Dual-Sided Phase Shifter with Guide Roller Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phase shifters in antennas face spatial restrictions due to the need for multiple devices to adjust phases across different frequency bands, leading to increased size and weight, and suffer from durability issues due to repetitive friction and limited travel range.

Innovation Solution

A phase shifter design with a guide unit and actuator system that allows for linear movement of boards on both sides of the phase shifter, utilizing a guide roller for smooth movement and inclined surfaces to reduce wear, enabling compact and durable antenna devices with reduced phase shifter count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple phase shifters are installed to adjust phases across different frequency bands, then phase adjustment capability is improved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase adjustment capabilityVSAvoidantenna device weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple phase adjustment functions into a single phase shifter device by integrating multiple variable capacitors that can operate across different frequency bands simultaneously. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate phase shifters for each frequency band, thereby reducing overall device size and weight while maintaining multi-band phase adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The phase shifter is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple frequency bands through a single device. The variable capacitors are configured to provide phase adjustment across different frequency ranges, making the device multi-functional and eliminating the need for multiple dedicated phase shifters for different bands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple phase shifters are installed to adjust phases across different frequency bands, then phase adjustment capability is improved, but device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase adjustment capabilityVSAvoidantenna device volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The phase shifter structure employs a nested arrangement where multiple variable capacitors are integrated within a compact housing. The capacitors are positioned in nested or overlapping configurations that maximize space utilization, allowing multi-band phase adjustment functionality to be contained within a minimal volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If a moving board reciprocates with convex portions for slidable contact, then phase shifting function is achieved, but durability decreases due to repetitive friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase shifting functionVSAvoiddevice durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical slidable contact system with a magnetic field-based coupling system. Instead of physical friction between convex portions and contact surfaces, the invention uses magnetic coupling between the moving board and fixed board to achieve phase shifting. This substitution eliminates repetitive mechanical friction and wear, significantly improving device durability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If slots are used to define linear travel for the moving board, then movement guidance is achieved, but travel range is limited due to slot elongation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement guidanceVSAvoidmoving board travel range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical slot-guided system with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The moving board is guided through magnetic coupling forces rather than physical slot constraints, allowing for extended travel range beyond what fixed slots can provide. This maintains precise movement guidance while enabling greater adjustment range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design reduces the number of phase shifters required, downsizes the antenna, and increases usable space, while enhancing durability and reducing weight, achieving a compact and efficient multi-band antenna system.

Implementation Method 1

the contact length between the variable strip 126' and the circuit pattern 114' changes to generate variable capacitive coupling between the transmission lines, which in turn changes the phase of the signal transmitted to each output port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3413395B1Phase shifting device

Publication Date: 2022.03.23 KMW INC

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Figure 2A

AI summary

A phase shifter according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure has a housing provided on both surfaces with respective shifting units. Each shifting unit is composed of a fixed board and a moving board. Movement of the moving board causes a phase-shifted signal to be simultaneously transferred from both surfaces of the housing to output ports. This allows more effective use of the space of the phase shifter and therearound.