Window Reflect Array Relay for 5G Millimeter-Wave Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G standard's millimeter wave spectrum wireless signals have a short range and are susceptible to propagation loss and atmospheric degradation, posing challenges for achieving efficient wireless connectivity in smart infrastructure environments like smart buildings and vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A smart infrastructure sensing and communication system utilizing metamaterial-based resonant structures, either passive or active, integrated into glass windows to act as relays for high-frequency signals, enhancing signal propagation and coverage by beamforming and phase shifting, and allowing for multicast communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If 5G millimeter wave spectrum is used for wireless communication, then data speed and capacity are improved, but signal range and reliability deteriorate due to propagation loss and atmospheric attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces resonant structures as intermediary elements that capture, store, and re-transmit millimeter wave signals. These structures act as mediators between the 5G base station and end devices, extending signal reach while maintaining high data speeds by converting electromagnetic energy into resonant mechanical vibrations and back.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant structures operate by periodically vibrating at their natural resonant frequencies when excited by millimeter wave signals. This periodic mechanical vibration converts electromagnetic energy into kinetic energy and back, enabling signal propagation over extended distances while preserving the high-frequency characteristics needed for 5G data speeds.
2Quantity of substance
If 5G millimeter wave spectrum is used for wireless communication, then data capacity is improved, but signal range deteriorates due to short propagation distance
Solution Approach 1:
Resonant structures serve as intermediary relay points that receive high-capacity millimeter wave signals, convert them to mechanical vibrations, and re-transmit them as electromagnetic signals. This intermediary conversion process extends the effective signal range while preserving the high data capacity of the original 5G transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electromagnetic wave propagation with a mechanical vibration intermediate step. The resonant structures convert electromagnetic signals into mechanical vibrations and back, effectively substituting a mechanical transmission pathway to extend signal range beyond the natural limits of millimeter wave propagation.
3Length of stationary object
If traditional wireless relay systems are used, then signal coverage is extended, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic relay systems with simple mechanical resonant structures. These passive structures extend signal coverage through their natural resonant properties without requiring power consumption or complex control electronics, achieving coverage extension with minimal device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant structures are passive elements that extend signal coverage automatically through their inherent physical properties. They require no external power source, control systems, or active components - the structures self-organize to capture and re-transmit signals based on their natural resonant frequencies, eliminating the need for complex system management.
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 wireless connectivity and coverage within smart infrastructures, overcoming signal loss and environmental degradation issues, enabling efficient communication and occupancy sensing while reducing complexity and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
resonant structures or reflect arrays having an array of resonant elements or cells
Implementation Method 2
passive or active, to provide beamforming and phase shifting to reflect RF signals to specific locations
Data Source
AI summary
The reflect array system includes a resonant structure formed of an array of resonant cells and for passive reflection of incident signals. The resonant structure generates a radio frequency (“RF”) signal that is shaped and steered by the reflect array.