Contactless RF Connector With λ/4 Coupling to Prevent Arcing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coaxial RF connectors face issues with arcing and safety risks when connecting or disconnecting under load, particularly due to ungrounded conductors at high voltage, and lack mechanisms to prevent early or late connections/disconnections.
Innovation Solution
A contactless coupler system using strip line technology with movable conductors that maintain a λ/4 length, allowing for non-galvanic coupling and switching between ON and OFF states without physical contact, utilizing a mechanical support structure and short circuit elements for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a bayonet-style connector is used for high power RF applications, then power transmission capability is improved, but connector reliability deteriorates due to arcing and pitting from mating/unmating operations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate components: a fixed connector portion attached to the antenna and a removable adapter portion that can be attached to the vehicle assembly. This segmentation allows the high-power transmission path to remain fixed and uninterrupted, eliminating arcing and pitting issues while maintaining power transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A dielectric member is introduced as an intermediary between the male and female connector portions. This dielectric barrier prevents direct electrical contact and arcing during mating operations, while still allowing mechanical coupling and signal transmission through the connector interface.
2Reliability
If a fixed connector design is used, then power transmission stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when vehicle replacement or upgrade is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system transitions from a completely fixed design to a semi-dynamic configuration where the adapter portion can be removed and replaced. The fixed connector portion maintains stable power transmission, while the removable adapter allows adaptation to different vehicle assemblies without compromising the stability of the main power transmission path.
3Reliability
If contactless RF power transfer is implemented, then connector reliability is improved by eliminating physical contact, but power transmission efficiency deteriorates compared to direct contact connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based power transfer system with a contactless RF electromagnetic field-based system. This substitution eliminates wear and arcing associated with mechanical contacts while maintaining efficient power transmission through electromagnetic coupling between the connector portions.
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 safe connection and disconnection of high RF power without arcing or mechanical contact, ensuring low coupling losses and passive intermodulation, while maintaining galvanic insulation.
Implementation Method 1
an RF connector for contactless transfer of power at an RF frequency between a first portion and a second portion
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric member may be positioned between the male connector portion and the female connector portion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A RF connector includes a first conductor and a symmetrical second conductor. Each conductor has an elongated structure of a flat conductive material with a length corresponding to ¼ of a nominal frequency of a signal to be coupled and is connected with a first end to a coaxial connector and with a second end to the housing. The RF connector can be switched between an ON state and an OFF state, wherein in the OFF state, the first conductor is distant from the second conductor and in the ON state the first conductor is in close contact with the second conductor such that the open sides of their housings are oriented against each other, and the conductors are facing each other.