3D Printed RF Resonator Geometry and Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for manufacturing radiofrequency resonant elements, such as coils, are limited in producing various shapes and sections, and struggle with deformation due to their small size and mechanical vibrations, while also complicating the integration of holding elements.

Innovation Solution

A method involving three-dimensional printing, including laser fusion on a powder bed or molten wire deposition, allows for the creation of resonant elements with customizable geometries and the integration of fixing tabs directly onto the printed circuit, enabling secure assembly and diverse shapes without the need for specific tooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional winding methods are used to manufacture resonant elements, then cylindrical coils can be produced, but the variety of geometries is limited and conductor deformation risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometry varietyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical winding process with a three-dimensional printing process. This substitution allows for the creation of resonant elements with diverse geometries (elliptical, rectangular, irregular shapes) without the constraints of winding methods, eliminating conductor deformation risks and enabling complex cross-sections that were previously difficult or impossible to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the manufacturing parameters from mechanical winding constraints to additive manufacturing parameters. The three-dimensional printing process allows independent control of geometric parameters (cross-sectional shape, coil diameter, turn spacing, overall dimensions) without the interdependencies that exist in traditional winding, enabling precise customization of resonant element geometry while simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If resonant elements are made very small to minimize device size, then device footprint is reduced, but deformation under weight and vibrations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material structures in the three-dimensional printed resonant elements, combining conductive materials with supportive structural materials. This allows the creation of miniaturized resonant elements that maintain structural integrity through optimized internal geometries and material distributions, preventing deformation under weight and vibrations while keeping the device footprint small.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from two-dimensional planar resonant elements to three-dimensional structures with optimized spatial arrangements. The additive manufacturing process enables complex 3D geometries that provide enhanced structural rigidity and deformation resistance in miniaturized resonant elements, allowing them to maintain stability at smaller sizes through vertical and spatial optimization rather than just increasing planar dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If retaining elements are integrated during manufacturing, then assembly is simplified, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the manufacturing of the resonant element body and its retaining elements (mounting tabs, fixing features) into a single three-dimensional printing operation. This consolidation eliminates separate manufacturing and assembly steps for retaining elements, simplifying the overall assembly process while the additive manufacturing technology handles the increased geometric complexity without requiring additional manufacturing equipment or processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach enables the easy production of resonant elements with a wide range of shapes and sections, reduces deformation, and integrates holding elements seamlessly, facilitating the miniaturization of radiofrequency devices while maintaining electrical performance.

Implementation Method 1

The three-dimensional printing step includes a powder bed fusion laser step

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser fusion: Laser Beam Welding

Implementation Method 2

The three-dimensional printing step includes a fused filament deposition step

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMolten wire deposition: Extrusion

Data Source

PatentEP3038118B1Method for fabricating an electronic device comprising a radio-frequency resonator connected to a printed circuit board
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 THALES SA
  • EP3038118B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3038118B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A method for manufacturing an electronic device (8) comprising at least one radio frequency resonant element (12) connected to a printed circuit board (10), the method comprising: - a step of manufacturing the resonant element (12); and - a step of attaching the resonant element (12) to the printed circuit board (10) in an assembled position. The manufacturing step of the resonant element (12) includes a step of three-dimensional printing of at least one blank of the resonant element (12).