Rectangular Waveguide RF Port Transition for In-Place Measurement

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RF waveguides require disassembly and reassembly for RF measurement, leading to alignment changes and increased time, labor, and performance issues in RF systems.

Innovation Solution

A waveguide with an RF port input transition that allows for both standard RF transmission and measurement modes without disassembly, featuring isolator, impedance matching, and radiator ports for selective coupling of RF components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the waveguide is disassembled and reassembled for RF measurement, then RF measurement can be performed, but alignment changes occur and time and labor are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF measurement capabilityVSAvoidtime and labor for disassembly and installation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the RF measurement function with the waveguide transmission function by integrating a coaxial-to-waveguide transition structure directly into the waveguide body. This allows RF measurements to be performed through the waveguide without disassembly, as the transition structure enables direct connection between coaxial measurement equipment and the waveguide interior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The waveguide structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a standard waveguide for RF transmission and as a measurement port for RF characteristics analysis. The integrated transition structure enables the waveguide to function as both a transmission line and a measurement interface without requiring separate measurement equipment or disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the waveguide is disassembled and reassembled for RF measurement, then RF measurement can be performed, but alignment changes occur causing increased wave reflection and transmission loss

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF measurement capabilityVSAvoidsystem performance and alignment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the RF measurement function with the waveguide transmission function by integrating a coaxial-to-waveguide transition structure directly into the waveguide body. This allows RF measurements to be performed through the waveguide without disassembly, as the transition structure enables direct connection between coaxial measurement equipment and the waveguide interior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transition structure is pre-integrated into the waveguide during manufacturing, establishing precise alignment between the coaxial interface and waveguide interior before the waveguide is installed in the RF system. This preliminary alignment action eliminates the need for realignment during subsequent measurement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical waveguide switch with multiple input/output ports is used, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity increases and solution remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of waveguide system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a standard waveguide for RF transmission and as a measurement port for RF characteristics analysis. The integrated transition structure enables the waveguide to function as both a transmission line and a measurement interface without requiring separate measurement equipment or disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the measurement function from separate external equipment and integrates it directly into the waveguide structure itself. By incorporating the coaxial-to-waveguide transition directly in the waveguide body, the measurement capability is embedded within the transmission line, eliminating the need for complex external switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12535513B2Standard rectangular waveguide with RF port input transition

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 KOREA INST OF FUSION ENERGY

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a waveguide with an RF port input transition. The waveguide includes: a tubular rectangular body having openings formed at opposite sides thereof, each of the openings having a flange therearound; multiple isolator ports formed at predetermined intervals in one wall of the rectangular body, the isolator ports each being switchable between open and closed states; multiple impedance matching ports formed at predetermined intervals in another wall of the rectangular body opposite the one wall, the impedance matching ports each being switchable between open and closed states; and a radiator port formed at a center of the one wall of the rectangular body.