Phase Change Material Discontinuous Mesh for RF Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic device protection methods, such as silicon carbide-based limiters and switchable transistorized mesh systems, are costly, complex, and introduce delays in responding to high-power microwave attacks or interference, making them inefficient for protecting low-noise amplifiers and other communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A non-conductive substrate with a discontinuous mesh of conductive members and phase change material that transitions from non-conductive to conductive in response to specific electromagnetic waveforms, allowing low-power signals to pass through while blocking high-power signals, effectively acting as a passive RF shutter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If silicon carbide-based limiters are placed at each element of a phased array antenna, then protection against high-power signals is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against high-power signalsVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple limiter functions into a single shared limiter unit that serves the entire phased array antenna system rather than placing individual limiters at each element. This merging approach maintains protection capability while dramatically reducing the number of components and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared limiter unit is designed to protect multiple antenna elements simultaneously, making a single component perform the protective function for the entire array. This multi-functional approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a switchable transistorized mesh system is used to block high-power electromagnetic radiation, then protection is improved, but switching time delay increases and complexity is added

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from high-power electromagnetic radiationVSAvoidswitching time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic switching system with a passive non-linear material system that automatically responds to high-power signals through intrinsic material properties. This substitution eliminates switching delays associated with transistor operation while maintaining protection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The non-linear material system automatically detects and responds to high-power electromagnetic radiation without requiring external control signals or power sources. The material self-regulates its transmission characteristics based on the incident signal power, eliminating the need for complex control circuitry and reducing switching time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If a discontinuous mesh with phase change material is used, then response speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transition properties of non-linear materials that change their electromagnetic response characteristics when exposed to high-power signals. This phase transition mechanism enables rapid response to protect the antenna array without requiring complex active control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 solution provides efficient, low-loss, and wide-bandwidth protection for electronic devices by selectively inhibiting high-power electromagnetic radiation with minimal complexity and rapid response time, ensuring normal operation during low-power signal transmission and reception while safeguarding against high-power interference.

Implementation Method 1

The phase change material undergoes a phase transition from substantially non-conductive to substantially conductive responsive to a change of energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

When the transistors are on (e.g., behaving like a closed switch), the mesh is effectively continuous, and electromagnetic energy may be reflected from the mesh

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9204582B2Electronic device protection

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method includes permitting a first signal having a first electromagnetic waveform to pass through an apparatus. The method further includes blocking a second signal having a second electromagnetic waveform at the apparatus, wherein the second electromagnetic waveform is different than the first electromagnetic waveform. The apparatus includes a non-conductive substrate and a plurality of cells including conductive members coupled to the non-conductive substrate, where the conductive members are arranged to form a first discontinuous mesh, where regions between the conductive members of the first discontinuous mesh include a phase change material, and where the phase change material undergoes a phase transition from substantially non-conductive to substantially conductive.