Coaxial Transition Structure for Microstructure Connector Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coaxial transmission line microstructures face challenges in connecting to standard connectors due to size differences, leading to attenuation, radiation, and reflection of electromagnetic waves, and are susceptible to mechanical stress-induced breakage.
Innovation Solution
The development of coaxial transmission line microstructures with a transition structure that includes an enlarged region for the outer conductor and a support member for the center conductor, allowing for mechanical joining with standard connectors while minimizing signal degradation and enhancing mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a direct connection is made between the microstructure and standard connector, then mechanical joining is achieved, but signal degradation occurs due to size mismatch causing attenuation, radiation, and reflection
Solution Approach 1:
A transition structure serves as an intermediary component between the microstructure and standard connector. This transition structure includes a larger outer conductor and center conductor that gradually transition to the smaller dimensions of the microstructure, enabling mechanical joining while maintaining signal integrity by reducing abrupt impedance changes
Solution Approach 2:
The transition structure employs gradual dimensional changes in the outer conductor and center conductor dimensions. The outer conductor diameter transitions from the larger standard connector size to the smaller microstructure size, and similarly the center conductor diameter changes gradually, thereby smoothly transitioning impedance parameters and minimizing signal degradation
2Ease of operation
If the microstructure dimensions are increased to match standard connectors, then mechanical connection is facilitated, but the microstructure loses its miniaturized advantage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into three distinct parts: the miniaturized microstructure, the transition structure with intermediate dimensions, and the standard connector. This segmentation allows the microstructure to maintain its small size while the transition structure provides the necessary dimensional bridge to the larger connector
Solution Approach 2:
The transition structure extends the connection in the longitudinal dimension, allowing the microstructure to remain compact in cross-section while achieving compatibility with standard connectors through an extended transition region that gradually changes dimensions along the length of the structure
3Volume of moving object
If the center conductor is made thinner to maintain microstructure size, then miniaturization is achieved, but mechanical strength decreases making the structure susceptible to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The transition structure provides mechanical reinforcement before the delicate microstructure region. The larger diameter center conductor in the transition structure acts as a cushioning element that distributes mechanical stresses, protecting the thinner center conductor of the microstructure from breakage during handling and connection
Solution Approach 2:
The transition structure can incorporate flexible support elements that provide mechanical strength to the thin center conductor. These support structures allow the microstructure to maintain its compact, thin-conductor design while the transition region provides the necessary mechanical robustness for handling and connection
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are coaxial transmission line microstructures formed by a sequential build process, and methods of forming such microstructures. The microstructures include a transition structure for transitioning between the coaxial transmission line and an electrical connector. The microstructures have particular applicability to devices for transmitting electromagnetic energy and other electronic signals.