RF Waveguide Cable Assembly With Slider-Lock Interconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Waveguide interconnects configured to mate with WR15 flanges are bulky and mechanically inflexible, limiting their size and functionality in electrical communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide interconnect member with a slider and biasing member that securely engages and disengages a dielectric waveguide, allowing for a variable gap size adjustment, enabling secure and efficient connection to complementary interconnects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotating member is used to mate the waveguide to the flange, then the waveguide interconnect can be securely connected, but the device becomes bulky and mechanically inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rotating member with a slider that translates along a longitudinal direction between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic linear motion mechanism achieves secure connection without the bulk and mechanical inflexibility of rotary components, directly resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and device compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide interconnect is divided into separate components: a seat, a slider, and a biasing member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the slider providing linear motion for engagement/disengagement, thereby reducing overall device bulk while maintaining secure connection capability
2Reliability
If a rotating member is used to mate the waveguide to the flange, then the waveguide interconnect can be securely connected, but the device becomes mechanically inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
By using a slider that translates linearly rather than a rotating member, the mechanism gains mechanical flexibility. The linear translation allows for easier integration with flexible cable assemblies and adapts better to various mounting configurations, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and mechanical flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the motion parameter from rotational to translational. This parameter change enables the interconnect to accommodate flexible positioning and orientation adjustments, thereby improving mechanical flexibility while maintaining reliable connection through the slider's engagement mechanism
3Reliability
If the slider translates to reduce the gap size, then secure engagement is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member automatically urges the slider toward the engaged position, providing self-service functionality. This eliminates the need for additional actuation mechanisms or complex control systems, achieving secure engagement while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex multi-component engagement mechanisms with a simple slider-biasing member system. The biasing member substitutes for complex actuation systems by providing automatic restoring force, thereby achieving reliable engagement with minimal mechanical 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 solution provides a compact and flexible connection mechanism that enhances the usability of waveguide interconnects in electrical communication systems by improving mechanical stability and reducing bulkiness.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that extends from the seat surface to the slider. The biasing member can be configured to apply a biasing force to the slider that urges the slider to travel in the engagement position
Data Source
AI summary
Radio frequency (RP) waveguides and related interconnect members are disclosed. The interconnect members can have a smaller footprint than WR15 flanges. Further, the interconnect members can be configured to mate with complementary interconnects without undergoing substantial relative rotation.