Reconfigurable Dielectric Composite Substrate for Microwave Applications
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite material substrates for microwave applications have fixed dielectric characteristics, limiting their reconfigurability and suitability for large-scale use, such as in naval structures, where flexible dielectric properties are needed for stealth, shielding, and antenna integration.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating active fillers, such as piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials, into composite substrates that can modify their dielectric characteristics through electrical, thermal, optical, or mechanical controls, allowing for reconfigurable dielectric properties suitable for both structural and microwave functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed dielectric characteristics are used in composite substrates, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but reconfigurability and adaptability for different microwave applications are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a passive substrate with active filler particles (such as barium strontium titanium oxide, lead zinc niobate, or lead magnesium niobate) dispersed within the substrate matrix. This composite structure enables reconfigurable dielectric properties while maintaining the structural integrity of the original substrate, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing active filler materials whose dielectric properties can be dynamically modified through external stimuli such as temperature, electric field, or mechanical stress. This allows the composite structure to reconfigure its dielectric characteristics without changing its physical structure, achieving adaptability while controlling complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If active materials are deposited on substrate surfaces, then reconfigurability is achieved, but the solution is limited to local scale applications and cannot be used for large structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the active reconfigurable materials directly into the substrate bulk through dispersion of active filler particles throughout the entire substrate volume. This integration approach allows large-scale structures to be manufactured as single pieces with uniform reconfigurable properties throughout, eliminating the manufacturing constraints associated with surface deposition methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous or cellular structure of composite substrates (such as foam or honeycomb structures) to disperse and distribute active filler particles throughout the bulk material. This approach enables large-scale manufacturing while maintaining reconfigurability, as the active materials are integrated within the porous matrix rather than applied as surface coatings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passive composite substrates are used, then structural function is provided, but microwave functionality requires additional active components increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by creating a composite substrate that simultaneously provides structural support and reconfigurable microwave functionality. The active filler particles embedded in the substrate enable the same component to serve both as a mechanical structure and as a controllable microwave element, eliminating the need for separate active components and reducing overall system complexity.
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 composite structures with reconfigurable dielectric properties can adapt to varying electromagnetic conditions, enhancing their suitability for large-scale applications like naval structures while maintaining mechanical performance and reducing additional costs.
Implementation Method 1
The active loads are formed from a piezoelectric material, the dielectric characteristics of which can be modified by applying a command to the composite structure
Implementation Method 2
The piezoelectric material can furthermore be ferroelectric, i.e. be piezoelectric, pyroelectric and ferroelectric
Implementation Method 3
The piezoelectric material is for example also pyroelectric, i.e. piezoelectric and pyroelectric
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a composite structure having reconfigurable dielectric characteristics, characterised in that it comprises a composite substrate and a plurality of active loads (21) dispersed in the composite substrate, each active load (21) consisting of a material having dielectric characteristics that can be modified by applying a control to the composite structure.