Broadband waveguide

• US 9,048,521 B2
• Filed: 03/24/2011
• Issued: 06/02/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Etegent Technologies, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Etegent Technologies, Ltd.
• Inventors: Larsen, Christopher George, Roth, Richard Allan II, Shelley, Stuart James, Hacker, Aaron Collins, Hehr, Adam Jacob
• Primary Examiner(s): Takaoka, Dean
• Assistant Examiner(s): Wong, Alan
• Application Number:
  US13/071,159
• Publication Number:
  US 20120242426A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,531 Days
• Field of Search: 333/236, 333/237, 333/239, 333/100, 340/853.1, 340/856.3, 367/81, 385/12
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 29/2462 Probes with waveguides, e.g. SAW devices
• CPC Class Codes: H01P 3/06 Coaxial lines
• CPC Class Codes: H01P 5/026 between coaxial lines
• CPC Class Codes: H01P 5/085 Coaxial-line/strip-line transitions
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49004 including measuring or testing of device or component part
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49016 Antenna or wave energy "plumbing" making

Abstract

A broadband waveguide incorporates various reflection suppression techniques to reduce reflections in signals communicated thereby. The waveguide includes one or more filaments that each include a first and second end. A first matrix may be configured proximate the first end(s) while a second matrix may be configured proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends. A damping material may cover a portion of the filament(s) that extends from the second matrix to the second end(s) (including the second end(s) themselves) and/or the second end(s) of the filament(s) is/are shaped to at least partially suppress reflections of the signal therefrom. When configured with multiple filaments, at least two of the filaments may have differing lengths that extend from the second matrix and also operate to at least partially suppress reflections of a signal.

Claims

1. A broadband waveguide configured to communicate a signal, comprising:

a plurality of filaments each including a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends, at least two filaments of the plurality of filaments having differing lengths;

a first matrix coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective first ends thereof; and

a second matrix coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends thereof, the first and second matrices configured to secure the filaments in a bundle, wherein the at least two filaments having differing lengths operate to suppress reflections of a signal introduced proximate the first matrix caused by the respective second ends.

2. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, wherein the first matrix comprises a metal.

3. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, wherein the first matrix comprises a frit.

4. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, wherein the first matrix comprises an adhesive.

5. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, wherein the first matrix comprises an epoxy.

6. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, wherein the first matrix is formed by brazing the plurality of filaments.

7. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, wherein the first matrix is formed by welding the plurality of filaments.

8. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, wherein the second matrix comprises a metal.

9. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, wherein the second matrix comprises a frit.

10. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, wherein the second matrix comprises an adhesive.

11. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, wherein the second matrix comprises an epoxy.

12. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, wherein the second matrix is formed by brazing the plurality of filaments.

13. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, wherein the second matrix is formed by welding the plurality of filaments.

14. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, wherein the second matrix is a piezoelectric material.

15. The broadband waveguide of claim 14, further comprising:

a voltage sensor coupled to the second matrix, the voltage sensor configured to measure a voltage of the second matrix induced by the signal communicated along the plurality of filaments to the intermediate location.

16. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, further comprising:

a strain sensor proximate the second matrix, the strain sensor configured to measure the signal communicated along the plurality of filaments to the intermediate location.

17. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, further comprising:

a piezoelectric sensor proximate the second matrix, the piezoelectric sensor configured to measure the signal communicated along the plurality of filaments to the intermediate location.

18. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, further comprising:

an accelerometer proximate the second matrix, the accelerometer configured to measure the signal communicated along the plurality of filaments to the intermediate location.

19. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, further comprising:

a load meter proximate the second matrix, the load meter configured to measure the signal communicated along the plurality of filaments to the intermediate location.

20. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, further comprising:

a damping material engaging at least a portion of the plurality of filaments between the first matrix and the second matrix.

21. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, wherein the respective second ends of the at least two filaments are spaced from one another beyond the intermediate location along a longitudinal direction of the at least two filaments.

22. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, further comprising:

a damping material engaging at least a portion of the at least two filaments between the intermediate location and the respective second ends thereof to at least partially suppress reflections of the signal caused by the respective second ends of the at least two filaments.

23. The broadband waveguide of claim 1, the second end of at least one of the plurality of filaments shaped to at least partially suppress reflections of the signal therefrom.

24. The broadband waveguide of claim 23, wherein a first filament of the at least two filaments includes a second end that is substantially flat and substantially orthogonal with respect to a longitudinal direction of the first filament.

25. The broadband waveguide of claim 23, wherein a first filament of the at least two filaments includes a second end that is substantially conical.

26. The broadband waveguide of claim 23, wherein a first filament of the at least two filaments includes a second end that is substantially flat and angled with respect to a longitudinal direction of the first filament.

27. The broadband waveguide of claim 23, wherein a first filament of the at least two filaments includes a second end that is substantially dome-shaped.

28. A broadband mechanical waveguide configured to communicate a stress wave, comprising:

a filament including a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends, the filament formed of a material that is transmissive of stress waves, the first end of the filament configured to be coupled to a structure that generates a stress wave indicative of vibration or pressure at the structure such that the stress wave is introduced proximate the first end of the filament for passive broadband measurement of the vibration or pressure proximate an intermediate location of the filament between the first and second ends;

a matrix coupled to the intermediate location of the filament between the first and second ends thereof; and

a damping material coupled between the intermediate location and the second end, the damping material configured to at least partially suppress reflections of the stress wave introduced proximate the first end caused by the second end.

29. The broadband mechanical waveguide of claim 28, further comprising:

a sensor coupled to the matrix and configured to sense axial strain, radial strain or surface motion of the filament caused by the stress wave introduced proximate the first end of the filament.

30. The broadband mechanical waveguide of claim 28, wherein the matrix is a first matrix, the broadband mechanical waveguide further comprising:

a second matrix coupled proximate the first end.

31. A broadband mechanical waveguide configured to communicate a stress wave, comprising:

a filament including a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends, the filament formed of a material that is transmissive of stress waves, the first end of the filament configured to be coupled to a structure that generates a stress wave indicative of vibration or pressure at the structure such that the stress wave is introduced proximate the first end of the filament for passive broadband measurement of the vibration or pressure proximate an intermediate location of the filament between the first and second ends;

a matrix coupled to the intermediate location of the filament between the first and second ends thereof, the second end shaped to at least partially suppress reflections of the stress wave introduced proximate the first end caused by the second end.

32. The broadband mechanical waveguide of claim 31, further comprising:

a sensor coupled to the matrix and configured to sense axial strain, radial strain or surface motion of the filament caused by the stress wave introduced proximate the first end of the filament.

33. The broadband mechanical waveguide of claim 31, wherein the matrix is a first matrix, the broadband mechanical waveguide further comprising:

a second matrix coupled proximate the first end.

34. The broadband mechanical waveguide of claim 31, further comprising:

a damping material coupled between the intermediate location and the second end, the damping material configured to at least partially suppress the reflections of the stress wave caused by the second end.

35. A broadband mechanical waveguide configured to communicate a stress wave, comprising:

a filament including a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends, the filament formed of a material that is transmissive of stress waves, the first end of the filament configured to be coupled to a structure that generates a stress wave indicative of vibration or pressure at the structure such that the stress wave is introduced proximate the first end of the filament for passive broadband measurement of the vibration or pressure proximate an intermediate location of the filament between the first and second ends;

a sensor coupled proximate the intermediate location of the filament between the first and second ends thereof to passively sense axial strain, radial strain or surface motion of the filament caused by the stress wave introduced proximate the first end and transmitted along the filament; and

a damping material coupled between the intermediate location and the second end, the damping material configured to at least partially suppress reflections of the stress wave caused by the second end.

36. A broadband mechanical waveguide configured to communicate a stress wave, comprising:

a filament including a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends, the filament formed of a material that is transmissive of stress waves, the first end of the filament configured to be coupled to a structure that generates a stress wave indicative of vibration or pressure at the structure such that the stress wave is introduced proximate the first end of the filament for passive broadband measurement of the vibration or pressure proximate an intermediate location of the filament between the first and second ends;

a sensor coupled proximate the intermediate location of the filament between the first and second ends thereof to passively sense axial strain, radial strain or surface motion of the filament caused by the stress wave introduced proximate the first end and transmitted along the filament, the second end shaped to at least partially suppress reflections of the stress wave caused by the second end.

37. The broadband mechanical waveguide of claim 36, further comprising:

a damping material coupled between the intermediate location and the second end, the damping material configured to at least partially suppress the reflections of the stress wave caused by the second end.

38. A broadband mechanical waveguide configured to communicate a stress wave, comprising:

a plurality of filaments each including a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends;

a first matrix coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective first ends thereof; and

a second matrix coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends thereof, the first and second matrices configured to secure the filaments in a bundle, wherein the second end of at least one of the plurality of filaments is shaped to at least partially suppress reflections of the stress wave therefrom.

39. A broadband mechanical waveguide configured to communicate a stress wave, comprising:

a plurality of filaments each including a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends, each filament formed of a material that is transmissive of stress waves;

a first matrix coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective first ends thereof;

a second matrix coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends thereof, the first and second matrices configured to secure the filaments in a bundle; and

a damping material engaging at least a portion of the plurality of filaments between the intermediate location and the respective second ends thereof to at least partially suppress reflections of a stress wave introduced proximate the first matrix caused by the respective second ends.

40. The broadband mechanical waveguide of claim 39, wherein the second end of at least one of the plurality of filaments is shaped to at least partially suppress a reflection of the stress wave therefrom.

41. A method of assembling a broadband mechanical waveguide of the type that includes a plurality of filaments each including a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends, at least two filaments of the plurality of filaments having differing lengths, and the plurality of filaments formed of a material that is transmissive of stress waves, the method comprising:

coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective first ends; and

coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends thereof such that the at least two filaments having differing lengths have respective second ends that extend differing distances from the intermediate location along a longitudinal direction of the at least two filaments to suppress reflections of a stress wave introduced proximate the first matrix caused by the respective second ends.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective first ends includes:

soldering the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective first ends.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective first ends includes:

applying a frit to the respective first ends of the plurality of filaments.

44. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective first ends includes:

applying an adhesive to the respective first ends of the plurality of filaments.

45. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective first ends includes:

applying an epoxy to the respective first ends of the plurality of filaments.

46. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective first ends includes:

brazing the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective first ends.

47. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective first ends includes:

welding the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective first ends.

48. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the intermediate location includes:

soldering the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective intermediate locations thereof.

49. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the intermediate location includes:

applying a frit to the respective intermediate locations of the plurality of filaments.

50. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the intermediate location includes:

applying an adhesive to the respective intermediate locations of the plurality of filaments.

51. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the intermediate location includes:

applying an epoxy to the respective intermediate locations of the plurality of filaments.

52. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the intermediate location includes:

brazing the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective intermediate locations thereof.

53. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective intermediate locations includes:

welding the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective intermediate locations thereof.

54. The method of claim 41, wherein coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the intermediate location includes:

applying a piezoelectric material to the plurality of filaments at the respective intermediate locations thereof to bind the plurality of filaments to one another.

55. The method of claim 54, further comprising:

sensing a voltage produced by the piezoelectric material in response to a stress wave introduced to the plurality of filaments proximate the first matrix and transmitted along the plurality of filaments to the intermediate location.

56. The method of claim 41, further comprising:

coupling a strain sensor to a second matrix that couples the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the intermediate location; and

measuring a stress wave introduced to the plurality of filaments proximate the first matrix and transmitted along the plurality of filaments to the second matrix with the strain sensor.

57. The method of claim 41, further comprising:

coupling a piezoelectric sensor to the plurality of filaments proximate the intermediate location; and

measuring a stress wave introduced to the plurality of filaments proximate the first matrix and transmitted along the plurality of filaments with the piezoelectric sensor.

58. The method of claim 41, further comprising:

coupling an accelerometer to the plurality of filaments proximate the intermediate location; and

measuring a stress wave introduced to the plurality of filaments proximate the first matrix and transmitted along the plurality of filaments with the accelerometer.

59. The method of claim 41, further comprising:

coupling a load meter to the plurality of filaments proximate the intermediate location; and

measuring a stress wave introduced to the plurality of filaments proximate the first matrix and transmitted along the plurality of filaments with the load meter.

60. The method of claim 41, further comprising:

applying a damping material to engage at least a portion of the plurality of filaments between the respective first ends and the intermediate location.

61. The method of claim 41, further comprising:

applying a damping material to engage at least a portion of the at least two filaments between the intermediate location and the respective second ends thereof to at least partially suppress reflections of the stress wave caused by the respective second ends of the at least two filaments.

62. The method of claim 41, further comprising:

shaping the second end of at least one of the plurality of filaments to at least partially suppress reflections of the stress wave therefrom.

63. A method of assembling a broadband mechanical waveguide of the type that includes a filament that in turn includes a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends, the filament formed of a material that is transmissive of stress waves, the method comprising:

coupling a matrix proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends;

coupling the first end of the filament to a structure that generates a stress wave indicative of vibration or pressure at the structure such that the stress wave is introduced proximate the first end of the filament for passive broadband measurement of the vibration or pressure proximate the intermediate location between the first and second ends; and

coupling a damping material proximate the second end to at least partially suppress reflections of the stress wave introduced proximate the first end caused by the second end.

64. The method of claim 63, further comprising:

coupling a sensor to the matrix, the sensor configured to sense axial strain, radial strain or surface motion of the filament caused by the stress wave introduced proximate the first end.

77. The method of claim 63, wherein the matrix is a first matrix, the method further comprising:

coupling a second matrix proximate the first end.

65. A method of assembling a broadband mechanical waveguide of the type that includes a filament that in turn includes a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends, the filament formed of a material that is transmissive of stress waves, the method comprising:

coupling a matrix proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends;

coupling the first end of the filament to a structure that generates a stress wave indicative of vibration or pressure at the structure such that the stress wave is introduced proximate the first end of the filament for passive broadband measurement of the vibration or pressure proximate the intermediate location between the first and second ends; and

configuring the second end to at least partially repress reflections of the stress wave introduced proximate the first end caused by the second end.

66. The method of claim 65, further comprising:

coupling a sensor to the matrix, the sensor configured to sense axial strain, radial strain or surface motion of the filament caused by the stress wave.

67. The method of claim 65, wherein the matrix is a first matrix, the method further comprising:

coupling a second matrix proximate the first end.

68. The method of claim 65, further comprising:

coupling a damping material between the intermediate location and the second to at least partially suppress the reflections of the stress wave caused by the second end.

69. A method of assembling a broadband mechanical waveguide of the type that includes a filament that in turn includes a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends, the filament formed of a material that is transmissive of stress waves, the method comprising:

coupling the first end of the filament to a structure that generates a stress wave indicative of vibration or pressure at the structure such that the stress wave is introduced proximate the first end of the filament for passive broadband measurement of the vibration or pressure proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends;

coupling a sensor proximate the intermediate location of the filament between the first and second ends thereof to passively sense axial strain, radial strain or surface motion of the filament caused by the stress wave introduced proximate the first end and transmitted along the filament; and

coupling a damping material between the intermediate location and the second end to at least partially suppress reflections of the stress wave caused by the second end.

70. A method of assembling a broadband mechanical waveguide of the type that includes a filament that in turn includes a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends, the filament formed of a material that is transmissive of stress waves, the method comprising:

coupling the first end of the filament to a structure that generates a stress wave indicative of vibration or pressure at the structure such that the stress wave is introduced proximate the first end of the filament for passive broadband measurement of the vibration or pressure proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends;

shaping the second end to at least partially suppress reflections of the stress wave; and

coupling a sensor proximate the intermediate location of the filament between the first and second ends thereof to passively sense axial strain, radial strain or surface motion of the filament caused by the stress wave introduced proximate the first end and transmitted along the filament.

71. The method of claim 70, further comprising:

coupling a damping material between the intermediate location and the second end to at least partially suppress the reflections of the stress wave caused by the second end.

72. A method of assembling a broadband mechanical waveguide of the type that includes a plurality of filaments each including a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends, each of the plurality of filaments formed of a material that is transmissive of stress waves, the method comprising:

coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends thereof, wherein a second end of at least one of the plurality of filaments is shaped to at least partially suppress reflections of a stress wave introduced proximate the first end caused by the second end.

73. A method of assembling a broadband mechanical waveguide of the type that includes a plurality of filaments each including a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends, each of the plurality of filaments formed of a material that is transmissive of stress waves, the method comprising:

coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective first ends;

coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends thereof; and

applying a damping material to engage at least a portion of the plurality of filaments between the respective second ends and the intermediate location, wherein the damping material is configured to at least partially suppress reflections of a stress wave introduced proximate the first end caused by the second end.

74. The method of claim 73, wherein a second end of at least one of the plurality of filaments is shaped to at least partially suppress reflections of the stress wave introduced proximate the first end caused by the second end.

75. A broadband mechanical waveguide, comprising:

a plurality of filaments each including a first end, a second end, and having differing lengths, and each formed of a material that is transmissive of stress waves, the plurality of filaments coupled to one another at the respective first ends thereof, the plurality of filaments further coupled to one another at an intermediate location between the first and second ends thereof such that respective second ends of the plurality of filaments extend differing distances from the intermediate location to suppress reflections of a stress wave introduced proximate the first matrix caused by the respective second ends.

76. A method of using a waveguide of the type that includes a plurality of filaments each including a first end, a second end, and a length between the first and second ends, at least two filaments of the plurality of filaments having differing lengths, the broadband waveguide of the type that further includes a first matrix coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate the respective first ends thereof and a second matrix coupling the plurality of filaments to one another proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends thereof, the method comprising:

receiving a signal proximate the respective first ends of the plurality of filaments such that the signal is communicated along the plurality of filaments to the intermediate location; and

measuring the communicated signal proximate the intermediate location.