RF Connecting Unit with Spacer and Conductive Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio-frequency systems face challenges in providing a flexible, robust, and cost-effective connection technology for modular radio-frequency components, particularly in satellite communication systems, where mechanical robustness, bandwidth, and electromagnetic interference shielding are critical.

Innovation Solution

A connecting unit comprising a housing made of electrically conductive and rigid material, with an internal conductor and a spacer, allowing for flexible arrangement and connection of radio-frequency components, eliminating the need for coaxial cables or waveguides, and providing enhanced mechanical and electromagnetic shielding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If coaxial cables are used for connecting radio-frequency components, then flexibility in arrangement is improved, but mechanical robustness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in arrangementVSAvoidmechanical robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting unit is divided into a housing and an internal conductor that can be separately assembled, allowing the housing to provide mechanical strength while the internal conductor provides electrical connection and flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The internal conductor acts as an intermediary element between the housing and the radio-frequency components, providing both mechanical support and electrical connection while allowing flexible arrangement of connected components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If waveguides are used for connecting radio-frequency components, then bandwidth is improved, but mechanical robustness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidmechanical robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of waveguide (for bandwidth) and rigid mechanical connection (for robustness) into a single integrated housing structure that provides both wide bandwidth capability and mechanical strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is made from composite or specially treated material that combines the electromagnetic properties needed for wide bandwidth with the mechanical properties needed for robustness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional connection methods are used, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic interference shieldingVSAvoidconnection technology complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electromagnetic shielding, mechanical protection, and structural support, eliminating the need for separate shielding components and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure itself provides the electromagnetic shielding function without requiring additional dedicated shielding components, making the system simpler and more self-contained

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 offers a mechanically robust, cost-effective, and flexible connection technology suitable for low and high input powers, with improved bandwidth and reduced electromagnetic interference, enabling efficient signal transmission in satellite communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

Since the housing is manufactured from an electrically conductive material, the housing serves as a shield for the internal conductor, so that the housing serving as a shield minimizes or even eliminates an influence of external electromagnetic fields on the signal transmission by means of the internal conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS10998605B2Connecting unit for connecting to first and second interfaces, where the connecting unit comprises an internal conductor disposed within a housing formed by half-shell construction

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 TESAT SPACECOM GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A connecting unit for radio-frequency components has: a housing; a first interface and a second interface which are arranged on the housing and are designed to be coupled to in each case one radio-frequency component; an internal conductor which runs in the housing and is connected to the first interface and the second interface in order to establish a radio-frequency connection between the first interface and the second interface; a spacer which surrounds the internal conductor and extends at least along a portion of the length of the internal conductor. The housing is manufactured from an electrically conductive and rigid material and the spacer is arranged such that the internal conductor is at a distance from the housing at least in sections.