Window-Mounted Wi-Fi Gateway Optical Coupling for Indoor Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile network internet services experience degradation in indoor environments due to radio signal attenuation by building structures, and conventional RF repeaters either degrade indoor signals or cause interference in outdoor environments.
Innovation Solution
A window-mounted Wi-Fi gateway system with paired outdoor and indoor units that communicate via optical transmission through the windowpane, using aligned optical and wireless power couplers to extend indoor coverage without interfering with outdoor signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If outdoor RF repeaters are deployed to amplify radio signals, then indoor signal strength is improved, but outdoor signal interference increases and reception degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the RF signal processing function into two separate units: an outdoor unit that receives and processes RF signals, and an indoor unit that provides Wi-Fi coverage. These units are separated by a window/glass barrier, allowing the outdoor unit to operate without interfering with outdoor signals while the indoor unit delivers enhanced indoor coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical communication channel through the window/glass barrier. The outdoor unit communicates with the indoor unit via optical signals (light) passing through the glass, which acts as an intermediary medium that transfers data without RF interference between the two units.
2Ease of operation
If RF repeaters are placed indoors to improve indoor coverage, then indoor signal availability is improved, but signal quality degrades due to amplifying poor-quality or noisy signals
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor unit performs preliminary RF signal processing and conversion to optical signals before the signals enter the indoor environment. By converting RF signals to optical signals at the window boundary, the system ensures that only high-quality processed signals are introduced indoors, avoiding the problem of amplifying poor-quality signals.
3Reliability
If optical couplers and wireless power couplers are precisely aligned during manufacturing, then system functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates self-aligning features in the coupling mechanisms between outdoor and indoor units. The optical couplers and wireless power couplers are designed with self-alignment capabilities that allow them to automatically adjust and align properly during installation without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures or specialized tools.
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 system provides enhanced indoor network performance without degrading outdoor reception by aligning optical and wireless power couplers during manufacturing, ensuring proper installation without tools or training.
Implementation Method 1
The outdoor unit may be aligned with the indoor unit, such that the units may communicate with each other via an optical transmission through the windowpane
Implementation Method 2
aligned optical and wireless power couplers
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fabricating a window mounted Wi-Fi gateway system, where the method comprises orienting a transparent and substantially flat platform in a horizontal orientation, applying transparent sheet material to each side of the platform, placing first and second optical couplers (OC) perpendicularly on opposing sides of the transparent sheet material, placing a first form on first transparent sheet material, depositing a first stabilizer material within the first form, and turning the platform over a first time. The method further comprises placing a second form on second transparent sheet material wherein the first form and the second form are substantially aligned with each other, depositing a second stabilizer material within the first form, attaching wireless power coils to the second stabilizer material, turning the platform over a second time, attaching wireless power coils to the first stabilizer material, removing the transparent sheet material from the platform, and removing the forms.