Switchless RF Combiner Phase Delay via Dielectric Cavity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switchless combiners for radio-frequency signal routing lack a simple and economical method to introduce phase delay on electric signals without affecting the transmitters, particularly in systems with metallic conductors like coaxial lines, where varying the phase delay is challenging without altering the signal or requiring complex modifications.

Innovation Solution

A switchless combiner device that modifies the dielectric constant of a constant-impedance transmission line by immersing a portion of it in a dielectric medium with a higher dielectric constant, allowing the electric length and phase delay to be adjusted without changing the impedance, using a metallic body with a cavity and a dielectric element to vary the transmission line's electric length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a constant-impedance transmission line is used for phase delay, then the impedance remains stable, but the phase delay cannot be easily adjusted without changing the physical length or dielectric material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase delay adjustabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of phase adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the dielectric constant parameter of the transmission line by introducing a dielectric element into the cavity, which modifies the effective dielectric constant and thus the phase delay without changing the physical length or impedance of the transmission line

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

A dielectric element is introduced as an intermediary substance between the transmission line conductors to modify the electromagnetic field characteristics and achieve phase delay adjustment without directly altering the transmission line structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the dielectric material is changed to adjust phase delay, then the phase can be varied, but the impedance of the transmission line changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase delay adjustabilityVSAvoidimpedance stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric element is positioned locally within the cavity at specific locations where it affects only the phase delay characteristic while maintaining the overall impedance matching of the transmission line through careful geometric design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the physical length of the transmission line is increased to achieve greater phase delay, then the phase delay increases, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase delay magnitudeVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing the physical length, the patent changes the effective dielectric constant by introducing a dielectric element, which increases the phase delay for a given physical length, thereby reducing the required device volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables adjustable phase delay and power modulation in radio-frequency signal routing without affecting transmitters or interrupting service, facilitating easy integration into existing systems and allowing for simple and economical manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

modifies the dielectric constant of a constant-impedance transmission line by immersing a portion of it in a dielectric medium with a higher dielectric constant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric constant modification: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS10090576B2Switchless combiner for addressing of radiofrequency signals and system for transmission of radiofrequency signals comprising said combiner

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 ONETASTIC

AI summary

A switchless combiner includes a circuit having a delay line consisting of a constant-impedance transmission line and a device adapted to vary the electric length of said transmission line, the device including a metallic body with walls defining a cavity, the walls being interrupted to define a slot, the cavity and the slot extending along at least a portion of the length of the device, the cavity including a first portion having a first cross-section and a second portion having a second cross-section which is greater than the first cross-section, the second portion having a dielectric element with a cutout corresponding to the slot, the first and second portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the device and the transmission line being positioned, inside the first and second portion, in the cutout, the dielectric element occupying the cavity of the second portion, and having an element to translate the dielectric element on the circuit in the longitudinal direction of the device.