Segmented Dielectric Waveguide for Multi-Signal Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current millimeter wave transmission systems using dielectric plastic waveguides are limited in their ability to transmit multiple signals simultaneously, which restricts the information transmission rate.

Innovation Solution

A millimeter waveguide design featuring parallel strips of dielectric material with ribs connecting them, allowing for multiple transmission portions within the waveguide, and utilizing antennas at each end to transmit and receive waves with perpendicular polarization, enabling simultaneous transmission of multiple signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single dielectric plastic waveguide is used for millimeter wave transmission, then the waveguide structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the information transmission rate is limited due to inability to transmit multiple signals simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transmission rateVSAvoidwaveguide structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide is divided into multiple independent transmission portions (first transmission portion, second transmission portion, etc.) separated by partition walls. Each transmission portion can carry independent millimeter wave signals with different polarizations, enabling multiple signals to be transmitted simultaneously through a single waveguide structure, thereby increasing the information transmission rate without requiring multiple separate waveguides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the polarization dimension of millimeter waves to achieve multiplexing. By creating transmission portions that support different polarization states (e.g., horizontal and vertical polarizations), the waveguide can transmit multiple independent signals simultaneously. This adds a dimensional aspect (polarization state) to the transmission capability, effectively doubling or multiplying the information transmission rate without increasing the physical bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple transmission portions are created within the waveguide, then multiple signals can be transmitted simultaneously, but the waveguide structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission capacityVSAvoidinternal waveguide structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The internal structure of the waveguide is segmented into multiple transmission portions using partition walls. These partitions create separate channels within the single waveguide body, allowing independent signal transmission in each portion. The segmentation is achieved through structural divisions rather than separate components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling multi-signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple transmission functions are merged into a single waveguide body. Instead of using separate waveguides for different signals, the patent combines multiple transmission portions within one integrated structure. This merging approach allows simultaneous transmission of multiple signals while maintaining a unified, manufacturable waveguide component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If millimeter waves are transmitted through the waveguide, then information can be transmitted, but signal losses occur and surface signal exposure creates interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidmillimeter wave signal loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Partition walls divide the waveguide into separate transmission portions, confining millimeter wave signals within each portion. This segmentation prevents signal leakage to the outer surface of the waveguide, eliminating surface signal exposure and associated interference. The partitions act as electromagnetic barriers that contain the signals within their designated transmission channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful effect of surface signal exposure is extracted and eliminated by introducing partition walls that prevent signals from reaching the waveguide surface. The partition structure removes the pathway for signal leakage, thereby eliminating the source of external interference and improving signal transmission quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design allows for increased information transmission rates by confining millimeter waves within specific portions of the waveguide, potentially doubling the transmission capacity at a constant frequency band, while minimizing signal losses and avoiding surface signal exposure.

Implementation Method 1

The ribs are substantially perpendicular to the band and extend over the entire length of the waveguide. The band 22, the envelope 28 and the ribs 30 define cavities 32 which are filled with a gas or a gas mixture, for example air.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric confinement: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

each first antenna being adapted to transmit and receive the first millimeter waves... each second antenna being adapted to transmit and receive second millimeter waves, the polarization of the second millimeter waves being perpendicular to within 10% of the polarization of the first millimeter waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3293815B1Millimetre waveguides
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3293815B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a millimeter waveguide (20) comprising at least one strip (22) of a dielectric material having a dielectric constant between 1 and 4, a sheath (28) surrounding the strip and at least four ribs (30) connecting the strip to the sheath.