Slidable Phase Shifter With Stand-Off Feet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the phase of antennas in a multi-antenna element array typically requires multiple components and precise alignment, which is cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple phase shifting circuit elements with electrically conductive, slidable tuning members on a single circuit board allows for phase adjustments of signals in a multi-element antenna array, reducing the number of components and alignment requirements through capacitive or electrical coupling and insulating layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional dielectric slab tuners or line stretchers are used to adjust antenna phase, then phase adjustment capability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (conductive path, cover, stand-off feet, tuning member) into an integrated phase shifting circuit element that functions as a unified structure. The cover is electrically connected to the conductive path and spaced therefrom by stand-off feet, creating a distributed capacitive structure that eliminates the need for separate alignment of multiple discrete parts while maintaining phase adjustment capability through the slidable tuning member.
2Reliability
If traditional dielectric slab tuners or line stretchers are used to adjust antenna phase, then phase adjustment capability is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty increases due to precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The stand-off feet are pre-formed as integral parts of the cover structure, establishing fixed spacing relationships between the cover and the conductive path before final assembly. This preliminary structuring of support elements ensures proper alignment and spacing is built into the design, eliminating the need for precise alignment during assembly operations and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for phase adjustment, then phase control functionality is achieved, but assembly time increases due to multiple parts to align
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifting circuit element is segmented into distinct functional components (conductive path on circuit board, cover with stand-off feet, slidable tuning member) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. The stand-off feet provide self-aligning features that guide the cover into proper position relative to the conductive path, and the tuning member can be independently adjusted within the receiving space, reducing overall assembly complexity and time while maintaining full phase control functionality.
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 solution simplifies the phase adjustment process by reducing the number of components and alignment needs, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of phase shifting in multi-antenna arrays.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive cover disposed over, and electrically connected to, each of the electrically conductive paths, each capacitive cover comprising a bottom surface substantially separated from a corresponding electrically conductive path to define an elongated receiving space therebetween
Implementation Method 2
an insulating layer for covering the electrically conductive path. Such an insulating layer may comprise a dielectric insulator
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple phase shifting elements which include electrically conductive, slidable tuning members may be placed on a single circuit board. The elements may be used to adjust the phase of signals propagating through a multi-element antenna array.