Integrated Phase-Shifter Power Splitter with Moving Part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna feed networks require separate devices for phase-shifting and power-distributing functions, which increases cost and volume, and do not offer a large enough phase-shift range.
Innovation Solution
A single integrated device with a moving part that simultaneously provides phase-shifting and power-distributing functions by varying the electrical path length between input and output connectors, using a shared segment with conductive arms and capacitive coupling for reduced mechanical effort and intermodulation disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate phase-shifter and power-distributor devices are used in antenna feed networks, then each function can be independently optimized, but the overall device volume, cost, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phase-shifting function and power-distributing function into a single integrated device. The moving part with T-shaped profile simultaneously performs both functions: it adjusts the electrical path length for phase shifting while also distributing power to multiple output connectors. This eliminates the need for separate phase-shifter and power-distributor devices, reducing overall device complexity and volume while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The single moving part is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a phase-shifting mechanism by varying electrical path length and a power-distributing element by connecting to multiple output connectors. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated devices for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional trombone-style phase-shifting devices are used, then a large phase-shift range is achieved, but the mechanical complexity and number of moving parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase-shifting mechanism into a single moving part with a T-shaped profile, eliminating the need for multiple separate moving components found in traditional trombone-style devices. This single moving part achieves the same large phase-shift range by simultaneously adjusting electrical path lengths to multiple output connectors, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for phase-shifting and power-distributing, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall cost and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the phase-shifting and power-distributing functions into a single compact device, significantly reducing the overall volume compared to using separate components. The shared segment and moving part design allows both functions to coexist in a unified structure that occupies less space than multiple independent devices would require.
4Device complexity
If a single integrated device is used for both phase-shifting and power-distributing, then cost and volume are reduced, but the mechanical effort required for actuation may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical connection with capacitive coupling between the moving part and the housing. This substitution eliminates the need for direct mechanical contact and force transmission, significantly reducing the mechanical effort required for actuation. The capacitive coupling allows the moving part to be actuated with minimal force while still achieving the desired phase-shifting and power-distributing functions.
5Ease of operation
If direct mechanical connection is used for actuation, then mechanical control is straightforward, but intermodulation disruptions and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical connection with capacitive coupling, which eliminates mechanical wear and intermodulation disruptions caused by physical contact. The capacitive coupling provides electrical connection without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of friction, wear, and intermodulation products while maintaining ease of operation through simple actuation.
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 achieves a satisfactory compromise in RF performance, phase-shifting capability, mechanical simplicity, and reduced cost, with improved PIM behavior and stability over a broad frequency band.
Implementation Method 1
The device comprises a single moving part, which simultaneously provides the functions of a phase shifter and a power distributor, which comprises a shared segment divided into two conducting arms, the shared segment connecting the internal conductive line to each of the conductive branches respectively, so as to vary, by an equal but opposite quantity, the length of the electrical path between the input connector and each of the output connectors when the moving part moves.
Implementation Method 2
Owing to the use of capacitive coupling to make the connection from the conductor to the housing, and to the sliding of the trombone's portions, the invention requires only a greatly reduced mechanical effort to be activated. Additionally, these capacitive couplings avoid disruptions due to intermodulation products (PIM).
Implementation Method 3
the internal conductive line and the conductive branch are hollow and slightly greater in diameter than the mobile part, which allows them to slide like a trombone along the moving part in order to adjust the phase shift
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated device comprises at least one input connector (62) linked to an internal conductive line (64) and at least two output connectors (70A,70B) each respectively linked to an conductive branch (69A, 69B), wherein a single moving part (65), simultaneously serving the functions of a phase-shifter and a power-distributor, which comprises a shared segment (67) divided into two conductive arms (68A, 68B), the shared segment (67) linking the internal conductive line (64) to each of the conductive branches (69A, 69B) respectively, so as to vary, by an equal but opposite quantity, the length of the electric path between the input connector (62) and each of the output conductors (70A,70B) when the moving part (65) moves. The moving part (65) can be actuated from outside the housing, preferentially by means of a transmission bar (66).