Integrated RF Probe with Coaxial Center Conductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF and microwave sensing systems face challenges such as high cost, complexity, and variability due to the need for additional sensors and connectors, which are prone to errors and not robust enough for harsh environments, and often require bulky and expensive connectors.
Innovation Solution
An integrated RF probe system with a coaxial cable assembly that includes a transmitting or receiving element and optional sensing elements, eliminating the need for separate connectors and allowing for robust operation in harsh conditions by integrating electronics directly into the antenna assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional RF probes with separate connectors are used, then connectivity and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the connector directly into the probe assembly, merging two previously separate components (probe and connector) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate connectors while maintaining connectivity functionality, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while preserving adaptability through standardized connector interfaces built into the probe housing.
2Reliability
If robust connectors are used for harsh environments, then reliability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is integrated into the probe assembly rather than being a separate bulky component. This merging allows the use of standardized, compact connector designs that are built into the probe housing, achieving environmental robustness without the excessive size of traditional robust connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies that the integrated connector is designed to withstand temperatures up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, representing a parameter change in temperature tolerance that enables harsh environment operation while maintaining a compact form factor through the integrated design.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are used to monitor multiple parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both RF sensing capabilities and integrated temperature sensing elements within a single device. This universal design allows the same probe to perform multiple measurement functions (RF parameter monitoring and temperature monitoring) without requiring separate sensor systems, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated sensing elements for each parameter.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional ancillary components are added to RF probes, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing precision and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the connector and sensing elements into the probe assembly reduces the number of separate ancillary components that need to be assembled. This merging simplifies the assembly process and reduces the cumulative precision requirements that would otherwise be needed for aligning and connecting multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated probe assembly provides multiple sensing capabilities (RF and temperature) within a single unified structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate ancillary components and their associated assembly precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-frequency probe system with a transmitting or receiving element integrated into a cable assembly is disclosed. In some embodiments a preferred configuration may contain one or more sensing elements integrated into the transmitting or receiving element. In another embodiment, the radio frequency probe comprises an antenna body fixed to a coaxial cable, in which the center conductor of the coaxial cable serves as the transmitting or receiving element. A method for monitoring, transmitting, or detecting one or more parameters using a single radio frequency probe is also disclosed.