Microwave Rotary Joint Mode Converter with Integrated Waveguides

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Solution Overview

Problem

High frequency microwave rotary joints face challenges in efficiently converting microwave signals from rectangular to circular TE01 mode without being affected by swirl structures, which can disrupt signal transmission.

Innovation Solution

A mode converter comprising two circular waveguides with power dividing structures and a bearing integration, allowing for conversion of microwave signals from rectangular to circular TE01 mode, ensuring minimal impact from swirl structures and maintaining signal purity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two mode converters are disposed at different positions to convert microwave signals between rectangular and circular modes, then the coupling effect is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling effectVSAvoidnumber of mode converters
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate mode converters into a single integrated mode converter by rotating one circular waveguide relative to the other. This integration maintains the dual-mode conversion functionality while reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a rotatable circular waveguide that can be rotated to different angular positions. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to achieve proper mode conversion alignment without requiring two fixed mode converters, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining coupling effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If circular TE11 mode is used in the middle channel, then the mode can be transmitted, but the signal is affected by the seam of the swirl structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidseam interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational mode parameter from circular TE11 to circular TE01. The TE01 mode has a different current distribution pattern that does not intersect with the seam location, thereby eliminating the harmful interference effect while maintaining signal transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent strategically positions the seam and selects the TE01 mode such that the seam location becomes a region of minimal current density for this mode. This converts the potential harmful effect of the seam into a beneficial arrangement where the seam does not disrupt the current flow pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If circular TE01 mode is used in the middle channel, then the signal is not affected by the seam, but the conversion from rectangular mode becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseam influenceVSAvoidmode conversion difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a rotatable circular waveguide structure that can be adjusted to optimal angular positions for mode conversion. This dynamic adjustment capability simplifies the conversion process from rectangular to circular TE01 mode by allowing alignment with the rectangular waveguide's field distribution pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-configures the circular waveguide with four connecting ports positioned at specific angular intervals (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°). This preliminary arrangement of ports and internal structure is designed to facilitate efficient mode conversion from rectangular to circular TE01 mode, reducing the difficulty of the conversion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effectively converts microwave signals from rectangular to circular TE01 mode, eliminating the influence of swirl structures and ensuring efficient signal transmission with high purity, thus enhancing the performance of microwave rotary joints.

Implementation Method 1

a mode converter for converting microwave signals of a TE01 circular symmetric mode... two power dividing structures, each of the power dividing structure has an input/output port and four connecting ports... connected to the inside of each of the circular waveguides

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic mode conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7973613B2Mode converter and microwave rotary joint with the mode converter
Publication Date: 2011.07.05 NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
  • US7973613B2 patent drawing
  • US7973613B2 patent drawing
  • US7973613B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A microwave rotary joint comprises a mode converter for converting microwave signals of a TE01 circular symmetric mode, and the mode converter comprises: two circular waveguides, one end of each of the waveguides has a circular input/output port; and two power dividing structures, each of the power dividing structure has an input/output port and four connecting ports, the four connecting ports are separated and surround each of the circular waveguides and connected to the inside of each of the circular waveguides, the two circular waveguides are integrated as one member through rotating a bearing.