US 4,978,934 A · Semi-flexible double-ridge waveguide

Abstract

A semi-flexible double-ridge waveguide comprises a corrugated tube formed into a special dumbbell-shaped cross-section defined by parameters which are conveniently optimized to realize improved power-handling capability as well as improved attenuation and VSWR factors across extended dominant-mode operational bandwidths. The dumbbell-shaped cross-section efficiently removes the problems typically associated with the use of conventional rigid waveguide, including difficulty of installation as well as the need for precise alignment of components, by combining flexibility and ease of manufacture, even for long lengths of waveguide, through use of a continuous, uncomplicated and relatively inexpensive process. The dumbbell-shaped cross-section is totally devoid of corners and other abrupt protrusions and is defined by a geometric equation in which specific parameters can be correlatively optiminzed to improve desired electrical properties of the waveguide. The waveguide is rendered "semi-flexible" by the provision of helical corrugations having a staggered disposition of opposing corrugation crests and troughs, whereby the breakdown air gap and, consequently, the maximum power rating is increased.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A semi-flexible, double-ridge waveguide having reduced attenuation and increased power-handling capability for a given bandwidth, said waveguide comprising a continuous length of corrugated tube having a substantially dumbbell-shaped cross-sectional contour defined about major and minor axes "u" and "v", respectively, by a polar equation relating variables `r` and `.THETA.` according to the relationship

r.sup.2p -2ar.sup.p cos 2.THETA.+a.sup.2 =b.sup.2,
wherein parameter ##EQU2## and parameter ##EQU3## said parameter "b" being greater than said parameter "a";
said exponent "p" has a value greater than two;
"r" and ".THETA." are variables, "r" being the radial distance between any given point on said contour and the point of origin and ".THETA." being the angle between the major axis and the radial line along which said given point is defined on said contour, and wherein said corrugated tube includes helical corrugations having a pitch "S" and depth "d", said corrugations having crests and troughs disposed in a staggered configuration such that corrugation crests and troughs on one wall of the waveguide are shifted relative to corresponding corrugation crests and troughs on the opposing wall of the waveguide, thereby increasing the air gap between opposing walls of the waveguide.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Semi-flexible double-ridge waveguide

Life of this patent

Semi-flexible double-ridge waveguide

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11