Flexible Substrate Directional Coupler for Compact Signal Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cables used in electronic devices lack functionality beyond simple signal transmission, as they only contain circuit elements connected in series, limiting their ability to provide additional features in a compact form factor.
Innovation Solution
A flexible substrate with a base substrate and connected lines that include parallel and coupled regions, functioning as a directional coupler, allowing indirect signal input and output, and integrated with antenna portions for enhanced signal detection and miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cables with only series-connected circuit elements are used, then the device can be miniaturized by eliminating separate circuit element mounting, but the cable lacks additional functionality beyond simple signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the directional coupler function directly into the cable structure by providing two parallel signal lines (first and second signal lines) that extend along the cable length, eliminating the need for separate directional coupler components. This integration allows the cable to provide both signal transmission and directional coupling functionality simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a signal transmission medium while simultaneously functioning as a directional coupler through its parallel signal line configuration. This multi-functionality allows the same cable structure to provide both connectivity and signal detection/coupling capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If separate directional couplers are added to provide signal detection functionality, then measurement precision improves, but the device size increases and miniaturization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The directional coupler functionality is merged into the cable itself through the parallel signal line arrangement, where the first and second signal lines are positioned at specific distances from each other along a portion of the cable. This integration eliminates the need for separate directional coupler components, maintaining compact device size while providing accurate signal detection and coupling capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional circuit elements are mounted on base substrates to enhance cable functionality, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functionalities into the cable structure itself. The parallel signal lines are directly formed as part of the cable construction, integrating directional coupling and signal transmission functions without requiring separate mounted circuit elements on base substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable structure is designed to provide multiple functions through its inherent geometry and configuration. The parallel signal lines serve both as transmission paths and as the directional coupler mechanism, eliminating the need for additional specialized components.
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
Enables the configuration of small electronic devices with integrated antennas and circuits, providing higher accuracy in signal detection and reducing the need for additional directional couplers, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a length of each of the first line and the second line in the second region is equal or substantially equal to one quarter of a wavelength of a signal that propagates through the first line and the second line
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible substrate includes a base substrate that has flexibility, connecting portions on the base substrate and connectible to an antenna substrate and a circuit substrate, and a first line and a second line at the base substrate and connected to the connecting portions. The first line and the second line include a first region in which the first line and the second line extend in parallel or substantially in parallel with each other, and a second region in which the first line and the second line are closer to each other than in the first region and coupled to each other, and the second region defines a directional coupler.