Building Ventilation Ducts as Wireless Signal Waveguides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in distributing wireless broadband signals effectively within buildings due to signal attenuation and reflection caused by building structures, particularly when using multiple orthogonal subcarriers, as they require intelligent subcarrier allocation to ensure strong signal strength and noise ratio.

Innovation Solution

The method involves inserting antennas into building ventilation systems to transmit and optimize wireless broadband signals with multiple orthogonal subcarriers, analyzing signal parameters, and intelligently allocating subcarriers based on propagation characteristics to enhance signal quality and coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If wireless broadband signals are transmitted through building structures (walls, floors, ceilings), then coverage area is extended, but signal strength and quality deteriorate due to attenuation and reflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidsignal strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes building ventilation ducts as transmission waveguides, transitioning from traditional three-dimensional space propagation to guided one-dimensional transmission along duct pathways. This dimensional change allows signals to bypass attenuating building structures by traveling through dedicated transmission channels (ducts) that guide electromagnetic waves from access points to remote receivers without penetrating walls, floors, or ceilings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple orthogonal subcarriers are used for broadband transmission, then data capacity increases, but system complexity increases requiring intelligent subcarrier allocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies intelligent subcarrier allocation by dynamically adjusting transmission parameters including which orthogonal subcarriers are active, their power levels, and modulation schemes based on channel conditions. The system modifies subcarrier parameters (frequency, amplitude, phase) to optimize performance, turning off subcarriers experiencing deep fades and concentrating power on stronger subcarriers, thereby managing complexity through adaptive parameter control rather than static configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where receivers report channel quality metrics for different subcarriers back to transmitters. This feedback enables intelligent allocation decisions by providing real-time information about which subcarriers perform well in specific duct paths and locations, allowing the system to adaptively optimize subcarrier usage based on actual propagation conditions rather than relying on complex pre-planning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If signal power is increased to overcome attenuation, then signal strength improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces ventilation ducts as intermediary transmission waveguides between transmitters and receivers. These ducts act as mediators that guide and protect electromagnetic signals through building structures without requiring high power transmission. The duct intermediary enables low-power transmission by providing a controlled transmission path that reduces signal loss compared to direct propagation through attenuating building materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach improves the distribution and quality of wireless broadband signals by optimizing subcarrier allocation and propagation characteristics, overcoming signal attenuation and reflection issues within buildings, ensuring strong and reliable communication.

Implementation Method 1

the ducts of a conventional ventilation system can operate as wave guides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

a signal may be communicated in Orthogonal Frequency Division Modulation (OFDM) or Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) format

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOrthogonal Frequency Division Modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS10098008B2Optimized distribution of wireless broadband in a building

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 CENTURYLINK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems are disclosed for optimizing the distribution of a broadband wireless signal in a building. The methods and systems include at least one antenna inserted into a building ventilation system and transmitting a wireless broadband training sequence from a transmitter in communication with the antenna. The wireless broadband training sequence will include multiple orthogonal subcarriers. The methods and systems further include detecting the wireless broadband training sequence with a receiver in the building. In selected embodiments, the methods and systems include the steps of analyzing a parameter of the detected wireless broadband training sequence and optimizing a subsequently transmitted wireless broadband signal based at least in part upon the analyzed parameter of the wireless broadband training sequence.