Waveguide twists and systems and methods for use thereof

Abstract

A waveguide twist is provided. The waveguide twist includes a plurality of waveguide segments. The plurality of waveguide segments are continuously connected to each other. Each waveguide segment includes a thickness and a plurality of transformation parameters. Each segment of the plurality of the segments affects the polarization of the waveguide twist based upon the thickness of the corresponding segment.

Description

WAVEGUIDE TWISTS AND SYSTEMS AND METHODSFOR USE THEREOFCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 561,866, Filed March 6, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The field of the invention relates generally to a waveguide twists, and more specifically, to systems and methods for an innovative design and configuration of a waveguide twist.BACKGROUND

[0003] Waveguide systems are fundamental components in various communication and signal processing applications. Its primary' function is to alter the polarization of the waveguide or enable the mechanical connection of waveguides exhibiting two distinct polarizations. This becomes essential within a waveguide connection system, where the need arises to seamlessly integrate waveguides with differing polarization orientations. Whether is involves the transformation of polarization or the mechanical alignment of waveguides, its role is crucial in maintaining the continuity and efficiency of the overall waveguide connection infrastructure.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for improved waveguide twists.

[0005] This background section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] A waveguide twist is provided. The waveguide twist includes a plurality of waveguide segments. The plurality of waveguide segments are continuously connected to each other. Each waveguide segment includes a thickness and a plurality of transformation parameters. Each segment of the plurality of the segments affects the polarization of the w aveguide twist based upon the thickness of the corresponding segment. The device may include additional, less, or alternate functionality, including that discussed elsewhere herein.

[0007] A system is provided. The system includes a plurality of waveguide segments. The plurality of waveguide segments are continuously connected to each other. Each w aveguide segment includes a thickness and a plurality of transformation parameters. Each segment of the plurality of the segments affects the polarization of the waveguide twist based upon the thickness of the corresponding segment. The system may include additional, less, or alternate functionality, including that discussed elsewhere herein.

[0008] Advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the present embodiments may be capable of other and different embodiments, and their details are capable of modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The Figures described below depict various aspects of the systems and methods disclosed therein. It should be understood that each Figure depicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed systems and methods, and that each of the Figures is intended to accord with a possible embodiment thereof. Further, wherever possible, the following description refers to the reference numerals included in the following Figures, in which features depicted in multiple Figures are designated with consistent reference numerals.

[0010] There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are presently discussed, it being understood, however, that the present embodiments are not limited to the precise arrangements and are instrumentalities shown, wherein:

[0011] Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view of a first waveguide twist in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] Figure IB illustrates a perspective view of a second waveguide twist in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the second waveguide twist shown in Figure IB.

[0014] The Figures depict preferred embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the systems and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present embodiments may relate to, inter alia, an innovative design and configuration of a design and configuration of a waveguide twist.

[0016] A waveguide is a structure that guides waves by restricting the transmission of energy to one direction. Common types of waveguides include acoustic waveguides which direct sound, optical waveguides which direct light, and radio-frequency waveguides which direct electromagnetic waves other than light like radio waves. Without the physical constraint of a waveguide, the waves would expand into three-dimensional space and their intensities would decrease according to the inverse square law.

[0017] Waveguides can be constructed to cany' waves over a wide portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, but are especially useful in the microwave and optical frequency ranges. Depending on the frequency, they can be constructed from either conductive or dielectric materials. Waveguides are used for transferring both power and communication signals.

[0018] The waveguide twist described herein provides a novel approach to improving the performance and characteristics of waveguide structures.

[0019] Conventional twists require a mechanical length of at least two wavelengths. The described twist is at least half the length, and more importantly, it is easierto manufacture (and more cost-effective) compared to the traditional torsional twisted twister. Furthermore, the described twist offers the capability to cover the entire frequency range of the waveguide or choose a specific part of the frequency range with the potential for lower losses and better adjustments in this range. Furthermore, the twisf s smaller size allows for easier integration into a waveguide system.

[0020] Using the waveguide twist effectively alters the polarization of the waveguide while minimizing signal losses through the aforementioned component. This waveguide twist plays a crucial role in polarization manipulation within the waveguide system, allowing for a controlled modification of the orientation of electromagnetic waves. The design of this component ensures that the polarization transformation occurs with high efficiency, enabling the waveguide to maintain signal integrity while undergoing the desired polarization change. This capability is particularly valuable in applications where precise control over polarization is essential for optimal performance, and the minimal losses associated with the waveguide twister contribute to the overall efficiency of the system.

[0021] The twisting is achieved through polarization inversion involving a series connection of four stages, each stage being a quarter-wavelength of the waveguide, and each stage is rotated with respect to the previous one (series of four rotated quarter-wave transformer blocks).

[0022] The waveguide twist can be changed by adjusting the thickness of the stages and the rotational step provided by each stage. This provides the capability to achieve frequency coverage across the entire spectrum or selectively focus on specific frequency bands. This customization allows for enhanced characteristics, offering greater flexibility in tailoring the performance to meet specific requirements. The parameter adjustments provide the versatility to optimize the system's behavior, ensuring improved performance and adaptability for different frequency ranges. This provides a mechanism for tailoring waveguide characteristics to specific applications.

[0023] The waveguide twist incorporates aluminum into its design, with a preference for silver-plated aluminum due to its exceptional conductivity, lightweight characteristics, and robust mechanical strength. The choice of silver-plated aluminum ensures efficient transmission of signals within the waveguide, while the overall weight of the component remains minimal. Additionally, the mechanical strength of this material contributesto the durability and longevity' of the waveguide twist, making it a reliable and high- performance component in various applications w ithin the field of waveguide technology'.

[0024] One of the advantages of this waveguide twist includes improved signal transmission, where the twist mechanism enhances signal transmission within the waveguide, resulting in improved performance and reduced signal loss. Another advantage is controlled dispersion, where the controlled parameters allow for the manipulation of dispersion characteristics, enabling fine-tuning for specific frequency ranges and applications. A further advantage is customizable waveguide profiles, where the waveguide twist enables the creation of customized waveguide profiles, offering versatility7in adapting to different communication and signal processing needs.

[0025] Figure 1A illustrates a perspective view of a first waveguide twist in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] Figure IB illustrates a perspective view of a second waveguide twist in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view7of the second w aveguide twist shown in Figure IB.

[0028] In the exemplary embodiment, a waveguide twist is designed to be configurable. The waveguide twist is made up of a plurality of waveguide segments that are attached to each other to build the twist. Each waveguide segment includes a thickness and a plurality of transformation parameters. The plurality of the segments affect the polarization of the waveguide twist based upon the thickness of the corresponding segment. The system is configurable so that different thicknesses of segments may be combined to create different twists with different transformation parameters. In at least one embodiment, there are four segments. In other embodiments, other numbers of segments may be used to provide different transformation parameters and outputs. In some embodiments, the waveguide segments may be of different thicknesses and placed in different orders to have different transformation parameters.

[0029] In the exemplary embodiment, the waveguide segments are releasable connected to each other. These may be connected w ith a plurality7of fasteners, such as, but notlimited to, screws and retaining pins. These fasteners allow different combinations of segments to be attached to each other in different combinations.

[0030] For example, a first segment may be removed and then replaced with a different segment of a different thickness to provide different parameters for the complete waveguide twist.ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

[0031] Description above gives in detail a waveguide twist according to the exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, suffixes ‘"module’" and “unit or portion” for components used herein in description are merely provided only for facilitation of preparing this specification, and thus they are not granted a specific meaning or function. Hence, it should be noticed that “module” and “unit or portion” can be used together. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components will be provided with the same reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. The expression in the singular form in this specification will cover the expression in the plural form unless otherwise indicated obviously from the context.

[0032] It will be apparent to those skilled in that art that various modifications and variations can be made in the fabrication and configuration of the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, the design of the present invention is scalable.

[0033] As another variation, the antenna system of the present invention may be attached to multiple different types of substrates such as, but not limited to, vehicles, buildings, flag poles, ships, boats, may be deployed on aircraft, or may be handheld. The antenna system of the present invention may be mounted vertically as shown herein, or may be mounted in other orientations, such as horizontally on the side, bottom or top of a structure, or inside a vehicle or other structure comprising non-interfering material.

[0034] In addition, a variety of materials may be used to fabricate the components of the apparatus of the invention.

[0035] As embodied herein, the antenna system of the present invention may be connected to various types of RF transceivers or transponders, such as radios, GPS receiversor radars. Thus, the antenna system of the present invention may be used for a wide variety of applications in RF transmission and reception, navigation and / or communication. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of the invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0036] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a’' or “an’' should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “example” or “one example” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples that also incorporate the recited features. Further, to the extent that terms “includes,” “including,” “has,” “contains,” and variants thereof are used herein, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprises” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.

[0037] Furthermore, as used herein, the term “real-time” refers to at least one of the time of occurrence of the associated events, the time of measurement and collection of predetermined data, the time to process the data, and the time of a system response to the events and the environment. In the examples described herein, these activities and events occur substantially instantaneously.

[0038] The patent claims at the end of this document are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being expressly recited in the claim(s).

[0039] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A waveguide twist comprising a plurality of waveguide segments, wherein the plurality of waveguide segments are continuously connected to each other, and wherein each waveguide segment includes a thickness and a plurality of transformation parameters, wherein each segment of the plurality of the segments affects polarization of the waveguide twist based upon the thickness of the corresponding segment.

2. The waveguide twist of Claim 1, wherein the plurality of waveguide segments includes four segments.

3. The waveguide twist of Claim 1, wherein the plurality of waveguide segments includes a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment is of a first thickness and the second segment is of a second thickness, wherein the first thickness and the second thickness are different.

4. The waveguide twist of Claim 1, wherein the plurality’ of waveguide segments are releasable connected to each other.

5. The waveguide twist of Claim 4, wherein the plurality of waveguide segments are releasable connected with a plurality’ of fasteners.

6. The waveguide twist of Claim 5. wherein the plurality of fasteners include at least one of screws and retaining pins.

7. The waveguide twist of Claim 1, wherein the plurality’ of waveguide segments are configured to be placed in different orders.

8. The waveguide twist of Claim 1, wherein the plurality’ of waveguide segments includes a first segment of a first thickness, a second segment of a second thickness, a third segment of a third thickness, and a fourth segment of a fourth thickness.

9. The waveguide twist of Claim 8, wherein the first segment is replaced with a fifth segment of a fifth thickness, wherein the first thickness and the fifth thickness are different.

10. A system comprising a plurality of waveguide segments, wherein the plurality of waveguide segments are continuously connected to each other, and wherein each waveguide segment includes a thickness and a plurality of transformation parameters, wherein each segment of the plurality of the segments affects polarization of a waveguide twist based upon the thickness of the corresponding segment.

11. The system of Claim 10, wherein the plurality of waveguide segments includes four segments.

12. The system of Claim 10, wherein the plurality' of waveguide segments includes a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment is of a first thickness and the second segment is of a second thickness, wherein the first thickness and the second thickness are different.

13. The system of Claim 10, wherein the plurality of waveguide segments are releasable connected to each other.

14. The system of Claim 13, wherein the plurality' of waveguide segments are releasable connected with a plurality of fasteners.

15. The system of Claim 14, wherein the plurality of fasteners include at least one of screws and retaining pins.

16. The system of Claim 10, wherein the plurality of waveguide segments are configured to be placed in different orders.

17. The system of Claim 10, wherein the plurality of waveguide segments includes a first segment of a first thickness, a second segment of a second thickness, a third segment of a third thickness, and a fourth segment of a fourth thickness.

18. The system of Claim 17, wherein the first segment is replaced with a fifth segment of a fifth thickness, wherein the first thickness and the fifth thickness are different.

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