Articulated High-Power RF Joint for Flexible Coaxial Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high power RF connectors and cables are inflexible, requiring high forces for disconnection and are limited in their ability to transfer high power RF signals across a broad frequency range.
Innovation Solution
A tiltable and/or rotatable RF joint for high power coaxial RF lines with a socket-ball connection allowing tilts, rotations, and axial movements, featuring mechanical and electrical contact springs for stable signal transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If larger connectors and larger diameter cables are used for higher power levels, then power transfer capability is improved, but flexibility deteriorates and high forces are required for disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The RF line is divided into multiple cable sections connected by articulated joints, allowing each section to be optimized for power handling while the joints provide flexibility. The joint consists of separate inner conductor, outer conductor, and connector components that can be assembled and disassembled independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates articulated joints with degrees of freedom that allow dynamic movement and positioning. The joint enables tilting and rotational movements while maintaining electrical contact, providing adaptability in positioning without requiring excessive disconnection forces.
2Power
If larger connectors and cables are used for higher power levels, then power transfer capability is improved, but the force required for disconnecting connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into modular components (inner conductor section, outer conductor section, connector housing) that can be independently manipulated during assembly and disconnection, distributing the mechanical effort and reducing peak disconnection forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated joint design allows for gradual engagement and disengagement through multiple degrees of freedom, enabling controlled separation that reduces the instantaneous force required compared to rigid fixed-position connectors.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed-position connectors are used, then connection stability is improved, but adaptability in positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates articulated joints with degrees of freedom that allow dynamic movement and positioning. The joint enables tilting and rotational movements while maintaining electrical contact, providing adaptability in positioning without compromising connection stability through proper contact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated joint serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains electrical continuity, provides mechanical support, enables positioning adaptation, and allows for alignment compensation, making the connector universally applicable in various installation scenarios.
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
Enables flexible and stable high power RF signal transfer up to many Kilowatts and above across a broad frequency range without requiring excessive force for disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
The center contact spring may have a hollow cylindrical or spherical shape or a segment thereof. It may touch the center contact surface from its outside. The center contact surface may have the shape of a spherical segment with a center point at the center point of the joint ball. This provides a constant radius of the spring and therefore a constant spring force over tilting.
Implementation Method 2
The outer conductor contact spring may have a hollow cylindrical or spherical shape. It may touch the outer conductor contact surface from its inner side. The outer conductor contact surface may have a hollow spherical shape or a segment thereof, which may have a center point at the center point of the joint ball. This provides a constant radius of the spring and therefore a constant spring force over tilting.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A tiltable RF joint for high power coaxial RF lines comprises a first outer conductor with a first inner conductor centered therein, a second outer conductor with a second inner conductor centered therein. The first inner conductor comprising a joint socket being mechanically coupled to a joint ball of the second inner conductor and forming a socket-ball connection. The first inner conductor further comprising a center contact surface having the shape of a spherical segment, the center contact surface being in contact with a center contact spring of the second inner conductor. Any one of the outer conductors has an outer conductor con-tact spring which is in contact with an outer conductor contact surface at the other outer conductor.