Developable Waveguide Coupler Layout for Compact OMT Feed Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feed systems, particularly those used in satellite communication, have a large footprint and volume, which is problematic for applications requiring compact designs without compromising performance or functionality.
Innovation Solution
A compact feed system is designed with an orthomode transducer or junction positioned partially in a recess formed by angled hollow waveguide sections of a waveguide H-plane directional coupler, which are shaped to conform to a developable surface, reducing the overall size and volume while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If standard waveguide directional coupler components are used, then the feed system achieves reliable signal coupling functionality, but the footprint and volume become excessively large for compact satellite antenna applications
Solution Approach 1:
The orthomode transducer is positioned within a recess formed by the angled hollow waveguide sections of the directional coupler, nesting one component inside the spatial envelope of another. This eliminates the need for separate mounting space and reduces overall feed system volume while maintaining both components' full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow waveguide sections are angled relative to each other, creating a three-dimensional recess space that would not exist in a conventional parallel arrangement. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the orthomode transducer to be housed within the coupler structure itself, reducing the feed system's footprint and volume
2Area of stationary object
If the feed system size is reduced to meet compact application requirements, then the footprint and volume decrease, but performance degradation and functionality loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The directional coupler and orthomode transducer are merged into a single integrated structure where the coupler's angled waveguide sections form a recess that houses the OMT. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mounting space while maintaining both components' full RF functionality, achieving compact footprint without performance degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The orthomode transducer is nested within the recess formed by the coupler's waveguide sections, allowing both components to occupy overlapping spatial envelopes. This nesting maintains full functionality of both components while significantly reducing the overall feed system footprint and area
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
The compact design achieves a reduction in footprint and volume by a factor of two compared to state-of-the-art systems, maintaining RF performance and allowing for smaller satellite antennas without compromising functionality.
Implementation Method 1
Waveguide directional couplers are common components in feed systems, waveguide networks and microwave devices, for coupling electromagnetic signals between various waveguide network ports
Implementation Method 2
two hollow waveguide sections each providing a respective transmission line in a longitudinal direction of the waveguide H-plane directional coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A compact feed system (600) is provided which comprises an orthomode transducer or junction (400) and a waveguide H-plane directional coupler (100). The waveguide H-plane directional coupler may comprise two hollow waveguide sections (110, 120) and a coupling section (130) arranged in between the two hollow waveguide sections for coupling a signal from one hollow waveguide section to another hollow waveguide section. In a transverse cross-section of the waveguide H-plane directional coupler, the hollow waveguide sections may be angled towards the coupling section and delimit a recess (20) formed at an inner side of the waveguide H-plane directional coupler. The orthomode transducer or junction (400) may be positioned at least partially in the recess to increase compactness of the feed system.