Connector Activated RF Switch for Antenna Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio devices often require physical disconnection and reconnection of primary and secondary antenna elements to switch between antennas, lacking a convenient mechanism to allow simultaneous attachment of primary antennas to the device while enabling quick connection and disconnection of secondary antennas.
Innovation Solution
An RF switch with a switch housing and three coaxial RF connectors, including a resiliently biased pin actuator that moves between positions to form conductive paths between different connectors, allowing seamless switching between primary and secondary antennas without disconnecting the primary antenna from the radio device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical disconnection and reconnection of antenna elements is used to switch between antennas, then antenna switching is achieved, but operational complexity and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two independent parts: the primary antenna connection remains fixed to the radio device, while the secondary antenna connects through a separate RF switch assembly. This segmentation allows the secondary antenna to be switched without affecting the primary antenna connection, eliminating the need to disconnect and reconnect the primary antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF switch acts as an intermediary device between the radio device and the secondary antenna. It provides a mechanical actuator that physically moves to change the connection state, mediating the switching operation without requiring direct disconnection of the primary antenna. The actuator moves between positions to connect or disconnect the secondary antenna from the radio device through the RF switch.
2Ease of operation
If multiple antenna connectors are provided on the radio device chassis, then antenna switching convenience is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RF switch combines multiple functions into a single accessory unit: it houses the secondary antenna connector, the switching mechanism with actuator, and the connection interface to the radio device. This merging allows the radio device to maintain a single antenna connector while still enabling secondary antenna switching through the integrated RF switch assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF switch serves multiple functions: it provides the secondary antenna connection point, houses the switching mechanism, and interfaces with the radio device's existing connector. This multi-functionality allows a single accessory to replace what would otherwise require multiple connectors and a built-in switching system in the radio device.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the primary antenna remains attached to the radio device during switching, then operational continuity is improved, but the switching mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The switching function is segmented from the main radio device and placed in a separate RF switch accessory. This allows the primary antenna to remain continuously attached to the radio device while the switching mechanism operates independently in the RF switch unit, minimizing the impact on the radio device's overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF switch acts as an intermediary that handles the switching complexity away from the radio device. The mechanical actuator and switching contacts are contained within the RF switch assembly, which interfaces with the radio device through a simple connector. This isolates the complexity to the accessory unit while maintaining continuous primary antenna attachment.
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
Enables easy and efficient switching between antennas, allowing the primary antenna to remain attached to the radio device while facilitating quick connection and disconnection of secondary antennas, reducing physical handling and minimizing signal loss.
Implementation Method 1
The resiliently biased pin can be movable in a direction aligned with an insertion axis of the third coaxial RF connector
Data Source
AI summary
An RF switch (104) that is activated by the insertion of a connector. The RF switch (104) can comprise one or more antenna adapters that can be formed by a number of predetermined RF connector types. The RF switch can include a switch housing (204). A first, second, and third coaxial RF connectors (201, 202, 203) can be mounted to the switch housing (204). The first, second, and third coaxial RF connectors (201, 202, 203) can individually have both an inner and outer conductor (205-206; 207-208; 209-210, respectively). An actuator (501) can be movable from a first position to a second position responsive to a mechanical force applied to the third coaxial connector (203). A switch element (512) can be responsive to the actuator (501). When in the first position, the switch element (512) can exclusively form a conductive path between the first and second coaxial RF connectors (201, 202). When the actuator (501) is in the second position, the switch element (512) can exclusively form a conductive path between the first and third coaxial RF connectors (201, 203).