Integrated Waveguide-to-Stripline Feed Reducing Adapter Weight

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waveguide-to-stripline transitions require multiple costly and bulky adapters, which are not ideal for high-frequency applications due to their size, weight, and precision machining requirements.

Innovation Solution

A low-loss waveguide to stripline feed apparatus is developed, comprising a substrate assembly with a waveguide antenna element, reference ground planes, and a stripline, where the waveguide is electrically connected to the first reference ground plane and proximity coupled to the stripline, with vias shorting the ground planes, reducing the need for intermediate adapters and minimizing size and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple adapters (waveguide-to-coax, coax-to-microstrip) are used for waveguide to stripline transition, then signal transmission is achieved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidadapter weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple adapter functions (waveguide-to-coax transition, coax-to-microstrip transition) into a single integrated waveguide-to-stripline feed apparatus. The substrate assembly integrates the waveguide antenna element, stripline, and ground planes into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate adapters and reducing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides waveguide-to-stripline transition, signal transmission, grounding reference, and mechanical support. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized adapters, reducing weight while maintaining signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple adapters are used for waveguide to stripline transition, then signal transmission is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple adapter functions (waveguide-to-coax transition, coax-to-microstrip transition) into a single integrated waveguide-to-stripline feed apparatus. The substrate assembly integrates the waveguide antenna element, stripline, and ground planes into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate adapters and reducing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, precision-machined metal adapters with a substrate-based structure that can be manufactured using more cost-effective techniques. The substrate assembly uses materials and processes suitable for high-frequency applications while being more economical than traditional precision-machined adapter assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If traditional waveguide-to-coax transitions are used, then signal transmission is achieved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidtransition size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple adapter functions (waveguide-to-coax transition, coax-to-microstrip transition) into a single integrated waveguide-to-stripline feed apparatus. The substrate assembly integrates the waveguide antenna element, stripline, and ground planes into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate adapters and reducing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a three-dimensional stacked adapter configuration to a planar substrate-based structure. By using a two-dimensional substrate assembly with integrated waveguide antenna element and stripline, the patent reduces the overall volume while maintaining signal transmission functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If multiple adapters are used for waveguide to stripline transition, then signal transmission is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple adapter functions (waveguide-to-coax transition, coax-to-microstrip transition) into a single integrated waveguide-to-stripline feed apparatus. The substrate assembly integrates the waveguide antenna element, stripline, and ground planes into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate adapters and reducing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides waveguide-to-stripline transition, signal transmission, grounding reference, and mechanical support. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized adapters, reducing weight while maintaining signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus achieves reduced size, weight, and cost compared to traditional adapters, with improved performance for high-frequency signals, such as those around 10 GHz, while maintaining low insertion loss and impedance matching.

Implementation Method 1

the stripline is proximity coupled to the waveguide antenna element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

one or more vias electrically shorting the first reference ground plane to the second reference ground plane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11223138B2Waveguide to stripline feed

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An apparatus may include a substrate assembly having a first side and a second side. The apparatus may further include a waveguide antenna element positioned on the first side of the substrate assembly. The apparatus may also include a first reference ground plane positioned on the first side of the substrate assembly and enclosing the waveguide antenna. The apparatus may include a stripline positioned within the substrate assembly. The apparatus may further include a second reference ground plane positioned on the second side of the substrate assembly.