| 摘要 |
A system is disclosed for transmitting data and/or power across a structural component, comprising: a structural component, a first transducer and a second transducer. The structural component is formed of first and second layers which conform to one another, the first layer comprising a dielectric composite material having first and second surfaces, and the second layer comprising a conductive material contacting the first surface of the first layer, whereby the electrical reactance of the first layer is configured for the propagation of electromagnetic surface waves thereacross. The first transducer is on or adjacent the second surface of the first layer of the structural component at a first location, the first transducer being adapted to generate electromagnetic surface waves for carrying data and/or power across the first layer. The second transducer is on or adjacent the second surface of the first layer of the structural component at a second location spaced from the first location, the second transducer being adapted to receive electromagnetic surface waves from the first layer and to retrieve data and/or power from the received electromagnetic surface waves. The electromagnetic surface waves are transmitted from the first transducer to the second transducer by the first layer of the structural component. The dielectric composite material forming the first layer comprises reinforcement elements disposed in a matrix, and the first layer has a bulk region in which both the reinforcement elements and the matrix are present and a first skin region comprising a greater proportion of matrix to reinforcement elements than in the bulk region, the first skin region forming the first surface of the first layer. A vehicle and a network each comprising the system are also provided, as is a method of its manufacture. |
