Flexible Interlaced-Ridge Waveguide for Vehicle RF Duplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle communication systems face challenges with high temperatures affecting RF electronics, bulky cooling solutions, increased weight and cost due to multiple cables, and inflexible waveguides that are poorly suited to vehicle curves and bends.
Innovation Solution
Implement a single-cable connection using time domain duplexing (TDD) for RFFE and AFE, and a flexible waveguide structure with interlacing conducting ridges for RF/microwave/mmW signals, accommodating bends and curves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cables are used to connect RFFE to antennas, then reliability of connection is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate cables (RF cable, DC power cable, control cable) into a single integrated cable assembly. This single cable carries all necessary signals and power between the RFFE and antennas, reducing total cable count and vehicle weight while maintaining all required connections for reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits RF signals, delivers DC power, and carries control signals. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated cables for each function, reducing overall system weight and complexity
2Temperature
If RFFE is separated from antenna to improve thermal management, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two separate functional units: the antenna front end (AFE) mounted on the vehicle surface near the antenna, and the RFFE housed in a thermally favorable location inside the vehicle. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its thermal requirements while maintaining functional integration through the single cable connection
3Reliability
If conventional waveguides are used for RF connections, then RF performance is maintained, but adaptability to vehicle curves and bends deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible waveguide structures with thin-walled construction that can bend and conform to curved vehicle surfaces. These flexible waveguides maintain RF signal integrity while adapting to the complex geometries of modern vehicle designs, unlike rigid conventional waveguides
4Adaptability or versatility
If corrugated waveguides are used to accommodate bends, then adaptability to curves is improved, but waveguide height and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible waveguide uses thin-walled construction that allows bending and curvature without requiring the bulky corrugated structure. The thin walls provide sufficient mechanical flexibility and RF performance while minimizing the waveguide's cross-sectional dimensions and overall bulk
Data Source
AI summary
A waveguide, includes a first waveguide unit, which includes a first substrate, and a plurality of protrusions extending from a surface of the first substrate; a second waveguide unit, which includes a second substrate; and a plurality of protrusions extending from a surface the second substrate; wherein the first waveguide unit is configured to be assembled with the second waveguide unit such that at least a subset of the plurality of protrusions extending from the surface of the first substrate are placed between and substantially parallel to the plurality of protrusions extending from the surface of the second substrate.