Elastic Waveguide Connector Structure for Stable Millimeter-Wave Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional transmission systems using metallic lines struggle to achieve high-speed communication of several tens of gigabits per second for high-resolution images, while optical communication is expensive and unreliable for short distances due to connection accuracy and dust sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A waveguide connecting structure that includes an elastic body to closely contact a dielectric body with an external conductor, held by a three-dimensional body, allowing for stable connection and transmission of millimeter waves through a braided external conductor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional metallic line transmission systems are used, then connection reliability is maintained, but communication speed cannot reach several tens of gigabits per second

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional metallic line transmission with waveguide technology that transmits millimeter waves, enabling communication speeds of several tens of gigabits per second while maintaining connection reliability through robust waveguide connector design with elastic bodies and three-dimensional holding structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Speed

If optical communication technology is adopted, then high-speed communication capability is achieved, but cost increases and connection reliability decreases due to dust sensitivity and high accuracy requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adopts waveguide technology as a cost-effective alternative to expensive optical communication transmitters and receivers, achieving similar high-speed communication capabilities while being more economical and reliable for short-distance applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission medium from optical signals requiring micrometer-level alignment to millimeter wave transmission through waveguides, which are less sensitive to connection precision and dust, thereby improving reliability while maintaining high-speed capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If optical communication is used, then high-speed transmission is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and connection precision requirements increase to several micrometers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidconnection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes optical communication infrastructure with waveguide technology that operates with relaxed precision requirements, eliminating the need for micrometer-level connection accuracy while maintaining high-speed transmission capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Speed

If conventional transmission systems are used, then cost is kept low, but communication speed cannot achieve several tens of gigabits per second

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements waveguide technology that provides high-speed communication capabilities at a lower cost compared to optical communication transmitters and receivers, making high-speed transmission economically viable for short-distance applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 structure enables efficient, reliable, and cost-effective high-speed communication by minimizing radio wave loss and ensuring consistent connection, suitable for waveguide connectors, units, mode converters, imaging devices, and endoscopes.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic body configured to cause an external conductor to closely contact a dielectric body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12355126B2Elastically configured waveguide connecting structure usable in a waveguide connector, a waveguide unit, a mode converter, an imaging device and an endoscope

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

Provided is a waveguide connecting structure of connecting a first waveguide to a second waveguide, or to a transmitting and receiving device. The waveguide connecting structure included: an elastic body configured to cause an external conductor to closely contact a dielectric body, the external conductor and the dielectric body being included in the first waveguide, the external conductor covering an outer periphery of the dielectric body; and a three-dimensional body configured to hold the dielectric body, and the second waveguide or the transmitting and receiving device, the three-dimensional body having electric conductivity inside an insertion hole holding the first waveguide, and the external conductor of the first waveguide including a radially spread portion that has been radially spread, the radially spread portion being where the first waveguide and the three-dimensional body are connected to each other.