Open-End Transmission Line Conduits for Nondestructive Material Permittivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a nondestructive device capable of measuring the permittivity and permeability of dielectric or magnetic materials or composites over a wide range of frequencies without requiring the materials to be machined to a specific shape, as existing methods often necessitate such shaping and are not suitable for smooth flat surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A device constructed of Navy brass with two transmission line conduits terminating in open ends, which form annuli to make contact with the material under test, allowing for simultaneous measurements of complex scattering parameters s11 and s21, enabling the computation of material characteristics using a network analyzer, and is scalable and calibratable for different frequencies and material types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional measurement methods are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but the material requires machining to a specific shape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of measurementVSAvoidmaterial shape requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the measurement interface into separate transmission line conduits with open ends that can independently contact the material surface, eliminating the need for complex shaped samples while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement device is designed to work with materials of any shape that have a smooth flat surface, making the measurement method universally applicable without requiring material-specific preparation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If narrow frequency range measurement is used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but frequency adaptability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement system simplicityVSAvoidfrequency range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates adjustable transmission line conduits and configurable measurement parameters that can be dynamically adapted to different frequency ranges, allowing the same device to operate across broad frequency spectra while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system allows modification of electrical and geometric parameters of the transmission line conduits to optimize performance across different frequency ranges, enabling broad frequency adaptability without increasing fundamental device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If destructive measurement methods are used, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but material integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepermittivity measurement accuracyVSAvoidmaterial damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces mechanical contact methods that require material removal or deformation with electromagnetic field-based measurement through transmission line conduits, achieving accurate permittivity and permeability measurements without damaging the material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission line conduits act as intermediaries that couple electromagnetic fields to the material under test, enabling nondestructive measurement of electrical properties while maintaining material integrity

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 nondestructive measurement of material properties over a broad frequency range, allowing for the determination of permittivity and permeability without the need for machining, providing accurate electrical property characterization through reflection and transmission measurements.

Implementation Method 1

When an electromagnetic field is launched from a connector port and propagates along the interior of one of the transmission line conduits to an open end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Annuli formed by the open ends each encompass portions of a flange. The flange as well the portions makes firm contact with the material under test (MUT)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS7495454B2Device for measurement of electrical properties in materials

Publication Date: 2009.02.24 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

AI summary

A device for measuring electrical properties, including permittivity, of a material is disclosed. The device includes a first conduit and second conduit terminating at open ends and respectively connected to a first and second connector port. Annuli are formed by the open ends to encompass portions of a flange of the device. The flange as well the portions make firm contact with the material under test, permitting simultaneous measurements of the complex scattering parameters of the material when an electromagnetic field is transmitted through the first connector port. Electrical characteristics of the material can be computed using the measurements received at the first connector port and the second connector port. Shorting screws are used for calibration by selectively opening or shorting the conduits.