Capacitive Connector Assembly for Coplanar Waveguides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional antennas with coplanar waveguides face challenges in attaching coaxial cables due to structural robustness issues and potential damage from soldering, making it impractical to connect them robustly without altering the antenna's profile or causing insertion loss.

Innovation Solution

A connector assembly using a dielectric adhesive for capacitive coupling between the coplanar waveguide and a connector assembly, which includes electrically conductive pathways and plates for secure attachment without direct mechanical fastening or soldering, allowing for low insertion loss and robust connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If mechanical fasteners or soldering are used to attach coaxial cables to coplanar waveguides, then robust connection is achieved, but the substrate may be damaged or melt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsubstrate damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a connector assembly as an intermediary component between the coplanar waveguide and coaxial cable. This connector includes conductive plates that capacitively couple to the waveguide conductors through a dielectric layer, avoiding direct mechanical or thermal contact with the fragile substrate while still achieving robust electrical connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical fastening and soldering systems with a capacitive coupling system. The connector uses electric fields to transfer signals between the coplanar waveguide and coaxial cable without physical contact or thermal processes, eliminating the harmful effects of mechanical stress and molten solder on the substrate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If direct connection methods are used, then robust attachment is achieved, but insertion loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment robustnessVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric layer in the connector assembly serves as an intermediary that enables capacitive coupling between the signal plates and coplanar waveguide conductors. This intermediate coupling method achieves both robust mechanical attachment and low insertion loss by maintaining proper electrical field distribution without direct contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes parameters such as the dielectric constant of the adhesive layer, the spacing between conductive plates and waveguide conductors, and the plate dimensions to achieve optimal capacitive coupling. These parameter adjustments ensure low insertion loss across wide bandwidth while maintaining robust connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If conventional connection methods are used, then secure bonding is achieved, but the antenna profile is altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidantenna profile

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly is designed as a thin, segmented structure that can be bonded to the coplanar waveguide substrate without significantly increasing the overall profile. The separation of functional elements (signal plates, grounding plates, dielectric layer) allows for a compact design that maintains the antenna's original shape

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 robust and low-insertion-loss connection between coaxial cables and coplanar waveguides, maintaining the antenna's profile and achieving wideband performance with tolerance for alignment errors.

Implementation Method 1

A bottom signal plate is connected to the bottom side. The bottom signal plate is configured for capacitive coupling to a conductor of a coplanar waveguide. A bottom grounding plate is connected to the bottom side and spaced apart from the bottom signal plate. The bottom grounding plate is configured for capacitive coupling to a grounding plane of the coplanar waveguide.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8350638B2Connector assembly for providing capacitive coupling between a body and a coplanar waveguide and method of assembling

Publication Date: 2013.01.08 GENERAL MOTORS LLC

AI summary

A connector assembly includes, but is not limited to, a body having a top side and a bottom side. A bottom signal plate is connected to the bottom side and is configured for capacitive coupling to a conductor of a coplanar waveguide. A bottom grounding plate is connected to the bottom side and is spaced apart from the bottom signal plate. The bottom grounding plate is configured for capacitive coupling to a grounding plane of the coplanar waveguide. A first electrically conductive pathway is electrically connected to the bottom signal plate and extends to the top side. A second electrically conductive pathway is electrically connected to the bottom grounding plate and extends to the top side. A dielectric adhesive at least partially covers a bottom portion of the connector assembly.