Differential Phase Shifter Assembly Power Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional differential phase shifter assemblies have limitations in power distribution to striplines, with existing solutions only allowing for a limited power distribution based on mechanical dimensions and material thickness, restricting the achievable power distribution to striplines.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a differential phase shifter assembly where a fork-shaped design is used for only some striplines, allowing for additional capacitive couplings on select striplines, and separate branching feed/tapping devices are provided for higher power transmission, enabling targeted power distribution adjustments by varying the geometry of the coupling devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a fork-shaped design is used for all striplines, then power distribution is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distributionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The phase shifter assembly is divided into different zones: some striplines are equipped with fork-shaped coupling devices while others use simpler single-line couplings. This segmentation allows power distribution optimization for specific striplines without applying the complex fork-shaped design universally, thereby balancing power distribution improvement with device complexity management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different coupling device geometries are applied to different striplines based on local power distribution requirements. The fork-shaped coupling devices are selectively positioned on striplines that benefit from enhanced capacitive coupling, while other striplines use simpler couplings, creating local quality variations that optimize overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If additional capacitive couplings are added to increase power transmission, then power distribution capability increases, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than implementing additional capacitive couplings on all striplines, the invention segments the implementation by adding fork-shaped coupling devices only to specific striplines where enhanced power transmission is most beneficial. This reduces the total number of additional components and simplifies manufacturing compared to a universal implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies partial action by adding capacitive coupling enhancements only where needed rather than uniformly across all striplines. This partial implementation achieves sufficient power distribution improvement without the excessive manufacturing complexity that would result from adding couplings to every stripline.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 approach results in a significantly increased power distribution capability, achieving an additional 2 dB of power transmission with the same mechanical dimensions, compared to prior art, by optimizing power distribution to individual striplines through selective capacitive coupling.

Implementation Method 1

the desired capacitive coupling between the feed and/or tap element and the corresponding covered section of the respective stripline is effected in these overlapping areas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3096393B1Difference phase slider assembly
Publication Date: 2018.01.24 KATHEIN WERKE KG
  • EP3096393B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3096393B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3a
  • EP3096393B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~5

AI summary

A differential phase-shifting assembly with n concentrically arranged striplines (5), at the opposite ends (17) of which connection points (19) for connecting lines (2) leading to radiators (1a-1f) are provided, where n is a natural integer greater than or equal to 2. A feed and/or tap device (13) is pivotable about a central and/or pivot axis (9) and is thereby pivotable over the multiple striplines (5) while generating a primary capacitive coupling (CC1). A central feed (20) serves to feed the feed and/or tap device (13). At least one to n-1 secondary capacitive couplings (CC2) are additionally provided. The one or more secondary capacitive couplings (CC2) are provided on the side of the feed and/or tap device (13) opposite the primary capacitive coupling (CC1).For at least one additional secondary capacitive coupling (KK2) at least one additional branching feed and/or tap device (113; 113a, ...) is provided, which together with the feed and/or tap device (13) can be pivoted about the central and/or pivot axis (9).