Plastic Waveguide With Foam Envelope for Terahertz Signal Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic waveguides for terahertz waves are sensitive to external contacts, leading to significant signal intensity losses and are complex and costly to manufacture, with mechanical stability issues due to the use of dielectric materials or foam for protection.
Innovation Solution
A plastic waveguide assembly with a protective envelope made of the same material, surrounding the waveguide to form a barrier against external disturbances, minimizing signal loss and enhancing mechanical reliability, while maintaining ease of manufacturing and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic waveguides are used for terahertz wave propagation, then waveguiding capability is achieved, but sensitivity to external contacts increases causing signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by covering the plastic waveguide with a protective envelope made of foam material. This envelope acts as a flexible protective shell that shields the waveguide from external contacts while allowing the waveguide to maintain its functional properties. The foam material provides mechanical protection without significantly affecting the electromagnetic wave propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the plastic waveguide core with a foam protective envelope. This composite structure integrates the waveguiding functionality of the plastic material with the protective and mechanical stability properties of the foam material, creating a hybrid structure that addresses both signal transmission and external contact protection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dielectric material or foam is used to protect plastic waveguides, then mechanical stability improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by merging the protective function with the waveguide structure itself. The foam protective envelope is integrated directly onto the waveguide core, forming a unified assembly. This eliminates the need for separate protective components and complex assembly processes, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining mechanical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses homogeneity by making the protective envelope from the same foam material throughout, and in some embodiments making it integral with the waveguide. This uniform material composition simplifies manufacturing compared to using multiple different materials with varying properties, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost while providing consistent mechanical protection.
3Loss of energy
If protective materials are added to plastic waveguides, then signal loss from external contacts is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using inexpensive foam material for the protective envelope. Foam is a low-cost material that can be easily formed and applied to the waveguide. While the envelope provides protection during use, the overall low material cost keeps manufacturing expenses down, making the protective solution economically viable despite adding a component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the protective function into the waveguide assembly itself, creating an integrated unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate protective components that would require additional manufacturing steps and assembly, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while still providing protection against external contacts and signal loss.
4Stability of the object's composition
If foam is used to protect waveguides, then mechanical stability improves, but waveguide size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by applying the foam protective envelope only where needed around the waveguide, rather than uniformly increasing the size throughout. The envelope provides mechanical stability and protection at the surfaces and contact points while maintaining a compact overall form factor. This localized protection approach minimizes volume increase while achieving the desired mechanical stability.
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 effectively isolates waves from external disturbances, reducing signal loss and improving mechanical stability, making it suitable for high-speed data transfer with reduced manufacturing costs and increased reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide for guiding said waves, this waveguide being made of a plastic material, a part of said waves propagating inside this waveguide and another part of said waves propagating inside the exterior of this wave guide
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to an assembly for propagating waves of frequencies comprised between 1 GHz and 10 THz. According to the invention, this assembly comprises: (a) a waveguide (11, 21) for guiding said waves, said waveguide (11, 21) being made from a plastic, one portion of said waves propagating in the interior of this waveguide (11, 21) and another portion of said waves propagating on the exterior of this waveguide (11, 21); and (b) a protective jacket (12) that encircles said wave guide (11, 21) while defining one or more spaces between said waveguide (11, 21) and said jacket, wherein said waves propagating on the exterior of said waveguide (11, 21) are contained, said protective jacket (12) thus forming a barrier protecting the latter from external interference.