3D Surface Wave Splitter Layout for Low-Loss RJ45 Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface wave communication systems lack a compact and easily integratable 1-to-8 signal splitter that can be seamlessly incorporated into existing network infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A 1-to-8 surface wave splitter is designed using a compact three-dimensional layout with orientation-preserving 1:2 splits, minimizing bending angles to 45° or less, and utilizing a bending radius of 2.05 mm to maintain signal integrity and compatibility with RJ45 connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a compact three-dimensional layout with orientation-preserving 1:2 splits is used, then the splitter can be easily integrated into existing network infrastructure, but the device complexity increases due to the three-dimensional wire arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration into existing network infrastructureVSAvoidthree-dimensional wire arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar splitter designs to a three-dimensional configuration where wires are arranged in multiple layers and spatial dimensions. This allows the splitter to maintain compact form factor while achieving 1:8 splitting functionality, enabling integration into existing RJ45 network infrastructure without requiring extensive planar space.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The splitter is divided into multiple 1:2 splitting stages arranged in a cascaded configuration. Each stage performs a binary split, and by combining multiple stages (1:2 → 1:4 → 1:8), the system achieves the desired 1:8 splitting ratio while maintaining manageable complexity at each individual stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If bending angles are minimized to 45° or less, then signal attenuation is reduced, but the length of the wire path increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal attenuationVSAvoidwire path length
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs smooth curved bends with controlled radii instead of sharp angular transitions. By using gradual curves with bending angles limited to 45° or less, the design minimizes signal attenuation and reflection effects while managing the wire path length through optimized curvature geometry in the three-dimensional layout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a bending radius of 2.05 mm is used, then compatibility with RJ45 connectors is maintained, but the wire path becomes more constrained in space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with RJ45 connectorsVSAvoidwire path constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a precise bending radius parameter of 2.05 mm for all wire transitions. This parameter is optimized to match the physical dimensions and contact geometry of standard RJ45 connectors, ensuring mechanical compatibility and proper signal coupling while maintaining consistent electrical characteristics across all connection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3787104B1Surface wave splitter and network architecture
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 SWISSCOM AG
  • EP3787104B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3787104B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4D
  • EP3787104B1 patent drawingFigure 4E~5A

AI summary

A splitter for wire-bound surface wave communication and communication system including such splitter is described with the splitter having a housing with a plurality of I/O ports (RJ45(CO), RJ45(CPE)) for connecting external wires carrying surface waves and having internal wires (41, 42,42', 44a-44d') connecting at least one of the plurality of I/O ports through the interior of said housing with at least two other of the plurality of I/O ports to enable the communication of surface wave signals through the splitter, wherein the connected I/O ports define an internal (port) plane (101) within the housing of the splitter and wherein one or more of the internal wires (41, 42,42', 44a-44d') extend into the volume of the housing above and/or below the internal plane (101).