Window-Integrated Building Antenna With Selective Low-E Coating Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
High frequency wireless communication protocols like 5G face challenges in urban areas due to signal attenuation by building materials and lack of suitable deployment spaces, requiring numerous antennas that are aesthetically unpleasing and difficult to install.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system that transceives electromagnetic signals across windows with minimal attenuation by placing antennas near windows and selectively removing attenuating coatings, such as low emissivity coatings, using techniques like laser ablation, to create patterns that facilitate signal passage and reduce aesthetic impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antennas are deployed on exterior structures to provide 5G coverage, then wireless communication coverage is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna system with the window structure itself, integrating radiating elements into the window assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate exterior antenna structures, reducing deployment complexity while maintaining aesthetic appearance and providing reliable 5G coverage through the window medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The window structure serves multiple functions: it provides building enclosure, allows natural light transmission, and simultaneously acts as an antenna radiator for 5G communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated antenna infrastructure, simplifying deployment while maintaining coverage reliability.
2Reliability
If numerous antennas are deployed to provide adequate 5G coverage in urban areas, then wireless communication capacity is improved, but aesthetic appearance and visual appeal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making specific regions of the window (particularly edges and corners) more transparent to electromagnetic waves while maintaining the overall aesthetic appearance of the window. This localized modification provides adequate 5G capacity without requiring numerous visible antennas across the entire building facade.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electromagnetic transparency characteristics of the window in specific regions, analogous to color changes, to create areas that are more permeable to 5G signals. These modifications are localized to edges and corners, preserving the aesthetic appearance of the main window surface while providing sufficient communication capacity.
3Speed
If high frequency bands are used for 5G communication, then data transmission rate is improved, but signal attenuation by building materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by selectively removing or modifying attenuating coatings on the window surface before antenna operation. This pre-treatment creates regions of reduced attenuation, allowing high frequency 5G signals to pass through the window with minimal loss, thereby maintaining high data transmission rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of attenuating coatings into a benefit by selectively removing them in specific patterns. The coatings that originally blocked signals are now strategically eliminated to create transmission pathways, turning the obstacle into a facilitator of high frequency signal propagation.
4Loss of energy
If attenuating coatings are removed from windows to facilitate signal transmission, then signal attenuation is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by removing attenuating coatings only in specific regions (edges and corners) rather than across the entire window surface. This partial removal approach reduces manufacturing complexity compared to complete coating removal, while still providing sufficient signal transmission pathways for 5G communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by modifying the coating only in specific regions where it is most effective for signal transmission. This localized approach minimizes manufacturing complexity and material costs while achieving the primary goal of reducing signal attenuation for antenna operation.
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 wireless communication coverage both inside and outside buildings with reduced infrastructure needs, providing efficient 5G coverage while minimizing visual and logistical challenges.
Implementation Method 1
The coating removal may be done via laser ablation
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for transceiving radio frequency (RF) signals through a window of a building are disclosed, the window having a first surface facing an interior of the building. An antenna arrangement is attached to a building structure adjacent the first surface and the antenna arrangement includes one or more radiating elements configured to transceive the RF signals through the window. In some embodiments, the building structure is mullion. In some embodiments a window surface includes an electrochromic and/or low emissivity coating that is excluded from a region proximate to the radiating elements.