RF Repeater System Ultrasonic Data Transmission Through Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
RF signals face attenuation and shielding issues when propagating through materials like metal and concrete, hindering the transmission of connected home device data to a connected home controller in residential settings.
Innovation Solution
An RF repeater system that demodulates RF signals, converts them into ultrasonic data streams capable of traversing shielding materials, and then modulates them back into RF signals for transmission, using surface transducers attached to both sides of the obstructing object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If RF signals are used for transmission, then transmission speed and range are improved, but signal attenuation and shielding by metal/concrete objects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary medium (ultrasonic waves) to transfer data between two points separated by RF shielding material. The surface transducers convert RF signals to ultrasonic vibrations that can penetrate the shielding material, and then convert back to RF signals on the other side, effectively mediating the data transmission through the obstacle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic RF transmission system with a mechanical ultrasonic vibration system for penetrating the shielding material. The surface transducers generate ultrasonic waves that mechanically vibrate the material molecules, enabling energy transfer through the metal or concrete that blocks RF signals.
2Reliability
If surface transducers are attached to both sides of the object to enable transmission through shielding material, then transmission capability through shielding is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a first surface transducer on the sending side, a second surface transducer on the receiving side, and the ultrasonic wave propagation medium (the shielding material itself). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface transducers serve multiple functions: they act as both receivers for incoming RF signals and transmitters for outgoing ultrasonic waves. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added capability to penetrate shielding materials.
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 effective data transmission through RF shielding materials, ensuring reliable connectivity for connected home services by overcoming signal attenuation and shielding limitations.
Implementation Method 1
surface transducers attached to both sides of the obstructing object
Implementation Method 2
changes an original data rate of the data stream to a new Manchester encoded data stream with an ultrasonic data rate capable of propagating through the object
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (“RF”) repeater system can receive, from a connected home device, an original RF signal that is unable to propagate through an object. The RF repeater system can demodulate the original RF signal to extract a data stream that includes data captured by the connected home device, can change an original data rate of the data stream to a new data rate that matches an ultrasonic frequency capable of propagating through the object thereby creating an ultrasonic data stream, can transmit, by a first surface transducer, the ultrasonic data stream through the object to a second surface transducer, can receive, by the second surface transducer, the ultrasonic data stream, can change the data stream from the new data rate back to the original data rate, can modulate the data stream to create a new RF signal, and can transmit the new RF signal towards the destination.