Ridge Waveguide Thin-Plate Laminating Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ridge waveguide structure, as disclosed in Patent Literature 2, cannot be manufactured using the thin-plate laminating method due to the independent projection nature of its ridge part, which makes it difficult to position and form, and the short length of adjacent parts in the X-direction complicates cutting processes.
Innovation Solution
A ridge waveguide design where the ridge part is in contact with both sides in the long-side and short-side directions in its cross-sectional shape, allowing for easier manufacturing using the thin-plate laminating method and facilitating the cutting process by extending the length of the side in the long-side direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a normal ridge waveguide with an independent projection ridge part is used, then the cutoff frequency can be lowered, but the structure cannot be manufactured using the thin-plate laminating method
Solution Approach 1:
The ridge part is merged with the waveguide body by making it continuous with either the long-side wall or short-side wall, eliminating the need for separate positioning and assembly of an independent projection part. This integration enables manufacturing by the thin-plate laminating method while maintaining the desired cutoff frequency characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The ridge part is segmented to be formed as part of the waveguide structure itself rather than as a separate component. By making the ridge part continuous with the waveguide walls, it becomes an integrated feature that can be manufactured in a single process using thin-plate laminating.
2Volume of moving object
If the length of adjacent parts in the X-direction is made short (1 mm or shorter), then the waveguide size is reduced, but the cutting process becomes extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The design shifts from controlling size primarily in the X-direction to utilizing the Y-direction (long-side direction) for the ridge part extension. This dimensional transition allows the waveguide to maintain compact X-dimensions while providing sufficient cutting length in the Y-direction for manufacturability.
3Area of stationary object
If the size in the H-plane direction of the waveguide is restricted, then the waveguide fits in compact spaces, but the pass loss increases and antenna gain decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the ridge waveguide, specifically extending the ridge part in the long-side direction. This parameter modification allows the waveguide to maintain compact H-plane dimensions while achieving lower pass loss through the extended ridge structure that improves electromagnetic field distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A ridge waveguide (10) according to the present invention includes a ridge part (11), the ridge part (11) being in contact with both a side (14) in a long-side direction and a side (15) in a short-side direction in a cross-sectional shape of the ridge waveguide. Further, an array antenna apparatus according to the present invention includes a feeder circuit formed by a ridge waveguide (10) including a ridge part (11), the ridge part (11) being in contact with both a side (14) in a long-side direction and a side (15) in a short-side direction in a cross-sectional shape of the ridge waveguide. In this way, it is possible to provide a ridge waveguide that can be easily manufactured.