Capacitive Coaxial Switch Rotor for Flexible Signal Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-frequency switching devices lack flexibility in connecting coaxial lines, limiting the ability to adjust connections and switch patterns efficiently, especially in high-frequency applications above 1 GHz.

Innovation Solution

A switching device with a rotating rotor and electrical connections that capacitively couple coaxial lines, allowing for adjustable connections and switch positions, enabling flexible signal routing between multiple coaxial connections, including unidirectional and bidirectional signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional galvanic contact switches are used to connect coaxial cables, then electrical connection is established, but flexibility and adjustability of switching patterns are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of switching patternsVSAvoidcomplexity of switching mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a rotatable rotor with electrical connections that can be dynamically positioned to different angular orientations. This dynamic positioning allows the switching pattern to be flexibly adjusted by rotating the rotor to different angles, enabling connection of different coaxial cable pairs without changing the physical structure of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical galvanic contact switches with a capacitive coupling system. Instead of direct physical contact between conductive elements, the invention uses capacitive coupling through dielectric members, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switching mechanisms while achieving the same electrical connection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If capacitive coupling is used to establish electrical connection, then flexibility and adjustability improve, but signal loss may increase at high frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of connectionsVSAvoidsignal loss at high frequencies

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the parameters of the capacitive coupling system by carefully selecting dielectric materials with appropriate properties and designing the geometry of the coupling elements. By adjusting parameters such as dielectric constant, thickness, and surface area of the coupling elements, the system achieves low signal loss at high frequencies while maintaining flexibility and adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a rotating rotor with electrical connections is used, then flexible signal routing is enabled, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal routing flexibilityVSAvoidsize of switching device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the rotatable rotor to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the mechanical rotating element for positioning and as the carrier for the electrical connections. The dielectric members are integrated into the rotor structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device size while maintaining signal routing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides a compact, space-saving design capable of handling high-frequency signals up to 30 GHz with low losses, allowing for flexible and efficient switching of coaxial lines in various frequency bands, including L, S, C, X, Ku, and Ka bands.

Implementation Method 1

it capacitively couples a first coaxial terminal and a second coaxial terminal of the housing, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the first and second coaxial terminals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The first electrical connection extends along the hole and has an inner conductor, the inner conductor being galvanically connected to the switching rotor at least partially along its longitudinal direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

The inner conductor is surrounded, at least partially, by an insulator and/or a dielectric within the hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric isolation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3691022B1Coaxial line switch

Publication Date: 2022.01.12 TESAT SPACECOM GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

A switching device (100) for connecting coaxial cables is described. The switching device comprises: a housing (102) with at least two coaxial connections (104, 105, 106, 107); a switching rotor (110) rotatably arranged in the housing (102) about a longitudinal axis (111); and a first electrical connection (116) which runs through the switching rotor and capacitively couples a first coaxial connection (104) and a second coaxial connection (105) in a predetermined position of the switching rotor, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the first coaxial connection (104) and the second coaxial connection (105).