Dual-Sided Phase Shifter Layout for Space-Constrained Antennas

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phase shifters face challenges in spatial constraints, durability due to moving parts, and inefficiency in utilizing internal antenna space, particularly in multiband frequency antennas.

Innovation Solution

A phase shifter design with a fixed board unit and a moving board unit on both surfaces, guided by a rail-like bracket system, allowing for phase shifting on both sides, and using a high dielectric constant material to prevent signal interference, with a holder for external connection, facilitating easy assembly and repair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If phase shifters are added for multiband frequency adjustment, then phase shifting capability is improved, but spatial constraints are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase shifting capabilityVSAvoidspatial constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes both surfaces of the housing to arrange conversion units, transitioning from a single-plane layout to a two-surface three-dimensional arrangement. This allows multiple phase shifters for different frequency bands to be integrated without increasing the footprint area, effectively resolving the spatial constraint issue while maintaining multiband phase shifting capability.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If moving parts are used for phase shifting, then phase adjustment flexibility is improved, but durability is worsened due to repeated frictions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase adjustment flexibilityVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs movable substrates that can slide along guide units within the housing to dynamically adjust the effective electrical length of transmission lines. This mechanical movement provides continuous phase adjustment flexibility while the guide units constrain the motion to predetermined paths, reducing wear and improving durability compared to unrestricted moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If conversion units are placed on both surfaces of housing, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the phase shifting function into multiple independent conversion units, each handling specific frequency bands or phase ranges. These modular units are distributed on both surfaces of the housing, allowing independent design, assembly, and maintenance of each unit while achieving comprehensive multiband coverage, thus managing complexity through functional segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design reduces the size and weight of the phase shifter, optimizes space utilization, enhances durability, and simplifies repair and reassembly, while maintaining effective phase shifting performance.

Implementation Method 1

a housing (10) including a first conversion unit and a second conversion unit on opposite surfaces of the housing (10), wherein the first conversion unit and the second conversion unit are electrically isolated from each other by a high dielectric constant material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3823095B1Phase shifting device
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 KMW INC
  • EP3823095B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3823095B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3823095B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the present invention, provided is a phase shifter comprising: an elongated fixed board unit including one or more fixed circuit boards each having a circuit pattern formed on one surface thereof, a guiding bracket surrounding the fixed board unit and fixed to the fixed board unit, and one or more moving board units disposed between the guiding bracket and at least one surface of the fixed board unit, guided by the guiding bracket, and including one or more moving circuit boards having conductive strips formed thereon that are coupled to the circuit patterns on the fixed circuit boards.