Contactless Waveguide Switch Using Magnetic Field Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguide switches face reliability issues due to mechanical and electrical contact, leading to problems like mechanical stress, deformation, and ohmic contact resistance, especially at higher frequencies, necessitating a contactless switching solution.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide switch utilizing metamaterials to control electromagnetic wave propagation without mechanical or electrical contact, employing structures like pins, grooves, and tunable conductive surfaces to switch between ON and OFF states through rotational or translational movements and actuation by control voltage, thermal, or mechanical means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical contact is used in waveguide switches, then switching function is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to mechanical stress, deformation, and ohmic contact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical contact-based switching mechanism with a magnetic field-based mechanism. A movable magnetic element (such as a magnet or ferromagnetic material) is positioned within the waveguide to control the propagation of electromagnetic waves. This magnetic element can be actuated by electromagnetic forces or other non-mechanical means, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact between switching components. The magnetic field interacts with the electromagnetic wave to achieve switching without physical contact, thereby eliminating mechanical stress, deformation, and ohmic contact resistance issues.
2Loss of energy
If conventional semiconductor switches are used, then switching is achieved, but losses increase and isolation decreases compared to MEMS switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces semiconductor switches with a magnetic field-based switching mechanism that operates similarly to MEMS switches in terms of low loss and high isolation. The movable magnetic element creates a magnetic barrier or alters the electromagnetic field distribution in the waveguide to achieve switching. This approach combines the advantages of both MEMS (low loss, high isolation) and magnetic field control (contactless operation), avoiding the inherent losses and isolation limitations of semiconductor switches.
3Duration of action of moving object
If mechanical contact switches are cycled many times, then switching operation is maintained, but contact resistance increases due to wear and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical contact components that are subject to wear and deformation by using a magnetic field-based switching mechanism. The movable magnetic element can be actuated repeatedly without physical contact wear, as it is controlled by electromagnetic forces or other non-contact means. This dramatically extends the operational life of the switch and prevents the increase in contact resistance that occurs with mechanical wear in conventional switches.
4Loss of energy
If rectangular waveguides are used at higher frequencies, then propagation is achieved, but losses increase making microstrip lines unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a switching mechanism that is frequency-agnostic and can operate effectively across a wide range of frequencies including higher frequencies where microstrip lines become too lossy. The magnetic field-based switching mechanism works with rectangular waveguides at any frequency by controlling the electromagnetic field distribution, making the system adaptable to different frequency ranges while maintaining low propagation losses characteristic of waveguide technology.
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 provides a reliable, contactless waveguide switch that can operate across various frequency ranges, including radiofrequencies and millimeter waves, by manipulating the stopband without physical obstacles, thus reducing mechanical and electrical contact-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
the metamaterial most used for gap waveguides, the so-called bed of nails, acts as an artificial magnetic conductor (an AMC) and together with a perfect electric conductor (PEC) placed opposed it, an electromagnetic stopband is created between the two surfaces
Implementation Method 2
whereby the switch from the ON state to the OFF state is a rotational or translation movement of the waveguide switch body
Data Source
AI summary
A waveguide switch for switching between an ON-state and an OFF-state for a waveguide channel, including: a moveable waveguide switch body including: an input opening for receiving an electromagnetic wave, an output opening for releasing an electromagnetic wave, wherein the waveguide switch body further includes a blocking element arranged such that in the ON state, an electromagnetic wave may pass from the input opening to the output opening, and in the OFF state the blocking element substantially impedes an electromagnetic wave traveling from the input opening to the output opening, whereby the switch from the ON state to the OFF state is a rotational or translation movement of the waveguide switch body. Also, a waveguide system employing such a switch and a method of manufacturing such a switch. Contactless switching is provided in a high-frequency system.