Transmission Line Cloaking Structure for Broadband Low Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing invisibility devices for cloaking objects at radio frequency ranges are either narrow band, limiting their effectiveness for signals, or work only for specific angles of incidence, preventing their use in constructing invisible supporting structures or walls.
Innovation Solution
A broadband invisible structure composed of a transmission line network and a matching device that minimizes scattering by simulating free space, allowing electromagnetic radiation to pass through while incorporating metallic wires for mechanical strength, enabling two- and three-dimensional realizations and integration with antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional invisibility devices are used to cloak objects, then the objects become invisible at specific frequencies, but the devices are narrow-band and do not work for signals
Solution Approach 1:
The invisible structure is divided into multiple unit cells arranged in a grid pattern. Each unit cell contains conductive elements that can be independently configured, allowing the overall structure to achieve broadband invisibility by combining multiple narrow-band resonant responses across different frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines conductive materials (for creating electromagnetic resonances) with dielectric materials (for mechanical support and additional electromagnetic properties) to create a composite structure that achieves both broadband electromagnetic compatibility and structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If broad-band invisible structures are used, then they work for signals, but they work only for one angle of incidence and cannot be used to construct invisible supporting walls
Solution Approach 1:
The unit cells are designed with specific geometric configurations that provide different electromagnetic responses in different directions. By varying the orientation and shape of conductive elements within each unit cell, the structure achieves improved angular coverage while maintaining broadband performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar structures to three-dimensional volumetric unit cells with conductive elements extending in multiple dimensions. This 3D configuration enables the structure to interact with electromagnetic waves from multiple angles simultaneously, providing omnidirectional invisibility coverage
3Strength
If mechanically strong materials are used for supporting structures, then the structures can support heavy objects, but they scatter electromagnetic waves and are not invisible
Solution Approach 1:
The invisible structure employs a porous lattice of unit cells with significant void space between conductive elements. This porous configuration minimizes the amount of conductive material present, thereby reducing electromagnetic scattering while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed framework
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements within each unit cell are designed as thin traces or films rather than bulky components. These thin conductive layers provide the necessary electromagnetic functionality while minimizing displacement of electromagnetic energy, reducing scattering effects
4Reliability
If the transmission line network is made dense to simulate free space, then wave propagation is improved, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential electromagnetic functionality from complex transmission line networks by using simplified resonant circuits within each unit cell. These resonant circuits replicate the wave propagation characteristics of dense transmission lines but with significantly reduced geometric complexity and easier manufacturability
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 structure effectively reduces both forward and backward scattering across a wide frequency band, maintaining mechanical strength and allowing electromagnetic radiation to pass through, making it suitable for supporting structures and antenna applications.
Implementation Method 1
The invisible structure can be impedance matched with any surrounding material. This is because the invisible structure simulates the surrounding space.
Implementation Method 2
The wave is guided around the hided object.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure made of in certain frequency bands invisible material includes a transmission line network. The structure has a matching layer at the boundary of the material, supporting structures inside the transmission line network and that the transmission line network has been matched with the surrounding space.