Waveguide-to-Microstrip Coupler Array for Low-Loss Power Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless power transfer technologies face challenges in efficiently coupling microwave power from waveguides to microstrip transmission lines due to high radiation losses and the need for individually tuned rectifying elements, which are impractical for industrial-scale applications.

Innovation Solution

A waveguide-to-microstrip coupler array with non-resonant coupling apertures and tuning elements is used to minimize radiation loss and enable equal power distribution to rectifier modules, utilizing branch-line couplers for impedance matching and isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional resonant coupling apertures are used to couple microwave power from waveguides to microstrip transmission lines, then coupling efficiency is improved, but radiation loss increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation lossVSAvoidcoupling configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide broadwall is segmented into multiple non-resonant coupling apertures distributed along its length, each aperture contributing a portion of the total coupled power to the microstrip transmission line. This segmentation allows the system to achieve efficient power transfer while maintaining low radiation loss by avoiding resonant conditions that would cause energy radiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The non-resonant coupling aperture structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it couples power from the waveguide to the microstrip line, maintains impedance matching, and minimizes radiation loss. The tuning element integrated with each aperture provides additional functionality for precise control of coupling characteristics without requiring separate tuning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If individually tuned rectifying elements are used for each coupling point, then power distribution accuracy is improved, but manufacturing and operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution uniformityVSAvoidrectifier module standardization

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing the physical structure or tuning parameters of multiple individual rectifying elements, the invention achieves precise power distribution by controlling the coupling aperture parameters (size, position, shape) and using tuning elements to adjust the coupling coefficient at each aperture. This allows identical rectifier modules to receive precisely controlled power levels through parameter optimization rather than individual tuning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If non-resonant coupling apertures are used to minimize radiation loss, then energy efficiency is improved, but coupling strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation lossVSAvoidcoupled power per aperture

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The total coupled power is distributed across multiple non-resonant coupling apertures rather than relying on a single aperture. Each aperture provides a weaker individual coupling, but the cumulative effect of multiple apertures achieves the required total power transfer while maintaining the low radiation loss characteristics of non-resonant operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple coupling apertures are merged into a single coupling system along the waveguide broadwall, with their individual coupling effects combining to provide the total required power transfer. The tuning elements at each aperture are coordinated to ensure optimal combined performance, merging the weak coupling from each aperture into an effective overall coupling system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 achieves low radiation loss (<2%) and efficient power transfer, allowing for the use of identical rectifier modules and improving system efficiency and safety by minimizing power reflection.

Implementation Method 1

a non-resonant coupling aperture capable of coupling said electromagnetic energy from the waveguide to at least one output transmission line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a tuning element in the waveguide proximate to said non-resonant coupling aperture thereto, capable of tuning out residual shunt susceptance corresponding to the electromagnetic energy coupled by said non-resonant coupling aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field tuning: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260031657A1Apparatus and method for rectifier configurations for wireless power transfer applications and a waveguide-to-microstrip coupler array

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 EMROD LTD

AI summary

A waveguide to transmission line coupler is provided. The waveguide can be capable of guiding electromagnetic energy and can have a plurality of coupling sets along the waveguide. The coupling set can include a non-resonant coupling aperture capable of coupling said electromagnetic energy from the waveguide to at least one output transmission line and a tuning element in the waveguide proximate to said non-resonant coupling aperture thereto, capable of tuning out residual shunt susceptance corresponding to the electromagnetic energy coupled by said non-resonant coupling aperture.