Modular Transmission Line Device with LED Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current teaching resources lack effective tools to help learners understand the practical meanings of transmission line theory, as they rely heavily on abstract formulas and limited software animations, making it difficult for beginners to grasp the operation logic of hardware circuits.

Innovation Solution

A modular transmission line device comprising a power input module, a transmission line module, a load module, and LED modules that use lighting states to visualize electromagnetic wave variations, allowing users to manually adjust parameters and interactivity, thereby overcoming abstract formula complexities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If software animation is used to show transmission line waves, then the visualization capability is improved, but the flexibility and types of transmission line simulation are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisualization capabilityVSAvoidflexibility of transmission line simulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission line is divided into multiple discrete modular segments that can be independently selected and configured. Each module represents a specific transmission line configuration with defined electrical characteristics, allowing flexible assembly of different transmission line types and lengths while maintaining clear visualization through the modular structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of transmission line parameters by swapping modular components. Users can change characteristic impedance, line length, and other parameters by replacing modules, enabling real-time exploration of different transmission line behaviors while maintaining visual representation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If algorithms are used to generate dynamic wave animation, then the software freedom is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware freedomVSAvoidsoftware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex algorithms to simulate wave behavior, the patent uses physical modular representations that directly model transmission line characteristics. The modular components are designed to naturally exhibit the electrical behaviors they represent, eliminating the need for complex computational algorithms while maintaining visualization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces software-based algorithmic simulation with a physical modular system that inherently demonstrates transmission line behavior. The electrical characteristics of the modular components directly produce the wave phenomena being studied, substituting mechanical/electrical reality for computational simulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If abstract formulas are used to describe transmission line theory, then the theoretical accuracy is improved, but the ease of understanding for beginners deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheoretical accuracyVSAvoidease of understanding
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual indicators such as colored LEDs or illuminated elements on the modular components to represent wave amplitude, phase, and other electrical parameters. This visual coding system translates abstract electrical concepts into intuitive visual information that beginners can easily understand while maintaining theoretical accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The modular transmission line components serve as intermediaries between abstract mathematical formulas and physical wave phenomena. They provide a tangible, visual representation that bridges the gap between theoretical equations and practical understanding, making complex concepts accessible to beginners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables learners to directly observe and interact with electromagnetic wave behaviors, improving understanding and interactivity beyond software limitations by using adjustable impedance settings and visual representations of wave propagation, reflection, and interference.

Implementation Method 1

Each LED module has a sixth connection port, and the sixth connection ports of the LED modules are respectively electrically connected with the fourth connection ports, and the LED modules radiate according to the electromagnetic wave.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS9826602B1Modular transmission line device
Publication Date: 2017.11.21 NATIONAL CHUNG CHENG UNIV
  • US9826602B1 patent drawing
  • US9826602B1 patent drawing
  • US9826602B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A modular transmission line device includes a power input module, a transmission line module, a load module and a plurality of LED modules. The power input module, the transmission line module and the load module are sequentially electrically connected and assembled. The power input module transmits an AC voltage to the transmission line module and the load module. The AC voltage is used to generate an electromagnetic wave in the transmission line module according to a loading impedance of the load module and a characteristic impedance of the transmission line module. Each LED module is electrically connected with and assembled with the transmission line module. The LED modules radiates according to the electromagnetic wave.