Contactless Microstrip-Waveguide Transition With Gap Waveguide Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waveguide transitions between microstrip and tubular waveguides require high precision assembly, which increases costs and complicates manufacturing, especially at higher frequencies where component sizes are smaller.

Innovation Solution

A waveguide module with a repetitive structure that forms a gap waveguide interface, allowing contactless transition between microstrip and tubular waveguides, using a patch antenna and alignment holes for precise assembly without electrical contact, and allowing for separate configuration of the repetitive structure based on frequency bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If feeding probes or ridges are used for waveguide transition, then signal transmission between microstrip and waveguide is achieved, but assembly precision requirements increase and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission performanceVSAvoidassembly precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transition structure is divided into separate modular components: a waveguide module with integrated repetitive structure and a PCB module with patch antenna. These modules connect through a flange interface without requiring precise electrical contact, eliminating the need for high-precision probe or ridge positioning while maintaining signal transmission performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A flange interface acts as an intermediary between the waveguide module and PCB module. The flange provides mechanical support and alignment while the repetitive structure provides electromagnetic coupling, separating the mechanical assembly function from the electrical signal transmission function and thereby reducing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If feeding probes are used for waveguide transition, then signal transmission is enabled, but device complexity increases due to precise positioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into independent waveguide module and PCB module that can be manufactured and tested separately. The flange interface standardizes the connection, reducing assembly complexity by eliminating the need for complex probe positioning mechanisms and precision alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The repetitive structure on the waveguide module automatically provides electromagnetic coupling and signal transmission when the modules are mechanically connected via the flange. The structure self-adjusts to provide optimal coupling without requiring precise manual positioning or complex alignment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional waveguide transition with electrical contact is used, then signal transmission is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to precision requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the transition into separate modules connected via flange, the manufacturing process becomes simpler and more cost-effective. Standardized flange interfaces can be mass-produced using conventional machining, eliminating the need for expensive precision positioning features and complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flange interface and repetitive structure provide a cost-effective alternative to precision electrical contacts. The design accepts larger manufacturing tolerances and uses simpler, cheaper materials and machining processes while maintaining adequate signal transmission performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 enables high-performance transitions with reduced assembly complexity and cost, achieving efficient signal propagation while eliminating the need for precise electrical contact, thus simplifying the manufacturing process and improving mechanical stability.

Implementation Method 1

the repetitive structure is configured to attenuate electromagnetic signal propagation in a frequency band past the repetitive structure while allowing propagation via the passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific Effect电磁波衰减: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12163991B2Contactless microstrip to waveguide transition

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 GAPWAVES AB

AI summary

A micro strip to waveguide transition comprising a waveguide module and a section of printed circuit board (PCB). The waveguide module comprises a waveguide aperture and a repetitive structure, the waveguide aperture being arranged extending through the module for attaching a waveguide to an external side of the module, the repetitive structure comprising a plurality of protruding elements arranged to surround the waveguide aperture on an internal side of the module and to define a passage into the waveguide aperture on the internal side, wherein the repetitive structure is configured to attenuate electromagnetic signal propagation in a frequency band past the repetitive structure while allowing propagation via the passage, the transition further comprising a PCB with a patch antenna connected to a transmission line and arranged to face the passage into the waveguide aperture.