housing; an antenna alignment unit for changing the position of the antenna so as to change the radiation direction of the antenna; a processor operatively connected to the antenna and the antenna alignment unit; and a communication unit electrically connected to the processor and wirelessly connecting to external electronic devices, wherein the processor can control the antenna alignment unit on the basis of the quality of signals transmitted or received through the antenna so that a line of sight (LOS) between the antenna and a repeater is secured. Various other embodiments are possible.