Dielectric Waveguide Connector Taper for Low-Loss Signal Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional signal transmission in autonomous driving systems using dielectric waveguides experiences significant signal loss due to conductor loss and impedance discontinuity at metal connectors, leading to reflection losses and reduced transmission quality.
Innovation Solution
A signal transmission structure is introduced, featuring a connector with a metal waveguide and a dielectric waveguide where the dielectric waveguide's core has an extension segment with a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area, allowing electric field energy to be concentrated and coupled to the metal waveguide, reducing disturbance from the metal boundary and maintaining impedance matching through specific cross-sectional area relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a metal connector is used to connect the dielectric waveguide and the transmitting/receiving module, then the connection is simple and the structure is compact, but conductor loss occurs due to direct contact between the metal connector and the dielectric waveguide core
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the extension segment of the core with gradually decreasing cross-sectional area) between the metal connector and the dielectric waveguide core. This extension segment acts as a mediator that gradually transitions the electromagnetic field from the dielectric waveguide to the metal waveguide, avoiding direct contact and reducing conductor loss while maintaining a compact connection structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing the extension segment with a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area. This continuous change in geometric parameter (cross-sectional area) enables smooth impedance transition and reduces conductor loss by avoiding abrupt material transitions, while keeping the connector structure simple and compact.
2Device complexity
If a metal connector is used to connect the dielectric waveguide and the transmitting/receiving module, then the connection is simple and the structure is compact, but impedance discontinuity occurs at the joint causing reflection loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by designing the extension segment with a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area. This continuous geometric transition creates a smooth impedance profile that eliminates abrupt impedance discontinuities at the joint between dielectric and metal waveguides, thereby reducing reflection loss while maintaining a simple connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by creating a dynamic (gradual) transition in the cross-sectional area of the extension segment rather than a static (abrupt) transition. This dynamic geometry allows the electromagnetic field to adapt continuously to the changing structure, reducing impedance discontinuity and reflection loss while keeping the overall connector simple.
3Ease of manufacture
If the core of the dielectric waveguide directly contacts the metal inner wall of the connector, then the manufacturing is simple, but significant signal loss occurs due to conductor loss and impedance discontinuity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the core into two parts: the main core and the extension segment. The extension segment protrudes from the cladding and extends into the metal waveguide's through-hole, creating a distinct segmented structure. This segmentation allows the core to avoid direct contact with the metal inner wall while maintaining simple assembly, thereby reducing signal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension segment serves as an intermediary structure between the dielectric core and the metal waveguide. It mediates the transition of electromagnetic energy from the dielectric medium to the metal waveguide without requiring direct contact between the core and metal inner wall, thus reducing conductor loss while maintaining ease of assembly.
4Loss of energy
If the extension segment has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area, then the electric field energy is concentrated and coupled to the metal waveguide effectively, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes (gradually decreasing cross-sectional area) to concentrate electric field energy and improve coupling to the metal waveguide. While this increases manufacturing precision requirements, the gradual nature of the change allows for practical manufacturing approaches, balancing performance improvement with manufacturability.
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 effectively reduces signal loss and reflection loss, thereby improving the overall signal transmission quality and efficiency in autonomous driving systems.
Implementation Method 1
electric field energy on the dielectric waveguide is gradually concentrated to the end part of the extension segment
Implementation Method 2
electric field energy on the dielectric waveguide is gradually concentrated to the end part of the extension segment, and then is gradually coupled to the metal waveguide
Implementation Method 3
the cladding separates the core from a metal inner wall of the connector, disturbance caused by a metal boundary to an electromagnetic field in the dielectric waveguide may be reduced
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a signal transmission structure includes a connector, a metal waveguide, and a dielectric waveguide. The connector includes a first end and a second end that are oppositely disposed, the connector has a first through hole extending from the first end to the second end, and the first through hole has a metal inner wall. The metal waveguide has a second through hole, one end of the metal waveguide is connected to the first end of the connector, and the second through hole communicates with the first through hole. The dielectric waveguide includes a core and a cladding that covers an outer periphery of the core, and the dielectric waveguide has an insertion end that is inserted into the first through hole through the second end of the connector.