Low-Loss Plug Connection for Dielectric Waveguides

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-frequency electromagnetic radiation systems face challenges in maintaining minimum signal strength due to significant attenuation in dielectric waveguides and plug connections, particularly over transmission lengths of 10 to 15 meters, which is critical in applications like the automobile industry.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a plug connection arrangement that combines 'end-fire' antennas with optimized dielectric waveguide alignment and fixation, reducing the number of electromagnetic couplings and minimizing transmission losses by using receiving units to precisely adapt dielectric waveguides to radiation sources or receivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If dielectric waveguides are used to guide electromagnetic rays over transmission lengths of 10 to 15 meters, then the data transmission capability is enabled, but the signal strength deteriorates due to attenuation in the waveguides and plug connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission lengthVSAvoidsignal strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the plug connection by using a radiation source positioned at the end of the dielectric waveguide rather than a traditional connector. This parameter change in the coupling mechanism reduces electromagnetic losses at the connection point, thereby maintaining signal strength over the required transmission length of 10 to 15 meters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a receiving unit as an intermediary component that optimizes the coupling between the radiation source and the dielectric waveguide. This intermediary element enables efficient energy transfer and reduces transmission losses, allowing the system to maintain minimum signal strength requirements over extended transmission distances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If the number of electromagnetic couplings is reduced by using receiving units to align and fix dielectric waveguides, then transmission losses are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise alignment and fixation mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission lossesVSAvoidalignment and fixation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the alignment and fixation functions into the receiving unit itself, which is designed to automatically position and secure the dielectric waveguide in the optimal orientation relative to the radiation source. This integration reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms and simplifies the overall device structure while minimizing transmission losses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 ensures a guaranteed minimum signal strength for longer transmission lengths by reducing electromagnetic losses, thereby enhancing the efficiency and robustness of electromagnetic connections between radiation sources and waveguides.

Implementation Method 1

at least one radiation source (16) for generating electromagnetic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

With dielectric waveguides, the electromagnetic rays can be guided over these transmission lengths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric waveguide propagation: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentEP3462533B1Low-loss plug connection arrangement and system having at least one such plug connection arrangement
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 TE CONNECTIVITY GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3462533B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3462533B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3462533B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A plug connection arrangement for mechanically and electromagnetically coupling at least one radiation source to at least one dielectric waveguide is disclosed, having at least one housing which can be mounted on a printed circuit board, having the at least one radiation source for generating electromagnetic waves and having the at least one dielectric waveguide, wherein the at least one radiation source is enclosed, in a mounted state on the printed circuit board, at least in sections, by the housing and at least one receiving unit for receiving and aligning the at least one dielectric waveguide is connected to the housing, and wherein a dielectric waveguide, which can be received by the at least one receiving unit, in the received state, can be electromagnetically coupled to the at least one radiation source. Moreover, a system for transmitting data by electromagnetic radiation is disclosed.