Transparent Antenna Housing for Window-Mounted Back Radiation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The deployment of small cells for 5G network densification is hindered by the difficulty in finding locations, high costs for fiber and electricity installation, and urbanistic regulations, while existing solutions do not adequately address back radiation and electromagnetic field emissions from antennas installed in front of windows.

Innovation Solution

A communication system comprising a transparent open container with metallic-based material sides and a dielectric panel, housing an antenna system at a defined distance from the window, to minimize back radiation and electromagnetic field emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an antenna is installed in buildings in front of glazing to provide coverage outside, then installation ease and access to fiber/power are improved, but back radiation and reflected energy cause harmful electromagnetic field emissions inside the building

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidback radiation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A transparent open container with metallic-based material is introduced as an intermediary structure between the antenna and the building interior. This container acts as a mediator that allows the antenna to be installed in front of glazing for ease of access to fiber and power, while simultaneously containing and redirecting back radiation to prevent harmful electromagnetic field emissions inside the building.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The metallic-based material in the transparent open container converts the harmful back radiation and reflected energy into beneficial forward-directed radiation. By placing this material at specific positions (back side and lateral sides), the container transforms the problematic reflected waves into constructive interference patterns that enhance signal transmission outside while reducing indoor emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Shape

If a transparent antenna system is used to maintain building aesthetics, then visual appearance is improved, but the antenna still generates back radiation and reflected energy that require additional mitigation structures

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaestheticsVSAvoidelectromagnetic field emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A transparent open container with thin metallic-based material layers is used to maintain building aesthetics while providing electromagnetic field mitigation. The transparent nature of the container and the thinness of the metallic layers allow light to pass through, preserving the visual appearance of the building facade, while still effectively containing and redirecting back radiation and reflected energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enhances network densification by reducing unwanted electromagnetic field exposure and allowing seamless, aesthetic integration into urban environments.

Implementation Method 1

a part of its radiated power towards the glazing is reflected back from the interface of the air and the glazing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

it is also necessary to limit the radiation of such indoor-installed antennas inside the buildings in order to comply with the electromagnetic field (EMF) regulations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4511913B1Communication device and associated method
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 AGC GLASS EUROPE SA
  • EP4511913B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4511913B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4511913B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a communication system comprising a window, a transparent open container comprising a back side and at least two opposite lateral sides; the back side and the lateral sides comprise a metallic-based material. The communication system comprises a transparent antenna system radiating at a defined range of wavelengths and an installation interface panel. The communication system further comprises a fixing means configured to attach the antenna system and the installation interface panel inside the transparent open container and configured to attach the antenna system and the interface layer in front of the window, the antenna system is placed between the back side and the installation interface panel at a defined distance, Daw wherein Daw > 0, from the window, the installation interface panel is placed a defined distance, Diw wherein Diw ≥ 0, from the window. The back side and the lateral sides comprise a transparent dielectric panel being fixed by an interlayer to the metallic-based material.