Phase Shifter Miniaturization via Dielectric Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifting apparatuses are large in size and do not meet the miniaturization trend of antenna systems, and their power allocation features do not meet the required standards.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifting apparatus is designed with a dielectric element that increases the relative dielectric constant near the conductor section to shorten the physical length, and a slideway mechanism to precisely control the tapping element's position, ensuring effective power allocation and miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional phase shifting apparatus is used, then the phase shifting function is achieved, but the device size is large and does not meet miniaturization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric element that changes the relative dielectric constant near the conductor section, thereby increasing the electrical length without increasing physical dimensions. This parameter change allows the apparatus to achieve the required phase shifting performance in a compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dielectric element in the spatial arrangement near the conductor section, utilizing the electromagnetic field distribution in three-dimensional space. This dimensional approach allows increasing electrical length by modifying the electromagnetic environment rather than extending physical conductors.
2Volume of moving object
If the physical length of conductor section is shortened for miniaturization, then device size is reduced, but power allocation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the dielectric element that modifies the relative dielectric constant, the patent changes the electrical characteristics of the conductor section. This allows the shortened physical conductor to maintain proper electrical length and impedance characteristics, thereby preserving power allocation performance despite reduced physical dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric element acts as an intermediary between the shortened conductor and the electromagnetic field. It mediates the electromagnetic interaction to ensure that the reduced physical length does not compromise the electrical performance and power allocation characteristics.
3Device complexity
If the tapping element position is not precisely controlled, then device complexity is reduced, but power allocation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a simplified structure where the tapping element's position is determined by the dielectric element's configuration. This substitution maintains precise positioning for power allocation while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric element's fixed configuration automatically determines the effective electrical length and tapping element positioning. The structure self-regulates the electrical characteristics without requiring complex external control mechanisms, thereby maintaining power allocation performance with reduced complexity.
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 achieves a compact phase shifting apparatus with improved power allocation, enabling precise phase shifting and network coverage adjustments while meeting the miniaturization requirements of modern antenna systems.
Implementation Method 1
the dielectric element is capable of changing the relative dielectric constant near the first conductor section in order to increase the electrical length of the first conductor section
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a phase shifting apparatus, including a first conductor section, a first tapping element, a feeder unit, and a dielectric element, where: the feeder unit is electrically connected to the first tapping element; the first tapping element is electrically connected to the first conductor section; the first tapping element is capable of moving along the first conductor section to change a phase of a signal that flows through the feeder unit, the first tapping element, and the first conductor section; and the dielectric element is disposed at a position near the first conductor section and is configured to change a relative dielectric constant near the first conductor section in order to increase an electrical length of the first conductor section. With the phase shifting apparatus in the embodiments of the present invention, the dielectric element is disposed in order to increase an electrical length of a conductor, which correspondingly reduces a physical length of the conductor, so that the size of the phase shifting apparatus is reduced.