Transparent Reflectarray Glass for Radio Directivity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing directivity control arrays face challenges in being integrated into transparent objects like glass without significantly reducing visible light transmittance.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication device that incorporates a directivity control array using a transparent window glass as a dielectric base material, with conductors and a processor to control radio wave directivity without impairing the glass's transparency, utilizing a reflectarray configuration and meta-material properties to adjust reflection angles based on voltage application patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a directivity control array is disposed on a transparent object like glass, then radio wave directivity control is improved, but visible light transmittance is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making individual unit elements electrically controllable to exhibit different electromagnetic properties. Each unit element can be independently configured to either reflect or transmit radio waves based on voltage application, while maintaining optical transparency. This localized control allows the array to achieve directivity control functionality without uniformly blocking visible light across the entire glass surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling real-time reconfiguration of the directivity control array's electromagnetic characteristics through voltage control. The unit elements can dynamically switch between different operational states (reflection vs. transmission) in response to control signals, allowing adaptive beamforming and directivity adjustment while preserving the glass's inherent optical transparency when not actively controlling radio waves.
2Reliability
If a directivity control array is disposed on a transparent object like glass, then communication coverage is improved, but the glass transparency is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making individual unit elements electrically controllable to exhibit different electromagnetic properties. Each unit element can be independently configured to either reflect or transmit radio waves based on voltage application, while maintaining optical transparency. This localized control allows the array to achieve directivity control functionality without uniformly blocking visible light across the entire glass surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by utilizing voltage-controlled modification of the unit elements' electromagnetic parameters. By applying different voltage levels, the electrical characteristics (such as impedance and phase shift) of each unit element can be adjusted to optimize radio wave control while maintaining the glass's optical transparency. This parameter control enables communication coverage improvement without permanent optical obstruction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If meta-material properties are utilized in directivity control arrays, then radio wave reflection directivity is improved, but visible light transmittance is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making individual unit elements electrically controllable to exhibit different electromagnetic properties. Each unit element can be independently configured to either reflect or transmit radio waves based on voltage application, while maintaining optical transparency. This localized control allows the array to achieve directivity control functionality without uniformly blocking visible light across the entire glass surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements composite materials by integrating transparent conductive materials and meta-material structures into the glass substrate. The unit elements are constructed using transparent conductive oxides or other optically transparent conductive materials that provide the necessary electromagnetic control while remaining transparent to visible light. This composite approach enables meta-material functionality without sacrificing optical clarity.
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 communication in areas with poor signal coverage by maintaining high visible light transmittance through the glass while improving radio wave directivity and coverage, reducing the formation of insensitive areas.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a reflectarray configuration and meta-material properties to adjust reflection angles based on voltage application patterns
Implementation Method 2
an incident radio wave can be reflected or passed through in a mode to provide the radio wave with a desired directivity
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a reflectarray configuration and meta-material properties to adjust reflection angles based on voltage application patterns
Data Source
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AI summary
A directivity control array is disposed without significantly reducing the transmittance of visible light in a transparent object. A wireless communication device includes a base material; a directivity control array disposed on the base material, the directivity control array having a plurality of unit elements disposed in a certain two-dimensional pattern; and a wiring and a controller disposed on the base material, the wiring connected to a DC power supply to apply a DC voltage to desired unit elements; the controller controlling the DC voltage to be applied to the desired unit elements.