Dielectric Antenna Mold Compensation for Curing Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks face challenges in providing high bandwidth and efficient data transmission, especially with the increasing demand from smartphones and other portable devices, as traditional wireless infrastructure struggles to handle the increased data usage without significant losses in signal intensity over distance.
Innovation Solution
A guided wave communication system that utilizes electromagnetic waves bound to a transmission medium, such as wires or dielectric materials, to propagate signals without the need for an electrical return path, allowing for efficient data transmission over long distances with reduced loss, using couplers and transceivers to launch and extract guided waves at millimeter-wave frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional wireless infrastructure is used to provide broadband data access, then coverage area is extended, but signal intensity loss increases over distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic wave propagation through free space with guided wave propagation along a transmission medium. The dielectric antenna couples electromagnetic energy to guided waves that travel along the dielectric transmission medium, substituting unguided wireless propagation with a guided mechanical-like wave transmission system that maintains signal integrity over distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dielectric transmission medium as an intermediary between the transmitter and receiver. The dielectric antenna couples electromagnetic energy to this intermediate medium, which then guides the waves to the receiver. This intermediary structure enables long-distance transmission by confining and guiding the electromagnetic energy along the dielectric path rather than allowing it to dissipate in free space.
2Ease of manufacture
If dielectric material is cured in a standard mold, then manufacturing is simple, but shape distortion occurs during curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-distorting the mold cavity in the opposite direction of the expected dielectric expansion during curing. The mold is intentionally formed with a shape that anticipates and compensates for the volumetric expansion, so that when the dielectric cures and expands, it achieves the desired final shape. This preliminary counter-distortion eliminates the need for post-manufacturing adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by creating a mold with pre-applied distortion that counteracts the harmful expansion effect. The mold cavity is deliberately shaped to be slightly smaller or distorted in a way that opposes the expected expansion, so that the net result after curing is the correct final shape. This preliminary counter-measure prevents shape distortion rather than correcting it afterward.
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
This solution enables reliable and efficient data transmission with reduced propagation loss, allowing for the expansion of communication networks to meet increasing demand without the need for traditional electrical return paths, enhancing network connectivity and capacity.
Implementation Method 1
the dielectric material expands volumetrically as it cures
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method includes injection molding of a dielectric material in a pre-distorted antenna mold; and curing the dielectric material. The pre-distorted dielectric mold has a shape that compensates for shape distortion of the dielectric material during the curing.