Waveguide Flange Recess Geometry for Gap-Tolerant Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguide tube connecting methods fail to completely eliminate gaps between waveguide tubes, leading to radio wave leakage due to mechanical tolerances, even when fastened with flanges and fasteners.
Innovation Solution
The waveguide tube connecting member features a flange with a recessed second flange outer peripheral surface, where the electric length from the flange end surface to this surface is set to (2×N+1)/4 times the free space wavelength, ensuring that any gap formed between connected tubes suppresses radio wave leakage by making the oscillating electric field a node at the flange end and an antinode on the recessed surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If flanges of waveguide tubes are fastened with fasteners to reduce gaps, then mechanical connection strength is improved, but mechanical tolerances still cause gaps to exist leading to radio wave leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of gaps (caused by mechanical tolerances) into a beneficial structure by designing a recessed portion in the flange that intentionally accommodates the gap. This recessed portion is positioned to create a specific electric field distribution that suppresses radio wave leakage, thereby transforming the tolerance-induced gap from a defect into a functional feature that maintains both mechanical strength and electromagnetic sealing.
2Reliability
If mechanical tolerances are reduced to eliminate gaps, then radio wave leakage is suppressed, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the flange by introducing a recessed portion with a specifically designed depth. This recessed depth parameter is optimized to accommodate normal manufacturing tolerances while maintaining the electromagnetic field distribution necessary to suppress radio wave leakage. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the system achieves reliable performance without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
3Reliability
If a recessed portion is added to the flange to suppress radio wave leakage, then electromagnetic sealing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing the recessed portion only at specific locations on the flange where gap formation most significantly affects radio wave leakage. Rather than redesigning the entire flange structure, the recessed portions are strategically positioned to create the necessary electric field distribution locally, thereby suppressing leakage with minimal additional structural complexity.
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 configuration effectively reduces radio wave leakage even when gaps exist between connected waveguide tubes, enhancing the mechanical design flexibility and assembly ease by tolerating increased mechanical part tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
The electric length from the first opening end of the flange end surface to the second flange outer peripheral surface along the tube radial direction is (2×N+1)/4 times a free space wavelength λ0, and N is an integer of 0 or more... making the oscillating electric field a node at the flange end and an antinode on the recessed surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A waveguide tube connecting member includes a first waveguide tube (1) having a first waveguide path (10) and a flange (11). The flange (11) has a flange end surface (13) extending from a first opening end (13) of the first waveguide path (10) toward an outer side in a tube radial direction (RD), and a second flange outer peripheral surface (15) which is a part of a first flange outer peripheral surface. The second flange outer peripheral surface is a surface (11) formed in a shape in which a part of the flange has a cavity. An electric length from the first opening end (10a) of the flange end surface (13) to the second flange outer peripheral surface (15) along the tube radial direction is (2×N+1)/4 times a wavelength.