Dielectric Waveguide Redirecting Assembly for Compact PCB Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for redirecting mm-waves are bulky due to the need for flexible elements to be attached perpendicular to other components, such as PCBs, which limits space efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A redirecting device with an input section, an output section, and a rigid, dielectric waveguide member extending between them, where the input and output sections are at 90 degrees to each other, allowing flexible elements to run parallel to other components and reducing bulkiness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If flexible elements are attached perpendicular to other components (PCB), then the connection is structurally stable, but the assembly becomes bulky and space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly volumeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the attachment orientation from perpendicular (vertical dimension) to parallel (horizontal dimension) relative to the PCB. This dimensional reorientation allows the flexible element to run parallel to the PCB surface, significantly reducing the vertical space required and making the assembly more compact while maintaining structural stability through the waveguide's rigid support structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the redirecting device is made as a single monolithic piece, then manufacturing is simplified, but the structural complexity of supporting the waveguide member increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support structure and the waveguide member into a single monolithic piece, eliminating the need for separate support components. This integration simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of parts and assembly steps while the internal geometry of the monolithic structure is designed to provide the necessary support functionality, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration allows for a more space-saving connection while maintaining ease of manufacturing, as the entire redirecting device, including the support structure, can be a single monolithic piece.

Implementation Method 1

a rigid, dielectric waveguide member extending from the input section to the output section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3787100B1Redirecting device for mm-waves, connection assembly
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 TE CONNECTIVITY GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3787100B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3787100B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3787100B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The application shows a redirecting device (100) for mm-waves, comprising an input section (10), an output section (20), and a rigid, dielectric waveguide member (30) extending from the input section (10) to the output section (20), wherein the input section (10) and the output section (20) are at 90 degrees to each other. The application further discloses a connection assembly (200) comprising such a redirecting device (100).