Transparent Reflectarray Mesh for mmWave Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in 5G wireless communications is the high propagation losses and dead zones caused by the use of higher-frequency radio waves, which require more towers or active phase repeat antennas, leading to cost inefficiencies in beam steering of radiofrequency (RF) waves.
Innovation Solution
An optically transparent reflectarray article is developed, comprising a frequency selective surface (FSS) layer with resonating metallic elements and a ground plane layer sandwiched between dielectric layers, allowing for cost-effective beam steering of RF waves in the 1.0 mm to 10.0 cm wavelength range while maintaining visibility in the 380 nm to 700 nm light spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If higher-frequency radio waves (mmWave) are used to increase bandwidth and download speeds, then greater bandwidth and higher download speeds are achieved, but propagation losses increase and dead zones are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a passive reflectarray antenna as an intermediary device between the 5G base station and mobile devices. This reflectarray uses a pattern of resonating metallic elements on a dielectric substrate to reflect and redirect mmWave signals, acting as a mediator that extends signal coverage to dead zones without requiring additional active transmission infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the antenna system by using resonating metallic elements with specific geometries and patterns that are tuned to resonate at mmWave frequencies. This allows the passive structure to effectively reflect and redirect high-frequency signals that would otherwise experience high propagation losses.
2Reliability
If more towers or active phase repeat antennas are deployed to resolve dead zones, then coverage is improved, but cost effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive reflectarray antennas that are significantly cheaper than active phase repeat antennas or additional towers. These passive structures require no power consumption, complex electronics, or maintenance, making them a cost-effective solution for extending coverage while reducing infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of signal reflection and redirection from complex active antenna systems and implements it through simple passive metallic element patterns on dielectric substrates, eliminating the need for power-consuming electronics while maintaining coverage functionality.
3Ease of operation
If reflective surfaces are used to redirect RF waves, then beam steering capability is achieved, but optical transparency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific patterns of resonating metallic elements with varying geometries at different locations on the dielectric substrate. Each element pattern is locally optimized to provide the desired phase shift for beam steering while maintaining overall optical transparency through careful design of element size, shape, and spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin dielectric substrate films that are optically transparent, allowing the reflectarray structure to be integrated into windows or transparent surfaces. The thin-film nature of the substrate maintains optical transparency while the patterned metallic elements provide the necessary RF reflection and beam steering functionality.
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 solution provides effective beam steering with high transmittance in the visible light spectrum, reducing the need for additional infrastructure and enhancing wireless communication coverage by redirecting RF waves efficiently, thus addressing the cost and coverage issues in 5G networks.
Implementation Method 1
a frequency selective surface (FSS) layer comprising a pattern of resonating metallic elements configured to reflect an incident radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic wave
Implementation Method 2
configured to reflect an incident radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic wave
Implementation Method 3
one or more dielectric layers sandwiched between the FSS layer and the ground plane layer
Data Source
AI summary
Optically transparent reflectarray articles and methods of making and using the same are provided. The reflectarray article includes a frequency selective surface (FSS) layer and a ground plane layer disposed on opposite sides of a dielectric substrate. The FSS layer includes a pattern of wire-like resonating metallic elements configured to reflect incident mmWaves, and the ground plane layer includes a pattern of metal-based conductor mesh to provide conductivity and high visible light transmittance.