RF Waveguide Interconnect With Slider Retention for Compact Mating
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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 seat and slider mechanism, featuring a biasing member that applies force to urge the slider into an engaged position, reducing a variable-sized gap to secure a dielectric waveguide, allowing for secure and flexible connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If waveguide interconnects use a rotating member mechanism to mate with flanges, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and mechanically inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnect is divided into separate components: a waveguide portion, a connector body, and a retention member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall bulk while maintaining connection reliability through precise mating surfaces and dedicated retention mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member is designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions, providing dynamic connection capability. This replaces the need for complex rotating mechanisms with a simpler linear motion system that achieves reliable electrical connection without excessive bulk.
2Stability of the object's composition
If waveguide interconnects include a rotating member for mating, then connection stability is achieved, but mechanical flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member transitions from a static to a dynamic component, capable of moving between engaged and disengaged states. This provides mechanical flexibility for assembly and disassembly while maintaining stable electrical connection during operation through precise geometric interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the interconnect have specialized properties: the waveguide portion has precise dimensional tolerances for stable RF transmission, while the connector body and retention member have mechanical features optimized for flexible assembly. This local optimization balances stability and flexibility.
3Reliability
If waveguide interconnects are designed with traditional flange mating, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional monolithic flange structure is segmented into a waveguide portion, connector body, and retention member. This reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining electrical connectivity through dedicated contact surfaces and simplified mating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex rotating member mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler retention member that uses linear motion and geometric interlocking. This extraction reduces device complexity while preserving reliable electrical connection through optimized contact interfaces.
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 a secure and flexible connection of dielectric waveguides, reducing bulk and mechanical inflexibility, enhancing the efficiency and compactness of waveguide interconnects in electrical communication systems.
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 (RF) 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.