Non-Contact Dual-Channel RF Rotary Joint for Low-Loss Radar Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF rotary joints in radar applications suffer from limited longevity due to friction and require frequent replacement, leading to increased time and cost, and lack a compact, flexible design suitable for various radar systems.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact RF rotary joint structure with a gap configuration and conductive pins, utilizing power divider arms and ladder structures for impedance and polarization matching, ensuring low-loss RF communication between moving and fixed parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact RF rotary joint techniques are used, then RF signal transmission is achieved, but longevity is limited due to friction and physical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based RF transmission system with a non-contact electromagnetic field-based system. The RF signal is transmitted through electromagnetic coupling between the rotating and stationary parts without physical contact, eliminating friction and wear. This is achieved through carefully designed electromagnetic fields that couple the transmitter and receiver coils across the air gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer RF signals between the rotating and stationary parts. The electromagnetic field acts as a mediator that carries the signal across the air gap without requiring direct mechanical contact, thus avoiding the harmful effects of friction while maintaining signal transmission.
2Reliability
If non-contact RF rotary joint structure is used, then longevity is improved by eliminating friction, but device complexity increases due to gap structure and conductive pins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the RF transmission function into separate transmitting and receiving coils, with the signal path segmented through the air gap. The conducting pins are also segmented and positioned at specific locations to maintain electromagnetic coupling while allowing rotational movement. This segmentation enables non-contact transmission while managing the complexity through modular coil and pin arrangements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rotary joint structure is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different radar applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal non-contact RF rotary joint structure that can be adapted to different radar applications including monostatic and bistatic configurations. The modular coil and pin design allows the same basic structure to serve multiple functions and applications, enhancing versatility while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized components.
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 structure provides long-lasting performance with reduced intervention losses, supports various radar types, and maintains high isolation and directivity, suitable for bistatic radars with separate transmitter and receiver antennas.
Implementation Method 1
A non-contact RF rotary joint structure with a gap configuration and conductive pins, utilizing power divider arms and ladder structures for impedance and polarization matching, ensuring low-loss RF communication between moving and fixed parts
Implementation Method 2
at least one common gap (15) configured to prevent signal leakage to form a non-contact structure between the first channel input port (1) and the second channel input port (3) in the rotating structure and the first channel output port (2) and the second channel output port (4) in the fixed structure
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a non-contact rotary joint structure that provides communication between the moving radar antenna and subsystems in radar applications and includes two RF channels with a gap in order to ensure that the rotating and fixed parts are non-contact.