Movable Dielectric Phase Shifter for Multi-Band Antenna Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifters for multi-band frequency antenna devices are bulky and costly due to the use of high dielectric materials, which increase the overall weight and unit cost, and they require multiple phase shifters to adjust various band frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter design that minimizes the influence of dielectric on antenna elements by spacing them apart using a movable dielectric between wall panels and feed lines, allowing for phase adjustment without additional ceramic materials, thus reducing size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a dielectric is placed on a pattern on a PCB to achieve phase shifting, then phase adjustment is enabled, but the dielectric constant becomes very high requiring additional ceramic materials which increases cost and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dielectric material from direct contact with the antenna element by introducing a spacing structure. The dielectric is positioned on the PCB pattern but separated from the antenna element through an air gap or insulating structure, eliminating the need for high dielectric constant ceramic materials while maintaining phase shifting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary spacing structure is introduced between the dielectric and the antenna element. This intermediary layer (air gap or insulator) allows the dielectric to perform its phase shifting function on the PCB pattern while preventing direct interaction that would require high dielectric constant materials, thereby reducing overall weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple phase shifters are provided for multi-band frequency adjustment, then various band frequencies can be individually adjusted, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal phase shifting mechanism that can handle multiple band frequencies through a single integrated structure. The dielectric pattern on the PCB is designed to provide phase shifting across different frequency bands, and the movable dielectric component can be positioned to achieve phase adjustment for various bands without requiring separate phase shifter units.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple phase shifting functions for different frequency bands are merged into a single integrated dielectric structure on the PCB. Instead of providing separate phase shifters for each band, the patent combines the phase shifting capability into one unified structure that can serve multiple bands through appropriate positioning and configuration of the dielectric elements.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional ceramic materials are used to achieve high dielectric constant, then phase shifting performance is improved, but the unit cost and overall cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive ceramic materials with a more economical dielectric material that can be implemented as a printed pattern on the PCB. This dielectric layer, combined with the spacing structure, achieves the required phase shifting performance without the high cost associated with ceramic materials, making the manufacturing process more economically viable.
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 design reduces dielectric interference, lowers production costs, and minimizes weight while enabling efficient phase adjustment without the need for additional ceramic materials, thereby optimizing the phase shifter's performance and cost.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of each of the at least one dielectric is disposed between each of the at least one wall panel and each of the at least one feed line
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, provided is a phase shifter comprising: at least one base panel extending in a longitudinal direction; at least one wall panel extending from at least one of both opposing sides in a transverse direction of each of the at least one base panel in a direction parallel to a height direction perpendicular to the at least one base panel; at least one support body fixed to one surface of each of the at least one base panel; at least one feed line supported by the at least one support body so as to be spaced apart from one surface of each of the at least one base panel in the height direction; and at least one dielectric configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction, wherein at least a portion of each of the at least one dielectric is disposed between each of the at least one wall panel and each of the at least one feed line.