Waveguide System for Guided Wave Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for higher bandwidth in wireless infrastructure due to ubiquitous smart phones and portable devices requires new methods to enhance mobile bandwidth, particularly in providing coverage for smaller areas and managing broadband access networks effectively.

Innovation Solution

A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves bound to or guided by transmission media such as wires or dielectric materials, allowing for energy and data transmission without the need for an electrical return path, using couplers and transceivers to launch and receive these waves along the transmission medium.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If traditional wireless infrastructure is used to provide coverage, then mobile bandwidth can be extended, but signal loss increases over longer distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage distanceVSAvoidsignal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a waveguide system as an intermediary transmission medium between the transmitter and receiver. The waveguide confines and guides electromagnetic waves along a defined path, reducing signal loss over distance compared to traditional wireless propagation. The waveguide acts as a mediator that maintains signal integrity while extending coverage distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional wireless electromagnetic propagation (mechanical wave transmission through air) with guided wave transmission through a physical waveguide structure. This substitution confines the electromagnetic energy within the waveguide boundaries, reducing dispersion and loss, thereby extending effective transmission distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If higher bandwidth capability is implemented to address increased demand, then data capacity improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission system into distinct functional components: a waveguide structure for signal transmission, couplers for energy transfer, and transceivers for signal processing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for high bandwidth performance while managing overall system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The waveguide system is designed to support multiple communication protocols and frequencies through a single unified structure. The waveguide can carry both power and data signals simultaneously, and the system can operate in both electrical open and closed circuit modes, providing multi-functionality that reduces the need for separate systems for different functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If waveguide systems are used for power and data transmission, then transmission efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges power transmission and data transmission into a single waveguide system. The waveguide simultaneously carries electromagnetic energy for power delivery and modulated signals for data communication, eliminating the need for separate power and data lines. This consolidation improves transmission efficiency by reducing the number of interfaces and components while managing complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables efficient propagation of energy and data with reduced loss over longer distances, supporting various communication protocols and frequencies, and can operate in both electrical open and closed circuits, enhancing wireless infrastructure capacity.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

receiving, by a first waveguide system, first optical power signals via an optical fiber, where the first waveguide system converts the first optical power signals to electrical energy to be utilized as power by the first waveguide system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical to electrical conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10371889B1Method and apparatus for providing power to waveguide systems

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system for receiving first optical power signals via an optical fiber connected with a light source of a network device, converting the first optical power signals to electrical energy utilizing an optical power converter where the electrical energy is utilized as power by the system, and transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves that propagate along a transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path, and wherein the electromagnetic waves convey data. Other embodiments are disclosed.