Guided Rotary Phase Shifter Coupling for Stable Antenna Performance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phase shifters in antennas suffer from reduced electrical performance due to large gaps between fixed and movable strip lines caused by processing errors, leading to increased coupling spacing and the need for crimping modules that increase costs and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A phase shifter design incorporating a support member, fastener, and coupling member with guide structures and rotatable coupling parts to enhance coupling between signal input and output components, reducing the impact of processing errors and eliminating the need for crimping modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional fixed strip line and movable strip line structure is used, then phase shift function can be implemented, but processing errors cause large gaps between strip lines leading to deteriorated electrical performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling spacing between strip linesVSAvoidelectrical performance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a guide structure as an intermediary component between the movable coupling part and the signal output part. This guide structure provides precise mechanical guidance and positioning, ensuring that the movable coupling part maintains the correct spatial relationship with the signal output part regardless of processing errors in the strip lines. The guide structure acts as a mediator that compensates for manufacturing tolerances and ensures stable electrical coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the structural parameters by introducing a rotatable coupling mechanism with guide surfaces. Instead of relying on precise fixed positioning of parallel strip lines, the system uses a movable coupling part that can rotate and is guided by the guide structure. This parameter change from fixed parallel arrangement to rotatable guided arrangement allows the system to accommodate processing errors while maintaining proper coupling spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If crimping modules are added to maintain coupling spacing, then electrical performance can be improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for crimping modules by redesigning the coupling mechanism. Instead of using crimping modules to force components together, the invention uses a guide structure that naturally maintains the correct spacing through its geometric design. The guide surfaces provide mechanical constraints that ensure proper positioning without requiring additional fastening or crimping elements, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide structure performs the function of maintaining coupling spacing through its own geometric design rather than requiring external crimping modules. The guide surfaces self-adjust to guide the movable coupling part into the correct position, and the structure maintains spacing through its inherent geometry. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional complexity while ensuring stable electrical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4718625A1Phase shifter and antenna
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4718625A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4718625A1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4718625A1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

This application provides a phase shifter and an antenna. The phase shifter includes: a support member; a fastener, where the fastener includes a signal input part and a first signal output part that are both fastened to the support member, a spacing exists between the signal input part and the first signal output part, a guide structure is disposed on the first signal output part, and the guide structure has at least two guide surfaces; and a coupling member, where the coupling member includes a first coupling part and a second coupling part disposed on the first coupling part, the first coupling part is rotatably connected to the support member, the first coupling part is coupled to the signal input part, and at least two surfaces of the second coupling part are respectively coupled to the at least two guide surfaces. This application can increase coupling between the second coupling part and the first signal output part, thereby making electrical performance of the phase shifter more stable.