Strip Line Directional Coupler Ground Layer Opening Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing strip line directional couplers face challenges with limited processing accuracy, leading to deviations in coupling degree and poor performance due to restricted adjustment capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of openings in the adjustment zone of the ground layer, allowing for the adjustment of coupling degree by changing the shape, area, and quantity of these openings through welding or etching, enabling simple and effective coupling degree adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the coupling degree is determined by the distance between coupling lines, the relative dielectric constant of the medium, and the structure and size of the ground layer, then the coupling degree can be controlled during manufacturing, but the processing accuracy is limited and the coupling degree may deviate from the reference range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling degree accuracyVSAvoidcoupling degree adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism by adding openings in the ground layer that can be selectively welded or etched. This transforms the static coupling degree determination into a dynamic system where the coupling degree can be adjusted after manufacturing by changing the ground layer configuration, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the ground layer by introducing openings with variable shapes, areas, and quantities. By modifying these parameters through welding or etching processes, the coupling degree can be precisely adjusted to meet reference range requirements, overcoming the limitations of fixed manufacturing parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If openings are added to the ground layer for adjustment, then the coupling degree adjustability is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling degree adjustabilityVSAvoidground layer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing openings only in specific adjustment zones of the ground layer rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized modification allows for coupling degree adjustment while minimizing the overall structural complexity and maintaining the integrity of the rest of the directional coupler.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If the coupling degree is adjusted by changing the shape, area and quantity of openings, then the coupling degree accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling degree accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-designing the ground layer with openings in specific adjustment zones during the manufacturing process. These openings are prepared in advance with weldable zones and removable zones, allowing for easy post-manufacturing adjustment through simple welding or etching operations, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method enhances the accuracy and consistency of coupling degree adjustments, meeting stringent index requirements and ensuring high performance, especially in scenarios requiring multiple couplers with consistent coupling degrees.

Implementation Method 1

By changing the shape, area and quantity of the openings, current distribution of the strip line can be changed, the coupling degree can be adjusted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP3734751B1Strip line directional coupler and coupling degree adjustment method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 COMBA TELECOM TECH (GUANGZHOU) CO LTD
  • EP3734751B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3734751B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed in the invention are a strip line directional coupler and a coupling degree adjustment method thereof, wherein the directional coupler comprises: a first grounding layer, a strip line layer and a second grounding layer that are orderly stacked; the strip line layer comprises a first line and a second line, the first line and the second line are provided with coupling sections that are close to each other, and the first grounding layer and/or the second grounding layer are provided with adjustment zones that are facing or close to the coupling sections, wherein the adjustment zones are provided with openings for coupling degree adjustment. The adjustment zones of the grounding layers are provided with the openings for coupling degree adjustment. Through changes of the shape, area and quantity of the openings, current distribution of the strip line is changed, the coupling degree is adjusted, and the adjustment of the coupling degree is simple and effective.