Phase Shifting Apparatus Non-Metallic Fastening PIM Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifter networks in electrically adjustable antennas face issues such as deformation, complex assembly, passive intermodulation (PIM) performance degradation due to metal screws, and difficulty in environmental testing, particularly with the air strip line design.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifting apparatus comprising a grounding plate with top and bottom substrates forming phase shifting units, a rod for adjusting relative sliding movement, and non-metallic fastening elements to reduce PIM and simplify assembly, allowing for greater phase difference with reduced dimensions and lower friction for easier operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal screws are used to fix the substrates, then the assembly is mechanically strong, but the passive intermodulation (PIM) performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metal screws from the assembly and replaces them with non-metallic fastening elements. This extraction of the harmful metal component eliminates the source of PIM while maintaining the necessary mechanical fastening function through alternative materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs non-metallic fastening elements that are simpler and less expensive than metal screws. These elements achieve the fastening function without the harmful electromagnetic properties of metal, effectively replacing the problematic component with a superior alternative.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the phase shifting apparatus uses a long and thin strip line design, then the phase adjustment range is sufficient, but the strip line becomes easily deformed and assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the phase shifting apparatus into multiple substrate units (first substrate, second substrate, third substrate) that can be assembled in a modular fashion. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while achieving the required phase adjustment range through the coordinated movement of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional planar strip line design to a three-dimensional stacked substrate configuration. By arranging substrates in layers with vertical spacing, the design achieves sufficient phase adjustment range without requiring long horizontal strip lines, thereby reducing deformation risks and simplifying assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the phase shifting apparatus uses a large sliding range to achieve greater phase difference, then the phase adjustment capability is sufficient, but the apparatus dimension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking of substrates to create phase shifting capability in the vertical dimension rather than requiring extensive horizontal sliding. The phase difference is achieved through vertical displacement between substrates, which accomplishes the same function in a more compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining multiple substrate materials and a rod mechanism to achieve efficient phase shifting. This composite design allows for greater phase difference within a smaller sliding range by optimizing the interaction between different components.
4Strength
If the phase shifting apparatus uses traditional assembly methods, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the assembly and rework process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex traditional assembly methods and replaces them with simplified non-metallic fastening elements. This extraction of complexity from the assembly process maintains structural integrity while dramatically improving ease of assembly and rework.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a phase shifting apparatus and an electrically adjustable antenna. The phase shifting apparatus comprises a grounding plate; two bottom substrates respectively arranged on both sides of the grounding plate and coupled to the grounding plate; two top substrates respectively arranged on both sides of the two bottom substrates, wherein each of the top substrates and each of the bottom substrates form a phase shifting unit; a rod coupled to the two top substrates for adjusting a relative sliding movement between the two top substrates and the two bottom substrates so as to simultaneously adjust a phase of the output signal of each phase shifting unit.