Multiphase Shifter Actuator Layout for Compact Stable Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators for multiphase shifters occupy significant space, hindering miniaturization and complicating the layout of antennas, while also lacking stability and precision in power transmission.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design featuring a base body, first and second driving rods, a gear and rack system, and telescopic rods, where the driving rods operate asynchronously to minimize space usage by allowing transverse and longitudinal movements, enabling precise and stable power transmission through a coupling mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing actuators are used for multiphase shifters, then the power transmission function is achieved, but the height space and longitudinal space are occupied significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the first driving rod and gear-rack mechanism inside the longitudinal space of the second driving rod. The first driving rod is positioned within the actuation module housing, while the second driving rod extends outward. This nested arrangement allows both mechanisms to occupy overlapping spatial regions, significantly reducing the overall height and longitudinal dimensions of the actuator while maintaining both power transmission functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-plane mechanism to a three-dimensional spatial mechanism. The first driving rod operates in the transverse direction (X-axis) while the second driving rod operates in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis), creating orthogonal motion planes. This dimensional separation allows the mechanisms to share space without interference, achieving miniaturization while preserving functional independence and transmission reliability.
2Length of moving object
If existing actuators are used for multiphase shifters, then the driving function is achieved, but the overall layout of the antenna becomes complex and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate driving mechanisms into a single integrated actuation module. The first driving rod with its gear-rack system and the second driving rod are combined within one housing structure, sharing common mounting surfaces and support elements. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall layout, making the antenna design more compact and easier to integrate while maintaining the ability to drive multiple phase shifters.
3Speed
If the first driving rod drives the gear to rotate, then transverse movement is achieved, but the mechanism requires additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic coupling where the first driving rod's transverse motion is converted to rotational motion of the gear, which then drives the rack. This dynamic transformation allows compact packaging of the mechanism while maintaining high movement speed. The gear-rack system provides mechanical advantage, enabling fast response with minimal space by leveraging rotational-inertial dynamics rather than direct linear 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 actuator achieves miniaturization by optimizing space utilization and enhances power transmission stability and precision, facilitating efficient antenna layout and operation.
Implementation Method 1
the first driving rod drives the gear to rotate around the axis of the gear. The gear meshes with the rack.
Implementation Method 2
The rack extends along a transverse direction and the rack is slidable on the base body along the transverse direction.
Implementation Method 3
the second driving rod drives the first rod to rotate around the first central axis.
Implementation Method 4
The second rods are rotable around their own second central axes when they are respectively driven by the first rod.
Implementation Method 5
The coupling member is sleeved on the first rod and selectively mating with one of the second rods. The transverse slippage of the rack drives the movement of the coupling member on the first rod. The rotation of the coupling member accompanies with the rotation of the first rod for driving the rotation of the second rod.
Implementation Method 6
Each connecting element slides on the corresponding telescopic rod for stretching out and retracting of the corresponding telescopic rod.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes a base body, a gear, a rack, a coupling member, a number of connecting elements, and a number of telescopic rods. Two driving rods work asynchronously. A first rod extends along the transverse direction and a number of second rods extending along the transverse direction. The gear meshes with the rack. The rack is slidable on the base body along the transverse direction. The second rods are rotable around their own second central axes when they are respectively driven by the first rod. The coupling member is sleeved on the first rod and selectively mating with one of the second rods. The coupling member is fixedly connected to the rack. Each connecting element is moveable on the corresponding telescopic rod. The present disclosure is beneficial to miniaturization, and power transmission of the present disclosure is more stable and more precise.