Integrated Plastic Antenna-Waveguide for Low-Loss HF Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna arrangements for high-frequency measurement signals in level and pressure measurement technologies face challenges with signal attenuation and interference, particularly at frequencies above 100 GHz, due to complex manufacturing processes and susceptibility to spurious echoes.
Innovation Solution
An antenna arrangement comprising a plastic antenna integrally formed with a plastic waveguide, featuring a metallized outer wall and an anti-reflection element, which reduces reflections and attenuations by eliminating coupling points and optimizing signal transmission, while allowing for cost-effective manufacturing using injection molding or 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional waveguide and antenna arrangements are used for high-frequency measurement signals (>100 GHz), then signal transmission is achieved, but signal attenuation and interference increase due to multiple coupling points and complex manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna and waveguide into a single integrally formed component made from the same plastic material. This merging eliminates the separate coupling point between antenna and waveguide, thereby reducing signal reflections and attenuations that would otherwise occur at the interface between two separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter by using plastic (dielectric material) for both the antenna and waveguide instead of traditional metallic constructions. This parameter change reduces signal attenuation at high frequencies (>100 GHz) while the metallization on the outer wall maintains the necessary electromagnetic properties.
2Reliability
If conventional antenna and waveguide arrangements are used, then signal transmission is achieved, but reflections and attenuations occur at coupling points and transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna and waveguide are merged into one integrally formed component, eliminating the coupling point where reflections and attenuations would occur. The integral formation ensures continuous material structure without interfaces that could cause signal degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction with plastic as the base material and adds metallization on the outer wall. This composite approach provides both the low-loss dielectric properties of plastic and the electromagnetic shielding properties of metal, reducing harmful reflections while maintaining signal integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate antenna and waveguide components are used, then assembly is straightforward, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to multiple assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna and waveguide are combined into a single integrally formed component, reducing the number of parts from two separate components to one. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for separate production and assembly of antenna and waveguide, reducing both device complexity and assembly steps.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If metallic waveguide and antenna are used, then electromagnetic shielding is provided, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material approach where plastic forms the base structure of the antenna and waveguide, providing mechanical strength and electrical insulation, while a metallization layer is applied on the outer wall to provide electromagnetic shielding. This composite construction reduces manufacturing cost compared to fully metallic components while maintaining the necessary shielding properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire structure metallic, the patent applies metallization only locally on the outer wall where electromagnetic shielding is most needed. This local quality approach provides adequate shielding protection while significantly reducing material cost and manufacturing complexity compared to fully metallic construction.
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
This solution minimizes signal attenuation and interference, enhances measurement system sensitivity and stability, and reduces manufacturing costs by integrating the antenna and waveguide, thus effectively addressing the challenges at high frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
The waveguide or feeder may be a plastic waveguide, which may be made of a dielectric material. This plastic waveguide may also have a metallic wall. Compared to a waveguide, the waveguide may be filled with the dielectric material.
Implementation Method 2
The metallized wall of the antenna may serve to reduce or minimize the susceptibility to interference from an object located in close proximity to the waveguide that may cause spurious echoes and increased antenna ringing.
Implementation Method 3
an anti-reflection element arranged on an outer side of a transition region between the antenna and the waveguide and arranged to reduce reflections of the measurement signal in the transition region
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna arrangement configured to radiate a high-frequency measurement signal from a measurement sensor is provided, including: an antenna made of a plastic material; a waveguide made of the plastic material, in which the waveguide is integrally formed with the antenna; and a wall on an outside of the antenna that has metallization or is made of metal. A measuring device including a measurement sensor and the antenna arrangement is also provided. A method of manufacturing an antenna arrangement is also provided, the method including: providing an antenna arrangement having an antenna and a waveguide made of a plastic by an injection molding process, a micro injection molding process, a compression molding of a base body, or a 3D printing process, in which the waveguide is integrally formed with the antenna; and metallizing an exterior of the antenna to form a wall on the exterior of the antenna.