Nested Coaxial Power Divider Combining Broadband Microwave Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reactive-type broadband microwave dividers and combiners are complex and expensive to fabricate, limiting their efficiency and practicality for high-power applications, particularly in improving signal-to-noise ratio and noise figure in communications and radar systems.

Innovation Solution

A power divider/combiner design featuring nested unit element conductors with a 2.7:1 bandwidth, utilizing a main conductor and multiple hollow cylindrical conductors to create coaxial transmission lines, allowing for efficient power division and combination with improved thermal and electrical connectivity, and incorporating O-rings for gas sealing to enhance microwave power transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-stage multiconductor transmission line modules are used to achieve broadband operation, then bandwidth is improved, but device complexity and fabrication cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs nested coaxial conductors where inner conductors are placed within outer conductors, creating multiple transmission line paths in a compact arrangement. This nesting structure enables broadband operation through multiple resonant modes while maintaining a single integrated module, avoiding the complexity of multi-stage external assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from planar or linear arrangements of transmission lines to a three-dimensional nested coaxial configuration. By utilizing radial and axial dimensions simultaneously, the design achieves broadband performance through multiple resonant paths without increasing the overall footprint or requiring multiple separate modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of moving object

If nested coaxial conductors are used to reduce length, then compactness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice lengthVSAvoidconductor alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The nested coaxial structure is divided into discrete sections with individual conductors that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each conductor segment can be precisely aligned and secured, making the overall assembly process more manageable and less sensitive to cumulative tolerances than a monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dielectric supports and mounting structures that act as intermediaries between the nested conductors. These intermediaries provide precise mechanical positioning and electrical isolation, reducing the direct tolerance requirements between conductors and simplifying the manufacturing process.

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

The design achieves a shorter length and wider bandwidth compared to non-nested power divider/combiners, providing improved signal-to-noise ratio and noise figure performance while being more cost-effective and robust for high-power applications.

Implementation Method 1

nested unit element conductors... utilizing a main conductor and multiple hollow cylindrical conductors to create coaxial transmission lines, allowing for efficient power division and combination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

incorporating O-rings for gas sealing to enhance microwave power transmission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas sealing:

Data Source

PatentUS9947986B1Reactive power combiners and dividers including nested coaxial conductors

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 ASTER DAVID B

AI summary

A power divider/combiner includes a main conductor defining an axis and having an outer surface; an input connector, at a front end, having a center conductor, electrically coupled to the main conductor and having an axis aligned with the main conductor axis; a first hollow cylindrical conductor having an open end facing rearwardly, having an inner cylindrical surface, the main conductor being received in and spaced apart from the inner cylindrical surface, the first hollow cylindrical conductor being electrically coupled to the second conductor of the input connector; a second hollow cylindrical conductor having an open end facing forwardly, the first cylindrical conductor being received in and spaced apart from the inner cylindrical surface of the second cylindrical conductor; a third hollow cylindrical conductor having an open back end facing rearwardly, the second cylindrical conductor being received in and spaced apart from the inner cylindrical surface of the third cylindrical conductor; and a plurality of output connectors having respective axes that are perpendicular to the main conductor axis, the output connectors being angularly spaced apart relative to each other, the output connectors having center conductors electrically coupled to the third cylindrical conductor. Methods are also provided.