RF Energy Deposition Analysis with Dynamic Ray Tracing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional RF analysis techniques fail to account for moving sources and multiple generations of reflections, lacking a graphical user interface for interactive analysis, which limits their ability to accurately predict energy deposition on objects within RF operating environments.

Innovation Solution

A system that calculates ray traces of RF energy from fixed or moving sources to objects, including reflections up to multiple generations, and provides a graphical user interface for visualizing energy deposition levels, using a computer system with a processing unit, memory, and program module to generate a visual display of energy distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fixed source analysis techniques are used, then the analysis is simple, but it cannot account for moving sources and multiple generations of reflections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of energy deposition predictionVSAvoidcomplexity of analysis system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static fixed source analysis to dynamic analysis by incorporating moving sources. The ray tracing methodology tracks RF energy propagation from sources that change position over time, allowing accurate prediction of energy deposition patterns as sources move through the environment. This dynamic approach accounts for time-varying geometric relationships between sources, objects, and reflection surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The analysis system implements nested reflection modeling by incorporating multiple generations of reflections within the ray tracing algorithm. Primary reflections from objects are traced, and subsequent reflections from other surfaces are recursively tracked. This nested structure allows the system to capture complex multi-bounce reflection paths while maintaining computational efficiency through systematic organization of reflection generations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If traditional analysis techniques are used, then the computational requirements are low, but no graphical user interface is provided for interactive analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A graphical user interface is introduced as an intermediary layer between the user and the complex ray tracing computation engine. The GUI provides intuitive visualization of energy deposition patterns, allows users to interactively query energy levels at specific locations, and enables manipulation of analysis parameters without requiring users to understand the underlying computational complexity. This mediator translates complex computational results into accessible visual information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual calculation and interpretation methods with automated computer-based ray tracing and graphical display. Instead of manually computing energy deposition from moving sources and multiple reflections, the system uses computational algorithms to automatically trace rays, calculate energy distribution, and generate visual representations. This substitution of mechanical/computational automation eliminates manual effort while providing enhanced interactive capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If traditional transmittance analysis is used, then the analysis is straightforward, but it does not resolve effects from multiple generations of reflections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of energy deposition measurementVSAvoidanalysis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ray tracing algorithm performs preliminary tracking of RF energy paths before calculating final energy deposition values. By pre-computing reflection paths, transmission paths, and absorption events along each ray trajectory, the system systematically captures energy distribution from multiple generations of reflections. This preliminary action ensures that all relevant reflection paths are accounted for before aggregating results, improving measurement precision through comprehensive path tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 accurate prediction and visualization of RF energy deposition on objects, supporting safety assessments and efficacy evaluations by accounting for moving sources and complex reflection patterns, with a graphical interface for user interaction and query capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

Ray traces of radio frequency energy are calculated from the radio frequency source to the object, as well as ray traces of radio frequency energy reflected off of the objects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRay tracing:

Implementation Method 2

The radio frequency energy deposited onto the object from the ray traces is calculated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy deposition: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2526435B1Radio frequency energy deposition analysis
Publication Date: 2014.03.05 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2526435B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2526435B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2526435B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Radio frequency energy deposition analysis can include receiving information defining one or more radio frequency sources. Information defining one or more objects interacting with energy from the radio frequency sources may also be received. Ray traces of radio frequency energy from the radio frequency source to the object may be calculated. Ray traces of radio frequency energy reflected off of the object can also be calculated. Finally, the radio frequency energy deposited onto the object from the ray traces can be determined. The deposited energy may be graphically displayed and queried.