Surface Wave Generator Geometry for Coated Ship Hull Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surface wave communication efficiency is reduced by foreign-material layers on metal surfaces, making it difficult to maintain effective signal propagation in metal structures like ships and containers, where thick foreign-material layers cause significant impedance mismatch and signal loss.
Innovation Solution
A surface wave generator with a radiator, dielectric substrates, and surface wave generation members with distinct geometric patterns is designed to adapt to the metal surface conditions, including foreign-material layers, by adjusting the thickness, area, and number of dielectric substrates and surface wave generation members to achieve impedance matching and resonance, thereby minimizing the impact of foreign-material layers on communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a surface wave generator is mounted on a metal surface exposed to external environment, then the generator can be installed and operated, but foreign-material layers are deposited on the metal surface causing decreased communication efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple surface wave generation members with different geometric patterns (first pattern, second pattern, third pattern) that are designed to operate under different foreign-material layer thickness conditions. Before the actual deployment, the system is prepared with multiple patterns so that when installed on a metal surface, the appropriate pattern can be selected based on the observed communication efficiency, thereby proactively addressing the foreign-material layer issue rather than reacting to it after installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the geometric patterns of the surface wave generation members. Each pattern has different physical characteristics (geometry, configuration) that affect how the electromagnetic waves interact with foreign-material layers of different thicknesses. By changing the pattern parameter, the system can adapt to different environmental conditions and maintain communication efficiency despite the presence of foreign-material layers deposited on the metal surface
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the foreign-material layer thickness increases on the metal surface, then the environmental exposure continues, but the communication efficiency by the surface wave generator decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the surface wave generation system adaptable and reconfigurable. Instead of a fixed single pattern, the system includes multiple surface wave generation members with different geometric patterns that can be selectively activated. This dynamic capability allows the system to respond to changing environmental conditions (increasing foreign-material layer thickness) by switching to appropriate patterns that maintain communication efficiency over extended operational periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares multiple geometric patterns in advance, allowing the operator to select the optimal pattern based on the current foreign-material layer thickness. This preliminary preparation enables the system to maintain reliable communication even after prolonged environmental exposure, as the appropriate pattern is already available for selection without requiring system redesign or additional hardware installation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a thick foreign-material layer is present on the metal surface, then the protection or coating is applied, but the surface wave communication becomes impossible or highly inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by designing different geometric patterns with specific local characteristics optimized for different foreign-material layer conditions. Each pattern has unique geometric properties (shape, size, configuration) that create localized electromagnetic field distributions better suited for penetrating or interacting with specific thicknesses of foreign-material layers. This allows the system to maintain communication efficiency despite the presence of protective coatings or thick foreign-material layers on the metal surface
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric pattern parameter to adapt to different foreign-material layer thicknesses. By selecting patterns with appropriate geometric characteristics, the system can overcome the impedance mismatch and signal attenuation caused by thick foreign-material layers, thereby maintaining reliable surface wave communication even when the metal surface has substantial protective coatings
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 adaptive design of the surface wave generator maintains high communication efficiency even with thick foreign-material layers, achieving up to 50% efficiency in the ISM band, comparable to the efficiency without such layers, by effectively matching impedance and optimizing signal propagation.
Implementation Method 1
a radiator to which a signal is applied from the outside and which forms an electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
when the signal is applied from the outside, resonance is generated through the electromagnetic field generated in the radiator
Data Source
AI summary
A surface wave generator is proposed. The generator may include a radiator configured to generate an electromagnetic field based on a signal externally applied. The generator may also include a first dielectric substrate on a top of the radiator and a second dielectric substrate on a bottom of the radiator. The generator may further include a first surface wave generation member on a bottom of the second dielectric substrate, a first geometric pattern being deposited on a top of the first surface wave generation member. The generator may further include a third dielectric substrate on a bottom of the first surface wave generation member. The generator may also include a second surface wave generation member between the third dielectric substrate and a metal surface, a second geometric pattern different from the first geometric pattern and being deposited on an upper surface of the second surface wave generation member.