Embedded Elastic RF Connector Cavity Filter for Slim Antenna Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cavity filters for massive MIMO antennas face challenges in achieving a slim and compact structure with embedded RF connectors and require an assembly method that minimizes assembly tolerances while maintaining uniform frequency characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an elastic connector embedded in the cavity filter's body, utilizing push-pin, push-ring, or leaf-spring types to facilitate easy mounting and maintain consistent frequency characteristics, reducing the antenna system's size and enabling quick verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional RF connectors are used for cavity filters, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the filter size and mounting space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RF connector is merged with the cavity filter body, where the connector's outer conductor forms an integrated structure with the filter housing. This integration eliminates separate connector components and reduces overall size while maintaining electrical connection reliability through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic connector elements are nested within the cavity filter structure, with the inner conductor and elastic contact elements positioned inside the filter body. This nesting approach allows the connector functionality to be embedded within the filter volume rather than adding external protrusions.
2Productivity
If traditional connector mounting methods are used, then secure mechanical attachment is achieved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic connector elements automatically engage with the PCB mounting holes through their inherent elasticity, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations. The elastic force provides self-centering and self-locking functionality, allowing the connector to secure itself during a single insertion motion.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, multiple retention elements) are replaced with elastic contact elements that use elastic deformation instead of mechanical interlocking. This substitution simplifies the mounting structure from complex mechanical retention systems to simple elastic contact points.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual cavity filters are tuned and verified before mounting, then frequency characteristics are optimized, but cumulative assembly tolerances affect uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic connector elements are designed with predetermined elastic properties that compensate for expected assembly tolerances before mounting occurs. The elastic force and deformation characteristics are pre-calculated to maintain consistent electrical contact pressure and positioning, cushioning against the effects of tolerance variations during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic connector allows dynamic adjustment of contact parameters (pressure, position) through elastic deformation, changing the effective electrical connection parameters to compensate for assembly variations. This parameter flexibility maintains uniform frequency characteristics despite tolerances in the mounting process.
4Length of moving object
If RF connectors are mounted on the surface of cavity filters, then easy installation is achieved, but the overall system height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector mounting approach transitions from surface-level attachment (adding height in the vertical dimension) to edge-based integration (utilizing the lateral edges of the filter body). The elastic connector elements are positioned at the edges and extend minimally outward, changing the dimensional strategy from vertical protrusion to lateral integration.
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 solution provides a compact antenna system with reproducible RF signal connections, minimizing impedance variations and maintaining signal quality despite assembly tolerances, facilitating easy installation and verification of multiple filters.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic connector 240, 340, 440
Implementation Method 2
a resonator including a resonance rod, which is a conductor, is provided inside a box structure formed of a metallic conductor to allow only an electromagnetic field of a natural frequency to be present
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a cavity filter having a slim and compact structure in which a push-pin type RF connector, which is formed such that a terminal is exposed to both sides or one side in a height direction, is embedded so as to reduce a size of an antenna system, quickly perform verification for an individual cavity filter while having high reproducibility, and enable the antenna system to be readily mounted.