Periodic Conductive Structure for Low-Deflection Wave Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave devices face challenges in reducing size and thickness due to the susceptibility of metal plates to deflection when supported only at their edges, necessitating increased mechanical strength.
Innovation Solution
An electronic component with a pair of conductive members separated by dielectric members arranged in a periodic pattern, which supports the conductive members and controls radio wave propagation, reducing deflection by using dielectric members in contact with the conductive surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of metal plates is increased to maintain spacing and reduce deflection, then mechanical strength is improved, but device size and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the metal plate into multiple segments by introducing periodic metal posts that protrude from one plate to the other. This segmentation allows the plate to be thinner while maintaining overall structural strength through the distributed support of multiple posts arranged in a periodic pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces metal posts as intermediary elements between the two metal plates. These posts serve as mechanical mediators that transfer and distribute loads, enabling the plates to maintain spacing and resist deflection without requiring increased plate thickness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the thickness of metal plates is increased to maintain spacing, then deflection is reduced, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the plate structure with periodic metal posts, the patent achieves deflection control through distributed support points rather than requiring a solid thick plate, thereby reducing overall device weight while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating mechanical support at specific periodic locations where metal posts are positioned, rather than uniformly thickening the entire plate. This allows deflection control at critical points without increasing weight across the entire structure.
3Length of stationary object
If metal plates are made thinner to reduce device size, then device thickness is reduced, but mechanical strength decreases leading to increased deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic segmentation of the plate structure through metal posts enables the use of thinner plates while maintaining mechanical strength through the distributed array of support posts that prevent deflection at multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional plate structure to a three-dimensional periodic structure by adding metal posts that extend between the plates. This dimensional change creates additional load-bearing pathways that compensate for reduced plate thickness.
4Length of stationary object
If metal plates are made thinner to reduce device size, then device size is reduced, but deflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the plate into segments separated by periodic metal posts, the patent reduces the span between support points, thereby reducing deflection even with thinner plates. The segmentation creates multiple smaller stable regions rather than one large unsupported area.
Solution Approach 2:
The addition of vertical metal posts creates a three-dimensional periodic structure that provides deflection control in the vertical dimension, enabling thinner plates to maintain stability that would otherwise require greater thickness.
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of first members each have an electrically conductive surface and a disposed to face each other. A plurality of second members each made of an electrically conductive material are disposed between the pair of first members. The plurality of second members are arranged in a periodic pattern in at least one direction parallel to the conductive surface and disposed between the pair of first members. A dielectric member is disposed between each of the plurality of second members and each of the pair of first members. The dielectric member is in contact with the plurality of second members and with the pair of first members. An electronic component is provided that is configured to control propagation of radio waves such as microwaves, millimeter waves, or sub-millimeter waves, and that allows for reduced deflection of the conductive surface.