Coiled Time Delay Unit Using Flexible Dielectric Film

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radio frequency (RF) time delay units are limited by their size due to rigid printed wiring boards, restricting their placement in compact areas, as extending the delay line increases the overall size of the unit.

Innovation Solution

A compact three-dimensional time delay unit is achieved using a flexible dielectric film with a meandering electrically conductive signal trace that forms a coiled structure, allowing for adjustable delay length and width, enabling a compact design while maintaining operational flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the length of the delay line is extended to increase the time delay of the antenna, then the time delay increases, but the overall size of the PWB increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime delayVSAvoidPWB area

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The delay line is transformed from a two-dimensional planar trace on a rigid PWB into a three-dimensional coiled structure using a flexible dielectric film. This dimensional change allows the signal trace to achieve extended length by winding through three-dimensional space, thereby increasing time delay without proportionally increasing the planar footprint on the PWB.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible dielectric film is used as the substrate for the signal trace, replacing the conventional rigid PWB. This flexible film can be coiled and formed into three-dimensional structures, enabling the delay line to achieve extended length in a compact package while maintaining electrical performance and signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid printed wiring board is used for the time delay unit, then the structure is stable, but the placement locations are limited to areas capable of fitting the PWB

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidplacement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid PWB is replaced with a flexible dielectric film that can be coiled into three-dimensional structures. This flexible substrate maintains structural integrity while enabling the time delay unit to be disposed in compact areas and various locations on the PWB, significantly improving placement flexibility and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The time delay unit transitions from a flat two-dimensional configuration on rigid PWB to a three-dimensional coiled structure on flexible film. This dimensional transformation enables the unit to fit into compact spaces and be positioned in locations that would be inaccessible to conventional planar designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9819068B2Time delay unit comprising a spirally wound meandering line pattern

Publication Date: 2017.11.14 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

An electronic stripline circuit includes a flexible dielectric film having a three-dimensional coiled shape that defines a spiraled inner core. At least one electrically conductive signal trace is formed on a first surface of the flexible dielectric film. The signal trace extends along a signal path to define a trace length configured to control a time delay of a coiled time delay unit.