Foamed Thermoplastic Dielectric Waveguide for Low-Loss Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dielectric waveguides face challenges in achieving low-loss, robust, and cost-effective transmission of electromagnetic signals in the 1 GHz to 100 GHz frequency range, particularly for applications like computed tomography systems, where mechanical stability and attachment to rotating parts are critical, and existing materials like polystyrene, polypropylene, and polytetrafluorethylene struggle to vary permittivity effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric waveguide comprising two thermoplastic conductor regions with different effective permittivities, where one region is formed as a foam to reduce permittivity, allowing for a form-fitting or material-bonded connection without additives, enhancing signal propagation and mechanical stability, and using ambient air or gas as additional conductor regions for improved signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional dielectric materials (polystyrene, polypropylene, polytetrafluorethylene) are used, then low dielectric losses are achieved, but permittivity variation in the radial direction is insufficient for effective signal conduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dielectric materials with different permittivities (e.g., PTFE with εr≈2.1 and polypropylene with εr≈2.2) in a composite structure. The inner conductor region uses one material while the outer conductor region uses another, creating radial permittivity variation necessary for effective waveguide operation while maintaining low dielectric losses in both materials
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the waveguide are assigned different dielectric materials with specific permittivity values tailored to their functional requirements. The inner conductor region and outer conductor region have distinct material compositions to optimize both signal conduction and loss characteristics locally
2Strength
If metallic waveguides are used, then mechanical stability is achieved, but ohmic conduction losses increase significantly with signal frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces metallic conductors with dielectric waveguide structures that guide electromagnetic waves through permittivity gradients rather than metallic boundaries. This substitution eliminates ohmic losses while the dielectric materials and their composite structures provide sufficient mechanical stability for the application
3Adaptability or versatility
If coaxial cables are used, then broadband signal transmission is achieved, but the frequency range is limited to several GHz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the permittivity parameters of the dielectric materials and their spatial distribution to enable operation at higher frequencies (100 GHz and above). By carefully selecting materials with appropriate permittivity values and configuring their arrangement, the waveguide achieves broadband transmission capability extending into the hundred GHz range, surpassing conventional coaxial cable limitations
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 enables efficient, low-loss, and cost-effective signal transmission with improved mechanical stability, suitable for high-frequency applications like computed tomography systems, by varying permittivity and using thermoplastic materials with a foam structure for reduced signal attenuation and easy attachment.
Implementation Method 1
one region is formed as a foam to reduce permittivity
Data Source
AI summary
A dielectric waveguide to transmit an electromagnetic signal, comprises: a first conductor region and a second conductor region. The first and second conductor regions extend along a longitudinal axis of the dielectric waveguide, wherein the first conductor region is formed from a first thermoplastic material and the second conductor region is formed from a second thermoplastic material. The first thermoplastic material has a higher effective permittivity than the second thermoplastic material.