Planar Filter Assembly With Angled Dielectric Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional planar filter assemblies face performance variations due to manufacturing tolerances and thermal changes, which affect the distance between the planar filter and ground planes, leading to inconsistent filter performance and susceptibility to damage from shock and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A planar filter assembly is designed with a u-shaped housing, angled dielectric plates, and compressible rings that apply inward pressure on the planar filter, maintaining it centered and stable across temperature fluctuations and manufacturing defects, using elastomer rings to absorb variations and provide consistent force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional planar filter assemblies are used with fixed mounting structures, then manufacturing is simple, but the distance between the planar filter and ground planes varies due to manufacturing tolerances and thermal changes, leading to inconsistent filter performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses compressible elastomer rings that change their physical parameters (compression state) in response to thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances. The elastomer rings compress or expand to maintain a consistent distance between the planar filter and ground planes, allowing the assembly to accommodate parameter variations without requiring precision manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly structure transitions from a static fixed mounting to a dynamic system where elastomer rings can compress and expand. This dynamic capability allows the planar filter to maintain a stable distance from ground planes despite thermal changes and manufacturing variations, as the elastomer rings adapt their compression state to compensate for these variations.
2Reliability
If rigid mounting structures are used to hold the planar filter, then the assembly is structurally simple, but the filter is susceptible to damage from shock and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer rings are installed in advance to provide cushioning protection against shock and vibrations. These compressible elements absorb mechanical shocks and vibrations before they can reach the planar filter, protecting it from damage while maintaining electrical performance. The cushioning effect is built into the mounting structure from the beginning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible elastomer rings instead of rigid mounting structures. These flexible elements can deform under shock and vibration loads, absorbing the mechanical energy and protecting the planar filter. The flexibility of the elastomer rings allows them to accommodate dynamic loads while maintaining the electrical connection and spacing.
3Manufacturing precision
If precision manufacturing is used to ensure consistent filter performance, then manufacturing cost increases, but without compensation mechanisms, thermal changes still cause performance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer ring compensation mechanism is a self-adjusting system that automatically compensates for thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances without requiring external control or additional precision manufacturing. The compressible rings self-regulate the distance between the planar filter and ground planes based on their elastic properties, eliminating the need for expensive precision machining or thermal compensation systems.
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 assembly achieves improved filter performance by maintaining consistent distance between the planar filter and ground planes, reducing susceptibility to thermal and mechanical stress, and allowing for cost-effective manufacturing with enhanced shock and vibration absorption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one compressible ring acts on the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate to apply inward pressure on the planar filter
Data Source
AI summary
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a support assembly for a planar filter. The assembly includes a u-shaped housing with angled surfaces at the inner corners of the u-shape, a first dielectric plate having a first angled surface in contact with one of the angled surfaces of the housing, a second dielectric plate having a second angled surface in contact with the other angled surface of the housing, at least one compressible ring, and a cover. The planar filter is supported between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate. The cover compresses the compressible ring to apply downward force on the first and second dielectric plates. The downward force is translated to an inward force by the angled surfaces of the housing. The angled surfaces of the housing apply an inward force on the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate.