Ridge Waveguide Interface Using Capacitive Coupling in Tight Spaces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-frequency waveguide connection technologies require significant space and do not efficiently minimize signal connection quality, especially in applications with multiple parallel processing paths and compact electronic assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A waveguide arrangement where two ridge waveguides are directly connected through complementary steps and windows, eliminating the need for a separate connecting element, enabling capacitive coupling and reducing space requirements while maintaining signal quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional waveguide connection technologies are used, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementVSAvoidsignal connection quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connecting element with the waveguide structures themselves. The first waveguide includes a first connecting section with a first contact surface, and the second waveguide includes a second connecting section with a second contact surface. These integrating connecting sections eliminate the need for separate connecting elements, reducing space while maintaining reliable capacitive coupling for signal transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary capacitive coupling mechanism between the two waveguides. The connecting sections create a capacitive interface that enables high-frequency signal transmission without direct galvanic contact, allowing compact integration while preserving signal integrity through the capacitive coupling field

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If separate connecting elements are used, then waveguide connection is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidsignal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting functionality is merged directly into the waveguide bodies. The first waveguide incorporates a first connecting section with a first contact surface, and the second waveguide incorporates a second connecting section with a second contact surface. This integration eliminates separate connecting elements, simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring reliable signal transmission through the integrated capacitive interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration allows for efficient, space-saving high-frequency signal transmission between waveguides, suitable for compact electronic assemblies in satellite communications, by establishing a capacitive coupling that maintains signal quality without additional connecting elements.

Implementation Method 1

The first ribbed waveguide overlaps the second waveguide in a longitudinal connection section of the waveguide arrangement to establish capacitive coupling between the first rib and the second waveguide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4117108B1Waveguide assembly comprising a ridge waveguide and a waveguide and interconnect interface
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 TESAT SPACECOM GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4117108B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4117108B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4117108B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A waveguide assembly (10) comprises a first ribbed waveguide (100A) and a second waveguide (100B). The first ribbed waveguide (100A) includes a first housing (110) with a first cavity (120) and a first rib (130A) extending longitudinally within the first cavity (120). The first rib (130A) is galvanically connected to a wall (112) of the first housing (110). The second waveguide (100B) includes a second housing (110) with a second cavity. The first ribbed waveguide (100A) overlaps the second waveguide (100B) longitudinally (102) in a connecting section (140) of the waveguide assembly (10) to establish capacitive coupling between the first rib (130A) and the second waveguide (100B).