Antenna Feeding Network Indirect Interconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna feeding networks for multi-radiator antennas face challenges in assembly complexity and passive intermodulation (PIM) due to mechanical connections between coaxial lines, which affect impedance matching and signal transmission.

Innovation Solution

The antenna feeding network employs indirect interconnections, such as capacitive or inductive coupling, between coaxial lines using a connector device with insulating layers, allowing for easy assembly and reduced PIM, while maintaining high performance by using air-filled coaxial lines with optional dielectric elements for phase shifting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical connections (screws, soldering, gluing) are used to connect inner conductors of coaxial lines, then electrical connection is achieved, but passive intermodulation increases and assembly becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidpassive intermodulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A connector element serves as an intermediary between inner conductors, providing electrical connection through capacitive coupling rather than direct mechanical contact. The connector includes insulating portions that electrically isolate while maintaining signal transmission, eliminating PIM issues associated with mechanical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical connection methods (screws, soldering, gluing) with an electrical field-based connection mechanism. The connector element creates capacitive coupling between conductors without physical contact, substituting mechanical fastening with electromagnetic field interaction.

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

2Reliability

If mechanical connections are used between coaxial lines, then electrical connection is established, but assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector element simplifies assembly by providing a pre-fabricated intermediary component that requires no complex mechanical fastening operations. The connector is positioned between conductors and maintains electrical connection through its capacitive structure, eliminating multiple assembly steps required for mechanical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If direct physical contact connections are used between inner conductors, then electrical connection is achieved, but impedance matching becomes difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidimpedance matching
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing mechanical contact with capacitive coupling, the patent eliminates the sensitivity to mechanical tolerances and contact pressure variations that affect impedance matching. The capacitive connection provides consistent electrical characteristics independent of physical contact quality.

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

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 solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces passive intermodulation, and maintains impedance matching, enabling efficient signal transmission and reception in multi-radiator antennas.

Implementation Method 1

The first inner conductor, the second inner conductor, and optionally further inner conductors, are indirectly interconnected... capacitive or inductive interconnection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The first inner conductor, the second inner conductor, and optionally further inner conductors, are indirectly interconnected... capacitive or inductive interconnection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3350873B1Antenna feeding network
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 CELLMAX TECH AB
  • EP3350873B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3350873B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3350873B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An antenna feeding network for a multi-radiator antenna,the antenna feeding network comprising at least two coaxial lines. Each coaxial line comprises a central inner conductor and an elongated outer conductor surrounding the central inner conductor. At least a first inner conductor and a second inner conductor of the at least two coaxial lines are indirectly interconnected.