Rectangular Leaky Cable with Segmented Outer Conductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leaky coaxial cables face issues such as twisting during manufacturing, high manufacturing costs due to complex mechanisms and expensive equipment, wasteful electromagnetic wave radiation, and instability in radiation due to improper configuration, which affects communication efficiency and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A leaky cable with a simple configuration featuring a rectangular outer conductor with slots on at least one surface, where the length of the outer conductor's long sides is less than half the wavelength of the transmitted signal, preventing higher-order transmission modes and allowing stable electromagnetic wave radiation without the need for twist prevention mechanisms or expensive manufacturing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a conventional leaky coaxial cable with circular cross-section is used, then electromagnetic wave radiation function is achieved, but the cable diameter becomes large and protrudes from the circumference, creating aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The outer conductor is divided into multiple flat plate-shaped conductors arranged side by side, replacing the conventional single circular outer conductor. This segmentation allows the cable to achieve a rectangular cross-section with reduced diameter while maintaining the electromagnetic wave radiation function through the distributed slot structures on each plate conductor surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable cross-section is changed from circular to rectangular by arranging flat plate-shaped outer conductors in a planar configuration. This dimensional reorganization reduces the cable diameter in the radial direction while extending the structure in the width direction, achieving a flatter profile that does not protrude from the circumference.
2Reliability
If slots are formed on the outer conductor for electromagnetic wave radiation, then radiation function is achieved, but the cable structure becomes complex requiring twist prevention mechanisms and increasing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The outer conductor is segmented into multiple flat plate-shaped conductors, each with slots formed on its surface. This segmentation inherently prevents twisting because the flat plate structure with slots on one surface naturally maintains orientation, eliminating the need for additional twist prevention mechanisms while ensuring stable electromagnetic wave radiation in the intended direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat plate-shaped outer conductors have an asymmetric configuration with slots formed only on one surface. This asymmetry creates a natural preference for a specific orientation, preventing random twisting during installation and ensuring that the electromagnetic waves are radiated in the correct direction toward the communication partner.
3Loss of energy
If slots are opened for electromagnetic wave radiation, then radiation function is achieved, but electromagnetic waves are radiated strongly from slot sides causing wasteful energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The flat plate-shaped outer conductors have slots formed only on one specific surface rather than on all surfaces. This localized slot configuration directs the electromagnetic wave radiation primarily in the intended forward direction toward the communication partner, reducing side radiation and minimizing wasteful energy loss while maintaining communication efficiency.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simple flat cable structure is used, then aesthetic appearance and reduced diameter are achieved, but manufacturing requires expensive equipment and complex processes
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flat plate-shaped outer conductors are merged and arranged side by side to form the complete outer conductor structure. This merging approach allows the use of simple flat plate materials that are easier and less expensive to manufacture than conventional circular outer conductors, while the combined structure achieves the desired rectangular cross-section and electromagnetic wave radiation function.
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 enables efficient and stable electromagnetic wave radiation with reduced manufacturing costs, a flat appearance, and improved communication efficiency by minimizing wasteful radiation and maintaining a stable power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
at least one slot row for diffracting, backwards, electromagnetic waves which have been transmitted through the leaky cable
Data Source
AI summary
A leaky cable with a central conductor, and an outer conductor having a rectangular cross section surrounding the central conductor. The outer conductor has a first and a second surface parallel to each other, and at least one slot row formed in at least one of the first and second surface. The slot row is formed in a first direction of the outer conductor and includes a plurality of slots each configured to form a leaky electromagnetic field. An insulator is disposed between the central conductor and the outer conductor. The width of the rectangular cross section in a direction parallel to the first and second surfaces is less than half of a wavelength of an electric signal transmitted through the leaky cable.