Waveguide Flange Adapter for Different Hole Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing waveguide systems face compatibility issues when trying to combine sections with different flange types, leading to time-consuming, expensive, and physically demanding modifications to retrofit or upgrade existing installations.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide flange adapter with a plate and patterned holes on both sides, allowing connection of waveguides with the same or different flange types, reducing the need for custom segments and minimizing system modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom waveguide segments are purchased or constructed to connect different flange types, then compatibility between waveguide sections is achieved, but time consumption, cost, and physical space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flange adapter as an intermediary component that connects two waveguide flanges of different types. The adapter has a first flange interface that mates with one waveguide flange type and a second flange interface that mates with another waveguide flange type, enabling compatibility without requiring custom waveguide segment fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate modular components: the original waveguide flanges and the intermediate flange adapter. This segmentation allows the adapter to be independently manufactured and installed, eliminating the need to fabricate entire custom waveguide segments while maintaining system compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom waveguide segments are fabricated with different flange types on each end, then flange type compatibility is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange adapter serves as a separate intermediary component that provides the needed flange type conversion. Instead of manufacturing expensive custom waveguide segments with specialized flange combinations, the adapter can be produced as a standard component and attached to existing waveguide flanges, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange adapter is designed as a universal component that can connect different waveguide flange types. A single adapter design can serve multiple connection scenarios, eliminating the need for custom fabrication for each specific flange type combination and reducing overall manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing waveguide systems are retrofitted to accommodate different flange types, then system compatibility is achieved, but physical space requirements and modification complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flange adapter acts as a simple intermediary that interfaces between different flange types without requiring modification of the existing waveguide system. The adapter attaches directly to the existing flanges through standard mounting holes and fasteners, maintaining system simplicity while achieving compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrofit solution is segmented into a separate adapter component rather than requiring modification of the entire waveguide system. This allows the adapter to be independently installed and removed without affecting the main waveguide structure, reducing modification complexity and physical space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A waveguide flange adapter includes a plate; an aperture positioned through the plate; and a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern in the plate and around the aperture. The plate is configured to operatively connect a first waveguide to a second waveguide such that the first waveguide and the second waveguide have a different pattern of holes on the waveguide flanges to one another. The pattern of the plurality of holes may be configured to align with connecting holes in each of the first waveguide and the second waveguide. At least some of the plurality of holes may extend through an entire thickness of the plate. The plate may include electrically-conductive material. The size and shape of the aperture may be complementary to a size and shape of each of the first waveguide and the second waveguide. At least some of the plurality of holes may be tapped or untapped.