Protective capsule for earthmoving machines with slotted antennas

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capsule for protecting an electronic device for an earthmoving machine, the capsule comprising walls enclosing an inner chamber configured to house the electronic device or a component thereof, the capsule comprising a slot antenna disposed in at least one of the walls, the at least one wall having the slot antenna disposed therein being a cover removably coupleable with one or more of the walls of the capsule. Also relates to a device for an earthmoving machine including the capsule, a method for manufacturing the capsule, and a method for manufacturing a device for an earthmoving machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of earth-moving machines. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to capsules and devices for earth-moving machines that can be introduced into, for example, some devices of said machines, such as their wear elements or excavation tools, and in which the capsules and devices can transmit and / or receive data via an antenna.

Background Art

[0002] For example, an earth-moving machine, such as an excavator or a loader, comprises excavation tools, such as buckets, shovels, dredging heads, etc., in which materials are pushed, pulled, and / or collected. Excavation tools, such as buckets, are mainly exposed to high stress and significant wear in an area commonly referred to as the blade. For this reason, the blade usually has a plurality of protective elements attached thereto that protect the blade and the excavation tool from wear. The protective elements also increase the digging of the excavation tool into the terrain and the scratching of the terrain by the excavation tool.

[0003] These parts are subject to severe mechanical requirements, heavy loads, and intense wear. Therefore, they usually need to be replaced at regular intervals according to the degree of wear. These protective elements are generally referred to as wear elements or ground engaging tools, i.e., GETs as a whole. engaging tools)、すなわちGETと呼ばれる。

[0004] To monitor wear or any condition of wear elements, the condition of other parts of the earth-moving machine such as traction means, booms or sticks, or other magnitudes that may affect the engagement with the ground or the machine itself, different parts of the earth-moving machine may include sensing devices that measure such magnitudes, such as the strain they experience or any other parameters. However, the measured values ​​and the resulting information (if any) from processing them remain within the location of the sensing devices, where the electronic sensing devices are installed, such as wear elements, traction means, booms, sticks, hydraulic cylinders, digging equipment, etc. To extract the data, a wireless communication link is usually required to transmit the data to a remote device, such as the earth-moving machine's cabin, a control center, or an internet cloud.

[0005] Therefore, in addition to electronic devices for measurement, when a machine device such as a wear element includes a sensing device, as seen in, for example, patent documents WO-2017017289-A1, WO-2012107848-A1, US-20150284935-A1 and WO-2012116408-A1, it usually also includes means for emitting and capturing electromagnetic waves, such as RFID tags, antennas for short-range communications, or antennas in the form of monopoles, thus enabling wireless communication of data from the sensing device. With regard to the former, the range of electromagnetic waves is usually limited. With regard to the latter, the mechanical reliability of the antenna is not high enough to cope with the stress on the wear element, and the volume required by the antenna may prevent its incorporation into certain devices such as wear elements, especially at lower operating frequencies.

[0006] Therefore, there is interest in providing a protective capsule for an earth-moving machine that incorporates an antenna that can better withstand the stress on the devices within the earth-moving machine and has better radioelectric performance. The protective capsule is preferably attachable to or installable on the devices of the earth-moving machine. Furthermore, in some embodiments, there is also interest in providing a compact antenna capable of operating at frequencies below 1000 MHz.

[0007] Furthermore, we are interested in providing an antenna for earth-moving machines, particularly their devices, that can withstand stress but does not require a protective capsule. In this sense, it would be preferable to have a device that provides an antenna function that is compact in size while simultaneously protecting the elements within the cavity of the earth-moving machine. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0008] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a capsule for protecting an electronic device of an earth moving machine, the capsule comprising a wall surrounding an inner chamber configured to house the electronic device or at least one or more components thereof, and a slot antenna located in at least one of the walls.

[0009] The capsule can be configured to protect an electronic device or one or more of its components, to wirelessly transmit data from the electronic device to an electronic device located away from the capsule, and / or to wirelessly receive data from the distant electronic device and provide it to the electronic device. Exemplary examples include, but are not limited to, one or more sensing devices, one or more batteries, one or more memory units, etc. Exemplary examples include a controller for supervising and / or operating an earth-moving machine, which may be located, for example, in a control center, or in the earth-moving machine, for example, in its cabin.

[0010] This capsule eliminates the need for antennas that take up space inside the inner chamber, such as monopoles, dipoles, patch antennas, or microchip antennas, or antennas that would need to be mounted on the capsule or another part of the earth-moving machine away from the capsule. Nevertheless, it is possible to place one or more antennas in addition to the slot antennas for radio transmission and / or reception at frequencies other than the operating frequency of the slot antennas, or for redundancy purposes.

[0011] The capsule advantageously uses one or more of its walls for electromagnetic radiation and / or capture to transmit and receive data wirelessly. This reduces the overall volume required for both protection and wireless transmission / reception, particularly when the capsule is introduced or mounted on a wear element, e.g., teeth, adapters, casting lips, or digging equipment, e.g., a bucket; it increases the reliability of communication with a damage-resistant antenna; and / or makes the integration of the antenna into the earth-moving machine simpler and more reliable. For this purpose, the capsule is preferably adapted to be introduced or mounted on a wear element, digging equipment, boom, stick, hydraulic cylinder, e.g., a bucket cylinder, towing means, e.g., a continuous track; or a cavity on the underside of the cabin of an earth-moving machine.

[0012] In some embodiments, the capsule further includes a dielectric material that fills the slots of the slot antenna.

[0013] The dielectric material can be part of the wall in which the slot antenna is formed, part of one or more components adapted to removably fill the slot of the slot antenna, such as a removablely connectable lid or cap, or part of a filler material used to fill both the slot and the inner chamber with electronic devices by a potting process, for example. In the latter case, the material fills the inner chamber and thus protects the electronic devices within the inner chamber. Preferably, the dielectric material fills the slot as much as possible to seal the inner chamber, thereby reducing or completely preventing the ingress of, for example, soil particles or other particles that could short-circuit or affect the radioelectric performance of the slot antenna. The dielectric material can be, for example, epoxy, silicone, plastic, etc.

[0014] In some embodiments, the slot antenna is adapted to operate at frequencies below 3000 MHz. In some embodiments, the frequency is between 2400 MHz and 2500 MHz.

[0015] The slot antenna is capable of radiating and / or capturing electromagnetic waves in the ISM band, for example, 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz, and / or further.

[0016] In some embodiments, the slot antenna is adapted, or further adapted, to operate at frequencies below 1000 MHz.

[0017] In some embodiments, the frequency is between 430 MHz and 440 MHz. In some embodiments, the frequency is between 433.0 MHz and 435.0 MHz.

[0018] In some embodiments, the frequency is between 865.0 MHz and 870.0 MHz. In some embodiments, the frequency is between 900 MHz and 930 MHz.

[0019] Slot antennas are more compact and mechanically more durable than antennas such as monopole or patch antennas, while still being able to radiate and / or capture electromagnetic waves at frequencies below 1.0 GHz.

[0020] Slot antennas can radiate and / or capture electromagnetic waves in the 430 MHz and 440 MHz ISM band, which has the characteristic of having lower propagation loss at higher frequencies than other bands, and / or in one or more ISM bands in the 865 MHz and 870 MHz and 900 MHz and 930 MHz frequency bands.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least one of the walls has a maximum length in a particular longitudinal direction, i.e., the maximum dimension of at least one wall on which the slot antenna is located, a maximum width in a particular first transversal direction, and a thickness in a second transversal direction, wherein the maximum length is greater than or equal to the maximum width, and the slot antenna has a maximum length, i.e., the maximum longitudinal dimension of the slot antenna on at least one of the walls, which is at least 60% and not more than 100% of the maximum length of at least one of the walls.

[0022] A slot antenna can take up a large portion or all of the length of at least one wall to establish a path for current when radiating or capturing electromagnetic waves, thereby making it possible to lower the operating frequency of the slot antenna.

[0023] In some embodiments, the slot antenna is not a straight slot.

[0024] A slot antenna can contain multiple segments, each segment being connected along its length to one or more other segments such that the longitudinal directions of each segment form an angle between them, i.e., two directly adjacent segments are not parallel. In this way, the operating frequency or the effective length of the slot antenna that determines the frequency can be increased.

[0025] In some embodiments, one or more segments of the slot antenna are straight. In some embodiments, one or more segments of the plurality of segments of the slot antenna are curved.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least one of the walls where the antenna is disposed is a cover, and the cover can be removably coupled to one or more of the walls of the capsule.

[0027] The cover is adapted to be removably coupled to the one or more walls, and after the operator detaches the cover, any device within the internal chamber can be inspected, retrieved, and / or replaced. The electronic device can have, for example, one or more memory units in which data generated by the circuit, sensing device, and / or processor of the electronic device is stored for subsequent processing.

[0028] When the capsule is disposed in a wear element, as part of a maintenance operation or when it is necessary to replace another wear element due to wear and damage received by the wear element, for example, at the time of failure of the wear element or another wear element coupled thereto, the aforementioned operation or operation can be performed at any time. Also, instead of completely replacing the electronic device, it can be replaced when the battery of the electronic device, etc., runs out of energy. However, typically the useful life of the wear element is shorter than that of the battery.

[0029] When the capsule is disposed in, for example, an excavation tool, a boom, a stick, a hydraulic cylinder, under the cabin, or a traction means, the aforementioned operation or operation can be performed at any time, for example, when performing maintenance on an earth-moving machine or its components or as part of a preventive maintenance operation.

[0030] In some embodiments, the slot antenna is disposed on one wall of the capsule disposed at the rear end of the capsule.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the capsule is arranged in the wear element of the earth-moving machine such that the front end faces forward with respect to the machine and thus towards the ground that will be engaged by the earth-moving machine during operation of the machine.

[0032] In some embodiments, the capsule comprises two walls, the slot antenna is disposed on the first wall thereof, and the second wall is shaped according to the container. In some embodiments, the capsule comprises more than three walls, and the second wall, the third wall and further walls are mechanically joined to form the container.

[0033] The capsule consists of an inner chamber for protecting the electronic device and only two walls that need to be mechanically joined. However, more walls are also possible. Reducing the number of walls can be advantageous from a mechanical point of view because the mechanical joining of the walls is often the weakest part of the capsule. During operation of the earth-moving machine, the strain and stress on the capsule may break the capsule at its weakest part. There may be a space between the walls where the walls are joined, in some cases, after joining each pair of walls, whether dry or wet, soil may enter the inner chamber and damage the protected electronic device.

[0034] In some embodiments, the capsule further comprises an electronic device, the electronic device comprises a power source, the electronic device is configured at least for wireless data transmission, is electrically connected to the slot antenna, and the inner chamber partially or completely houses the electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device is further configured for wireless data reception.

[0035] An electronic device or its components can transmit data it generates or processes to other devices away from the capsule while protected by the capsule. The electronic device is configured to transmit and / or receive data at the frequency in which the slot antenna operates. For this purpose, the electronic device includes a radio communication module, such as a modem, for transmitting data by a communication protocol or standard operating in one or more frequency bandwidths, and the capsule also protects the radio communication module. The communication protocol or standard uses an operating bandwidth having one or more frequencies adapted so that the slot antenna radiates and captures electromagnetic waves.

[0036] Furthermore, in some cases, electronic devices may also receive data from devices outside the capsule, such as commands to change how the electronic device operates, for example, entering a hibernation state, waking up from hibernation, changing how often the electronic device generates, processes, and / or transmits data, or changing the type of processing applied to the data.

[0037] The inner chamber partially accommodates an electronic device if only one or some components of the electronic device are inside the inner chamber, and fully accommodates the electronic device if the entire electronic device is inside the inner chamber.

[0038] In some embodiments, the electronic device further includes at least one sensor configured to sense changes in the device of the Earth Moving Machine in which the capsule is intended to be installed. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is configured to sense one or more of strain, wear, pressure, temperature, acceleration, position (e.g., GPS), material / terrain (for its identification), and shedding of wear elements.

[0039] An electronic device can process measurements from at least one sensor and transmit them via a slot antenna to an electronic device that provides information about engagement with the ground, and even the state and / or operation of the relevant parts of the machine. For example, if a capsule is located within a wear element, the measurements can indicate how the wear element is penetrating and / or scratching the ground, as well as the degree of wear on the wear element. Thus, measurements from at least one sensor can be used to estimate the degree of wear on a machine part or component having a capsule placed therein, the characteristics of the ground being engaged, the attack angle at which the wear element engages with the ground when it receives the capsule, and so on. The measurements and / or estimates can then be used for monitoring machine parts or components, predicting maintenance, informing the operator or control center of the earth-moving machine about engagement with the ground, and supplying data to a controller that automatically adjusts the operation of the earth-moving machine to control it (e.g., adjusting the attack angle, adjusting the trajectory of the excavator when engaging with the ground, adjusting the force applied by the earth-moving machine, etc.).

[0040] In some embodiments, at least one sensor comprises one or more of the following: strain gauges, pressure gauges, relative displacement gauges, optical fiber strips, piezoelectric strips, pressure sensors, and accelerometers.

[0041] In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a PCB. In some embodiments, the PCB is located inside the internal chamber. In some other embodiments, the PCB is located outside the internal chamber.

[0042] The PCB can be located inside an inner chamber for protection, but it can also be located outside to reduce the size of the capsule or to allow protection of other elements of the electronic device, such as batteries or sensing devices. If the PCB is external and contains a modem, the connection between the modem and the slot antenna can be made by means of an SMA cable, for example.

[0043] In some embodiments, the PCB is flexible, i.e., a flexible film PCB.

[0044] In some embodiments, the capsule comprises a container formed of one or more walls having a central axis defining the axial direction, a front end, and a rear end opposite the front end in the axial direction, and having no slot antenna disposed therein, the container extending axially from the front end and comprising an internal chamber, and a cover that can be removably coupled to the container and is adapted to cover the rear of the container. In some embodiments, the cover is adapted to form a flange when the cover is coupled to the container.

[0045] The cover on which the slot antenna is formed is dimensional to provide a flange to the capsule. The flange-shaped cover simplifies the removal of the cover, allowing access to the interior of the internal chamber. The cover can be removably attached to the container by one or more threaded through-holes and mounting means such as screws inserted into the holes. Note that one or more corresponding mounting means in the form of threaded holes or threaded through-holes are also provided at the rear end of the container, and screws are inserted into the holes in both the cover and the container and used to connect them.

[0046] In some cases, the rear of the container is shaped to also provide a flange to the capsule; that is, both the rear of the container and the cover are shaped to form a flange. Providing a flange at the rear of the container allows the shapes of both flanges to match, enabling a simpler arrangement of mounting means and further simplifying the coupling and uncoupling processes.

[0047] In some embodiments, one or more walls of the capsule (including or not including at least one wall on which a slot antenna is mounted) include one or more holes adapted for receiving one or more cables. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes one or more cables.

[0048] An electronic device inside a capsule may be electrically coupled to its components (e.g., one or more sensors, a battery, etc.) or to another electronic device outside the capsule via one or more wired physical links in the form of cables. For this purpose, the capsule wall may be provided with through-holes through which cables can extend, allowing one end of the cable for connecting to one or more components of the electronic device to be inside the inner chamber, and the other end of the cable for connecting to external components or another electronic device to be outside the capsule.

[0049] In some embodiments, the capsule further comprises a protector positioned adjacent to at least one wall having a slot antenna positioned thereon. Preferably, the protector is positioned on the outer surface of at least one wall (i.e., the outermost surface of the capsule), but it may also be positioned on the inner surface of at least one wall (i.e., the surface of the capsule facing the inner chamber).

[0050] When an earth-moving machine operates in an environment or terrain with extremely adverse conditions, the intrusion of fine particles into contact with the capsule increases, thereby increasing the pressure on at least one wall. In such cases, a protector within the capsule provides an additional layer of protection. The protector is preferably a cover made of a material that is electrically protective but resistant to impact and abrasion. The protector may include protrusions having a shape and dimensions that match the shape and dimensions of the slot antenna, thereby causing the protrusions to cooperate with the slot antenna to provide additional protection to at least one wall and prevent the intrusion of fine particles.

[0051] In some embodiments, the capsule further comprises a cap bondable to at least one wall having a slot antenna or cover, the cap including one or more protrusions for contacting the wall of the cavity. In some of these embodiments, the one or more protrusions consist of a plurality of protrusions, which are arranged one by one parallel to each other and spaced apart. In some of these embodiments, the cap is made of a material such as ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM rubber), Hypalon, Viton, or polyurethane, the material preferably characterized by some degree of flexibility.

[0052] Due to its material, any propagation loss caused by the cap is minimal. The cap covers the slot antenna, preventing particles from entering the inner chamber from the slot antenna, and its protrusions increase friction between the capsule and the cavity, ensuring a secure seal between the capsule and the cavity.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cap is removably attached to the cover.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cap includes a recess that fits into one or more protruding surfaces of the cover.

[0055] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for an earth moving machine, the device comprising a capsule according to a first aspect of the present disclosure and a cavity having the capsule disposed therein.

[0056] The electronic device protected by the capsule generates and, preferably, processes measurements taken on the device, such as the strain exerted on the device. The capsule can be fixed to the cavity by mounting means known in the art, such as adhesive, a material that fills the space between the capsule and the cavity, preferably a flexible material, epoxy, foam, etc.

[0057] In some embodiments, the device is a fitting or coupling system for wear elements.

[0058] A fitting or coupling system is a mechanical attachment between the female or cavity of a tooth and the male or nose of an adapter. In some embodiments, the cavity is on the adapter and the nose is on the tooth. This type of coupling is called a reverse coupling system.

[0059] In some embodiments, the device is a wear element.

[0060] The arrangement of capsules in one abrasion element or the other abrasion element affects both the measurement and the propagation of electromagnetic waves, due to the presence of other abrasion elements, soil, and / or the dimensions and material of the abrasion element itself, which interfere with the propagation of electromagnetic waves.

[0061] In some embodiments, the wear element is cast / welded to an adapter, intermediate adapter, or nose. Hereinafter, the term adapter encompasses adapters in two-part systems, intermediate adapters in three-part systems, and noses welded or cast to the blade, and it will be understood that this disclosure encompasses embodiments having all options for the system of wear elements.

[0062] The adapter has a first mounting end for coupling the adapter to a tooth, and a second mounting end for coupling the adapter to a blade or other adapter (usually an intermediate adapter).

[0063] Placing capsules within an adapter or in a casting / weld on the nose can result in more cost-effective capsule placement than intradental capsule placement. Because adapters or castings / welds on the nose are replaced less frequently than teeth, new capsules are needed less often than when placed in teeth. This, in turn, reduces the waste of capsules and / or their components, and even if they are recycled, it means that fewer capsules and electronic devices are manufactured in the first place.

[0064] In some embodiments, the wear element is a tooth. The tooth has a wear end intended to wear down with use and a mounting end intended to connect the tooth to an adapter.

[0065] In this sense, the mounting end has a cavity portion adapted to receive the connecting male of an adapter, intermediate adapter, or casting / welding on a nose (depending on whether the system of wear elements is a two-part system 1, e.g., teeth and adapter, or a three-part system 1, e.g., teeth, intermediate adapter, adapter, or casting / welding on a nose). The female portion has a cavity for receiving the male of the other wear elements of the system, the male portion is also called the nose.

[0066] In some embodiments, the cavity is located inside the female portion of either the teeth or the second mounting end of the adapter. In some of these embodiments, the cavity is formed in the wall surface of the nose of the adapter.

[0067] In addition to the mounting means used to secure the capsule to the cavity, the male part received by the female part prevents the capsule from moving or falling off the wear element. If the cavity is formed on the wall closest to the wear end, strain measurements are taken closer to the wear end, which may result in more accurate sensing in some types of sensing, such as strain.

[0068] In some embodiments, the cavity is located on the outer surface of the wear element.

[0069] In some embodiments, the cavity is located on the tooth surface at the end opposite the wear end.

[0070] The surface having the cavity formed therein is preferably in contact with the adapter at all times when the tooth is coupled to the adapter. The adapter protects the capsule from falling off the tooth. Furthermore, this arrangement reduces the number of interfering elements or materials that adversely affect the propagation of electromagnetic waves.

[0071] In some embodiments, the cavity is located in the male part. In some of these embodiments, the cavity is on the front end of the male part, i.e., on the surface of the end introduced more inward in the female part of the receiving wear element. In some other embodiments, the cavity is adjacent to a through-hole in the adapter or tooth for receiving a pin for mechanically fastening the adapter to the tooth, and in these cases, the cavity is preferably parallel to the through-hole.

[0072] In some embodiments, the cavity is located in the rear portion of the adapter. In some of these embodiments, the cavity is on the surface from which the male portion protrudes at the first mounting end. In some other embodiments, the cavity is on the outer surface of the rear portion.

[0073] In some embodiments, at least one outermost surface of the wall having a slot antenna located therein is coplane with the surface of a wear element (i.e., a tooth or adapter) in which the cavity opening is formed.

[0074] By positioning the slot antenna flush with the starting surface of the cavity opening, the propagation loss of electromagnetic waves radiated and / or captured by the slot antenna can be advantageously reduced compared to the propagation loss when the slot antenna is located inside the cavity. Therefore, the transmission power (transmission) The power (of the electromagnetic wave) will be smaller than in the latter case, or even if it remains the same, the power of the received electromagnetic wave will be greater.

[0075] In some embodiments, the device is one of a boom, a stick, a hydraulic cylinder such as a bucket cylinder, a traction means such as a continuous track, or a cabin.

[0076] A capsule protects an electronic device or a component placed within an electronic device. Therefore, in addition to protecting the electronic device and its components, the capsule enables wireless transmission and / or reception of data.

[0077] Preferably, though not necessarily required, the device includes a cavity for receiving and hosting the capsule, at least when the capsule's position on the device is such that the capsule may be exposed to soil and thus to abrasion, the cavity reducing the capsule's exposure. For example, if the device is a towing means, the towing means preferably includes such a cavity adapted to the capsule.

[0078] If the device is a cabin, the capsule is preferably located on the underside of the cabin.

[0079] In some embodiments, the cavity adapted to receive the capsule has an L-shaped opening, i.e., the opening is formed at the location of two non-parallel walls.

[0080] A third aspect of this disclosure relates to an earth moving machine comprising one or more capsules according to the first aspect of this disclosure, and / or one or more devices according to the second aspect of this disclosure or the eighth aspect of this disclosure, and / or one or more apparatus according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure.

[0081] An earth moving machine can introduce one or more capsules into its parts so that an electronic device within it processes data and transmits it to one or more electronic devices away from the capsule, and / or so that an electronic device within it processes data and allows for easier and more reliable extraction of the capsule. If the part is a wear element, the machine can introduce capsules into one, several, or all of the same type of wear elements, such as teeth, adapters, and casting lips. Alternatively, capsules can be introduced into different types of wear elements, such as one, several, or each tooth, or into one, several, or each adapter.

[0082] In some embodiments, the earth moving machine further comprises both a wireless data receiver and at least one processing unit, which are remote from each of one or more capsules or from each of one or more devices, such as wear elements.

[0083] The Earth Moving Machine can monitor the degree of wear of wear elements according to radio data signals transmitted from each capsule. At least one processing unit is configured to digitally process the radio data signals and determine the degree of wear of the wear elements associated with the radio data signals.

[0084] In some embodiments, at least one processing unit is configured to digitally process the radio data signal so as to predict maintenance of devices associated with the radio data signal, such as wear elements; inform the operator or control center of the earth-moving machine of the ground engagement operation of the earth-moving machine; and control the earth-moving machine (e.g., adjusting the attack angle, adjusting the trajectory of the excavator during ground engagement, adjusting the force applied by the earth-moving machine, etc.).

[0085] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a process for manufacturing a capsule according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the process comprising the step of forming or adding a slot antenna to at least one wall of the capsule wall.

[0086] A slot antenna can be formed to have one or more features as described with reference to embodiments of the first aspect of this disclosure. If at least one wall is conductive, such as being made of a conductive metallic material, the slot antenna is formed by either removing a portion of the material of at least one wall or by manufacturing at least one wall having slots already formed therein. If at least one wall is not conductive, such as being made of plastic, resin, etc., the slot antenna is formed by adding a conductive material to at least one wall to form slots therein.

[0087] In some embodiments, the process further includes manufacturing a capsule by a potting process, the potting of which takes place in a mold formed according to the capsule, i.e., all walls except at least one wall having all walls or slot antennas are formed by the potting process, the at least one wall being manufactured to include or made of a conductive material. In some of these embodiments, the mold is a cavity of a device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, i.e., the mold is a cavity formed in one of a wear element, boom, stick, hydraulic cylinder, towing means, or cabin. Furthermore, in some of these embodiments, the method also includes placing the manufactured capsule in the cavity of the device and installing the device in an earth moving machine.

[0088] The capsule can be manufactured by a potting process using a resin such as epoxy to provide the capsule wall. Next, a slot antenna is formed by adding a conductive component, i.e., a component having a conductive material, which includes a slot, to at least one of the capsule walls.

[0089] Potting can be performed using a mold suitable for this purpose, and the device used to introduce the capsule when using an earth moving machine can also be used as a mold.

[0090] In some embodiments, the potting process is carried out with the electronic device or its components introduced into a mold. Thus, the electronic device or its components are contained within a capsule during the manufacturing process.

[0091] In some embodiments, the process further includes performing a potting process on the manufactured capsule such that at least the slots of the slot antenna are filled with dielectric material. In some of these embodiments, the potting process further fills the internal chamber of the capsule with an electronic device partially or completely introduced therein.

[0092] The capsules are manufactured using a separate manufacturing process, and once manufactured, they are partially or completely filled with a dielectric material through a potting process. The dielectric material prevents particles from entering the inner chamber and can further protect the contents of the inner chamber once the material fills it.

[0093] In some embodiments, the process further includes using a mold to manufacture the capsule walls from an alloy, for example by forging or microcasting. The alloy may be a material characterized by a hardness of 20 to 50 Hrc, such as steel, e.g., 30CrNiMo8 (AISI4340), 42CrMo4 (AISI4137, AISI4137H), 34CrNiMo6 (AISI4337), 36NiCrMo16.

[0094] In some embodiments, the process further includes providing mounting means and using the mounting means to removably connect at least one wall to one or more other walls of the capsule.

[0095] In some embodiments, the process further includes the following fifth step of the process.

[0096] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a process for manufacturing a device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, for example, a wear element, the process comprising the steps of forming a cavity on the device for receiving a capsule according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, and introducing the capsule into the formed cavity.

[0097] The device cavity may be formed to have one or more features as described with reference to embodiments of the first and / or second aspects of this disclosure.

[0098] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a monitoring system for monitoring the degree of wear of a device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, for example, a wear element, the monitoring system comprising one or more capsules according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, each capsule of the one or more capsules being installed in a different device; a radio data receiver that receives radio data signals from each capsule of the one or more capsules; and at least one processing unit configured to digitally process the radio data to determine the degree of wear of a device associated with the radio data signals.

[0099] In some embodiments, the monitoring system further comprises a control center, which is remote from one or more capsules and includes both a wireless data receiver and at least one processing unit.

[0100] In some embodiments, the monitoring system further includes an earth-moving machine, one or more capsules installed on different devices of the earth-moving machine, the earth-moving machine includes both a wireless data receiver and at least one processing unit, remote from each of the one or more capsules.

[0101] In some embodiments, at least one processing unit is further configured to digitally process the radio data signal to predict maintenance of a device associated with the radio data signal, to inform the operator or control center of the earth-moving machine of the earth-moving machine's ground engagement operation, and to control the earth-moving machine (e.g., adjusting the attack angle, adjusting the trajectory of the excavator during ground engagement, adjusting the force applied by the earth-moving machine, etc.).

[0102] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for an earth-moving machine, comprising a sheet, fastening means for attaching the apparatus to a cavity of an earth-moving machine, and at least one electronic device, the at least one electronic device comprising a printed circuit board mechanically coupled to the sheet, and preferably a wireless communication module mounted on the PCB, the sheet further comprising a slot antenna disposed thereon, the slot antenna being electrically coupled to the wireless communication module.

[0103] This device provides data transmission and / or data reception capabilities to an earth-moving machine, particularly in a device of the machine hosting it. The sheet with the slot antenna can be positioned to cover the opening that provides access to the cavity, thereby forming a volume protected by the sheet of the device and the walls of the cavity. Furthermore, such a position is useful for improving radio wave performance, as the device with the cavity typically contains or is made of metallic material, thereby forming a Faraday cage. As a result, the further the sheet, and thus the device, is from the inside of the cavity, the further the electromagnetic waves radiated by the slot antenna can travel, and the more electromagnetic waves radiated by other devices can reach the slot antenna with greater power.

[0104] Electronic devices enclosed in the manner described above can communicate data, for example, by transmitting data they generate or process, and by receiving data provided to them by other electronic devices outside the cavity, and can also be protected from compressed material and fine particles that reach the devices during machine operation. The mechanical bonding of the PCB, electronic devices, and sheet protects both the PCB and electronic devices thanks to the mechanical properties of the sheet, and the sheet may contain or be made from a metallic material and may feature dimensions that adapt to impact, friction, abrasion, extremely high or low temperatures, and stresses arising from the machine's engagement operation with the ground and / or from the environment in which the machine is located. In this sense, the sheet preferably contains steel, for example, materials characterized by hardness from 20 to 50 Hrc such as 30CrNiMo8 (AISI4340), 42CrMo4 (AISI4137, AISI4137H), 34CrNiMo6 (AISI4337), and 36NiCrMo16.

[0105] This device can be easily recycled. Whenever the device is disposed of, the electronic devices and PCBs can be separated from the remaining components of the device, and the device, excluding the electronic devices and PCBs, can be recycled together with the device in which it was installed, such as wear components. In other words, since the materials of the device and the sheet may be the same or similar in composition, in such cases both can be recycled at the same time.

[0106] Furthermore, it has been pointed out that, for example, chip antennas tend to easily malfunction due to electrical circuit failures, and monopoles tend to break when subjected to impact. Using slot antennas is advantageous because it avoids other types of antennas that are not suitable for the harsh, stressful environments in which earth moving machines are typically placed. Slot antennas have fewer electrical circuits, and the metal material of the sheet not only protects the electronic devices but also provides the rigidity to withstand the stresses during machine operation.

[0107] In some embodiments, the electronic device further comprises one or more terminals adapted for electrical connection to a power source.

[0108] The slot antenna and components of the electronic device can be electrically powered by a power source of an earth-moving machine, such as a power cell (e.g., battery, solar cell, etc.), which can be electrically connected to the device via one or more terminals.

[0109] In some embodiments, the electronic device further includes a battery.

[0110] The slot antenna and components of the electronic device can be powered by at least one battery of the electronic device.

[0111] In some embodiments, the fastening means comprises one or more of a plurality of screws, caps, adhesives, one or more welded joints, one or more mechanical clips, and dielectric materials. The dielectric material is preferably any material that can be used in a potting process to secure the device within the cavity.

[0112] In some embodiments, the electronic device includes at least one sensor. In some of these embodiments, the sensor of the at least one sensor is mounted on a PCB. In some of these embodiments, the sensor of the at least one sensor is located in a groove of at least one groove in a sheet. In some of these embodiments, the sensor of the at least one sensor is neither mounted on a PCB nor located in a groove in a sheet, but is electrically connected to the PCB.

[0113] If at least one sensor comprises one or more sensors for measuring, for example, force, strain, wear, or presence, the sensor can be mounted on the wall of a cavity where a device for superior force or strain measurement is introduced, such as strain gauges, pressure gauges, or accelerometers. Nevertheless, the sensor uses a slot antenna for data communication by electrical connection to a PCB, which relays the data to a processor of an electronic device for data processing before transmitting the processed measurement data, or relays the data to wireless communication data for transmission of the sensed data.

[0114] In some embodiments, the device is a capsule according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. In this sense, the sheet is one of the walls of the capsule.

[0115] In some embodiments, the slots of the slot antenna are filled with a dielectric material.

[0116] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for an earth moving machine, comprising a cavity and an apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the apparatus is introduced into the cavity.

[0117] In some embodiments, the device is introduced into the cavity such that the device's sheet covers the opening that forms the cavity.

[0118] In some embodiments, the sheet of the device lies coplane with the surface of the device in which the cavity opening is formed.

[0119] In some embodiments, the chamber formed by the cavity and the sheet walls is filled with a dielectric material, for example, by a potting process.

[0120] In some embodiments, the device is a wear element. In some of these embodiments, the wear element comprises one of teeth, adapters, wear caps, shrouds, and pin systems.

[0121] In some embodiments, the device is one of a drilling tool, boom, stick, hydraulic cylinder, towing means, and cabin.

[0122] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure relates to providing an apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, and to a process comprising: placing the apparatus in the cavity of a device of an earth moving machine; taking measurements with at least one sensor; and transmitting the measurements of at least one sensor by radiating electromagnetic waves with a slot antenna.

[0123] In some embodiments, the device is a wear element. In some of these embodiments, the wear element comprises one of teeth, adapters, wear caps, shrouds, and pin systems.

[0124] The contact surfaces between the teeth and adapters of a fitting system are subjected to stress due to friction, abrasion, and crushing between the teeth and adapters, particularly during the operation of an earth moving machine. This device provides protection to the electronic device even when placed on such wear elements.

[0125] In some embodiments, the device is one of a drilling tool, boom, stick, hydraulic cylinder, towing means, and cabin.

[0126] In some embodiments, the process further includes receiving data in the device by capturing electromagnetic waves with a slot antenna.

[0127] In some embodiments, the transmission of measurements takes place at least while the earth-moving machine is engaged with the ground.

[0128] In some embodiments, the step of placing the device in the cavity comprises securing the device in the cavity by fastening means such as screws, caps, adhesives, one or more welded joints, one or more mechanical clips, and dielectric materials.

[0129] If the device is fastened by fasteners in the form of welded joints, the step further includes welding one or more edges of the sheet to the surface and / or walls of the cavity where the cavity opening is formed. If the device is fastened by fasteners in the form of dielectric material, the step further includes performing a potting process in which the dielectric material fills the cavity while the device is being introduced therein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0130] To complete the description and to provide a better understanding of this disclosure, a set of drawings is provided. These drawings form an integral part of this specification and illustrate embodiments of the disclosure. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but merely as examples of how this disclosure may be carried out. The drawings consist of the following figures:

[0131] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a capsule according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the wall of a capsule according to an embodiment, the wall including a slot antenna. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the capsule according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a capsule according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a capsule according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a capsule according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a wear element showing the positions where capsule cavities can be placed according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a tooth fitted with a capsule according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the wear element. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the wear element. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an earth moving machine, which has a position where a capsule according to an embodiment can be placed. [Figure 12A] Figure 12A schematically shows a cross-section of the capsule according to the embodiment. [Figure 12B] Figure 12B schematically shows a cross-section of the capsule according to the embodiment. [Figure 12C] Figure 12C schematically shows a cross-section of the capsule according to the embodiment. [Figure 12D] Figure 12D schematically shows a cross-section of the capsule according to the embodiment. [Figure 12E] Figure 12E schematically shows a cross-section of the capsule according to the embodiment. [Figure 13A] Figure 13A schematically shows the geometry of a capsule slot antenna according to an embodiment. [Figure 13B] Figure 13B schematically shows the geometry of the capsule slot antenna according to the embodiment. [Figure 13C] Figure 13C schematically shows the geometry of a capsule slot antenna according to an embodiment. [Figure 13D] Figure 13D schematically shows the geometry of a capsule slot antenna according to an embodiment. [Figure 13E] Figure 13E schematically shows the geometry of a capsule slot antenna according to an embodiment. [Figure 14A] Figure 14A shows a different diagram of the apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 14B] Figure 14B shows a different diagram of the apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 15A] Figure 15A shows an apparatus according to an embodiment, including a cross-sectional view of the apparatus installed in a cavity. [Figure 15B]Figure 15B shows an apparatus according to an embodiment, including a cross-sectional view of the apparatus installed in a cavity. [Figure 16A] Figure 16A shows an apparatus according to an embodiment, and includes a cross-sectional view of the apparatus installed in a cavity. [Figure 16B] Figure 16B shows an apparatus according to an embodiment, including a cross-sectional view of the apparatus installed in a cavity. [Figure 17A] Figure 17A shows an apparatus according to an embodiment, including a cross-sectional view of the apparatus installed in a cavity. [Figure 17B] Figure 17B shows an apparatus according to an embodiment, including a cross-sectional view of the apparatus installed in a cavity. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows a cross-section of the apparatus according to the embodiment, with the apparatus installed in the cavity. [Figure 19A] Figure 19A is a cross-sectional view of a capsule according to an embodiment. [Figure 19B] Figure 19B shows different cross-sectional views of the capsule according to the embodiment. [Figure 20A] Figure 20A is a different diagram of a protector provided in a capsule according to embodiments such as those shown in Figures 19A and 19B. [Figure 20B] Figure 20B is a different diagram of a protector provided in a capsule according to embodiments such as those shown in Figures 19A and 19B. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the capsule according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0132] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a capsule 10 according to an embodiment.

[0133] The capsule 10 is adapted for introduction into a wear element of an earth moving machine, preferably a cavity formed in the wear element. The capsule 10 has two or more walls 15a, 15b, the at least one of which has a slot antenna 20 formed therein. Either the entirety of the at least one first wall 15a or at least a portion surrounding the slot of the slot antenna contains or is made of a conductive material such as a metal, such as an alloy, thereby enabling the flow of current for the radiation and capture of electromagnetic waves. When all of its walls 15a, 15b are mechanically coupled, the capsule 10 has an inner chamber (for example, shown as inner chamber 16 in Figure 3) adapted to house and protect an electronic device (for example, shown as electronic device 30 in Figure 3). In this embodiment, the slot of the slot antenna 20 is filled with a dielectric material 22 so that, for example, soil does not enter the inner chamber.

[0134] The first wall 15a (or multiple first walls 15a) has a maximum length in a specific longitudinal direction, in this case along the Y-axis as shown, a maximum width in a specific first transverse direction, in this case along the X-axis as shown, and a thickness in a second transverse direction, in this case along the Z-axis as shown. The slot antenna 20 preferably has a maximum length in the longitudinal direction, which is the length measured along one axis that gives the slot antenna 20 its maximum dimensions, and is at least 60% and no more than 100% of the maximum length of the wall 15a (or multiple walls 15a).

[0135] In this example, the first wall 15a is a cover that can be removably coupled to a second wall or a plurality of walls 15b, in this case a single second wall 15b shaped to form a container, but in some other embodiments, two or more second walls 15b are arranged and coupled to form a container having an inner chamber 16 within it. The first wall 15a is mechanically coupled to one or more of the second walls 15b by mounting means such as screws 19a. The mounting means of the first wall 15a also includes threaded through holes, and the second walls 15b include mounting means in the form of threaded holes or threaded through holes (not visible in Figure 4).

[0136] The first wall 15a preferably includes one or more protruding surfaces 65 extending parallel to the largest surface of the first wall 15a, and the one or more protruding surfaces 65 preferably include or consist of a metallic material, such as steel. The protruding surfaces 65 assist the capsule extraction process of the capsule 10 by supporting the torque applied thereto to rotate the capsule 10.

[0137] For clarity, the X, Y, and Z axes shown in Figure 1 are represented in the same orientation with respect to the elements shown in the following figures. It will be apparent that other definitions of X, Y, and Z are also possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0138] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a wall 15a of a capsule 10 according to an embodiment, the wall 15a including a slot antenna 20 located therein. The side of wall 15a shown corresponds to the innermost side of wall 15a, i.e., the side of wall 15a facing the internal chamber of the capsule. In some examples, the wall 15a shown is provided as wall 15a in the capsule 10 of Figure 1.

[0139] In this exemplary embodiment, the wall 15a includes a protruding surface 23 that projects toward the inner chamber when the capsule is provided. The protruding surface 23 may be formed to improve the attachment of the wall 15a to other walls or multiple walls of the capsule for closing the capsule, and thus the protruding surface 23 may result in an airtight seal of the wall. A slot antenna 20 is also formed on this protruding surface 23.

[0140] Wall 15a includes mounting means in the form of threaded through-holes 18a for removably coupling with other walls or multiple walls of the capsule, and threaded holes 18b for mounting a printed circuit board 32, or PCB, of an electronic device. The electronic device also includes mounting means by screws 39 cooperating with the threaded holes 18b of wall 15a. The PCB 32, positioned parallel to and adjacent to wall 15a, also includes holes for receiving screws 39. It will be apparent that other mounting means could be used instead of these threaded holes 18a, 18b and their respective screws 39.

[0141] In this exemplary embodiment, the electronic device is connected to the slot antenna 20 via terminals 35, 36 on the wall 15a for supplying power to the PCB 32, more specifically the PCB or the slot antenna 20. The terminals 35, 36 can be, for example, spring contacts with connectors, solder terminals as shown in Figure 2, press-fit contact pads, etc. Similarly, in some embodiments, one or more cables connect the electronic device to the slot antenna 20.

[0142] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the capsule 10 according to the embodiment. The plane that intersects the capsule 10 with respect to the cross-sectional view is the XZ plane.

[0143] As explained above and as is best seen in this figure or Figure 4, the second wall 15b has a shape that forms a container.

[0144] As shown in this figure, the inner chamber 16 houses and protects the electronic device 30, including the PCB 32 and the battery 40. The battery 40 is electrically connected to the PCB 32 to supply power to its electronic components and slot antenna 20. The battery 40 remains fixed within the inner chamber 16 by fastening means such as a clamp (shown as clamp 48 in Figure 4, for example), a screw 49, and a screw hole 18d formed in the second wall 15b.

[0145] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a capsule 10 according to an embodiment.

[0146] The mounting means for the wall 15b, which is shaped like a screw hole, accepts a screw 19a for connecting the first wall or cover 15a to the second wall or container 15b.

[0147] The illustrated battery 40 occupies a significant portion of the volume within the internal chamber 16, but it should be noted that other types of batteries are also possible within the scope of this disclosure. For illustrative purposes only, one or more button batteries may be used.

[0148] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the capsule 10 according to an embodiment.

[0149] The capsule 10 includes first, second, and third walls 15a-15c. The first wall 15a is removably coupled to the second wall 15b of the capsule 10, and the second wall 15b is preferably permanently coupled to the third wall 15c, the latter having a container-like shape for protecting and housing an electronic device. The second wall 15b is shaped to provide a flange to the third wall 15c, and the first wall 15a has a similar shape for similarly forming a flange.

[0150] If the capsule 10 is equipped with a flange, the first wall 15a may be easily removed, for example, for maintenance or recycling, in order to inspect the inside of the capsule 10, remove its contents, or replace them.

[0151] In comparison with the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the slot antenna 20 of the capsule 10 in Figure 5 is a straight slot antenna having a single straight segment.

[0152] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a capsule 10 according to an embodiment.

[0153] In contrast to the embodiment in Figure 5, the slot antenna 20 of the capsule 10 in Figure 6 is not straight but consists of multiple segments. In this case, there are three straight segments, each with a vertical axis that forms an angle different from 0° with respect to the vertical axis of the segment to which it is connected.

[0154] It should be noted that although the slot antennas 20 in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6 are located on the outer wall of the capsule 10, slot antennas 20 located on one or more inner walls of the capsule 10, or between the inner and outer walls, are also within the scope of this disclosure. When the slot antenna is located on an inner wall, the wall between the inner wall and the opening of the cavity in which the capsule is located is made of a non-conductive material so as not to cause electromagnetic interference or block the propagation of electromagnetic waves.

[0155] Figure 7 shows cross-sections of abrasion elements 100 and 200 illustrating positions 60a–60c and 61a–61e where cavities for receiving capsules can be positioned according to the embodiment. For illustrative purposes only, the cavity positions 60a–60c and 61a–61e are shown as rectangular polygons to represent the possible positions of the cavities according to the embodiment. The plane intersecting abrasion elements 100 and 200 for the cross-sectional view is the XZ plane. For clarity only, this plane is shown in both Figure 9 as arrow 150 and Figure 10 as arrow 250.

[0156] The first wear element 100 is a tooth 100 and the second wear element 200 is an intermediate adapter 200, but in other embodiments, when a two-part system of wear elements is provided, the second wear element is an adapter.

[0157] The teeth 100 include a female portion 110 adapted to receive the male portion 205 of the intermediate adapter 200 when the earth moving machine performs ground engagement work.

[0158] The first position 60a for the capsule receiving cavity in tooth 100 (shown as cavity 126 in Figure 8) is inside the female part 110. Preferably, the cavity is formed in the wall 111 of the female part 110 closest to the wear end, which is intended to wear down with use. The wear end is the foremost portion of tooth 100 and is the end intended to engage with the ground during the operation of the earth moving machine. The wear end is on the opposite side of the rear end into which the male part 205 of the intermediate adapter 200 is received. Both the wear end and the rear end are shown in Figure 8 as wear end 101 and rear end 102.

[0159] The second position 60b relative to the cavity of tooth 100 (illustrated as cavity 127 in Figure 9 for illustrative purposes only) is the outer surface (illustrated as outer surface 106 in Figure 9) that is intended to come into contact with the ground during the operation of the earth moving machine, i.e., the outer surface is the surface that is intended to wear down with use.

[0160] Another location 60c of the capsule receiving cavity in tooth 100 (shown as cavities 125a and 125b in Figure 9, the latter of which is shown as a dashed line for illustrative purposes only) is the rear end surface of tooth 100, which, referring to Figures 8 and 9, is surface 121. The cavity shown as cavity 125a or cavity 125b in Figure 9 is on the rear end side that contacts the intermediate adapter 200 when mechanically coupled.

[0161] To mechanically connect both the tooth 100 and the intermediate adapter 200, the male part 205 of the intermediate adapter is introduced into the female part 110 of the tooth 100 to receive the intermediate. In the inserted state, a mounting means, for example in the form of a pin, is introduced into both the through hole of the tooth 100 (indicated by reference numeral 120 in Figure 8) and the through hole 220 of the intermediate adapter 200.

[0162] The first and second positions 61a, 61b for the cavities in the intermediate adapter 200 (shown as cavities 225 and 226 in Figure 10, the latter shown as a dashed line for illustrative purposes only) are located in the male portion 205. The cavities may be adjacent to, and preferably parallel to, the through-hole 220 for receiving the pin. The cavities may be located in the portion of the male portion 205 closest to its front end (i.e., the end introduced into the female portion 110 of the tooth 100, shown as cavity 226 in Figure 10) or in the portion of the male portion 205 closest to its rear end. In general, to minimize the reduction in mechanical resistance of the male portion 205 at its front end, which is subject to high stress during operation of the earth moving machine, it is considered preferable to position the cavity according to the latter, i.e., as cavity 225 in the embodiment of Figure 10.

[0163] The third position 61c of the cavity in the intermediate adapter 200 (shown as cavity 227 in Figure 10 with a dashed line for illustrative purposes) is the frontmost surface 206 of the male part 205.

[0164] Another location 61d for the cavity in the intermediate adapter 200 (illustrated as cavity 228 in Figure 10 for illustrative purposes only, with a dashed line) is the surface 208 of the rear portion 207. Typically, the surface 208 contacts the rear surface of the tooth 100, thereby closing the opening of the cavity, so that even if the mounting means that secures the capsule within the cavity fails, the capsule will not fall out of the cavity.

[0165] Furthermore, another location 61e of the cavity in the intermediate adapter 200 (shown as cavity 229 in Figure 10 with a dashed line for illustrative purposes) is the outer surface of the rear portion 207 (shown as outer surface 106 in Figure 9), which may wear down with use due to contact with the ground.

[0166] Figure 7 shows a wear element system in which the tooth 100 forms a female part 110 at its mounting end and the intermediate adapter 200 forms a male part 205 at its first mounting end (i.e., the end for mounting to the tooth 100). However, it should be noted that in another embodiment, the wear element system includes the same wear element (or an adapter instead of the intermediate adapter 200) in which the tooth 100 forms a male part at its mounting end and the intermediate adapter 200 forms a female part at its first mounting end. In that case, the cavity positions 60a, 61a-61c described can be swapped so that they are located on the female part of the intermediate adapter 200 and the male part of the tooth 100, respectively.

[0167] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a wear element 100, particularly the teeth 100, equipped with a capsule 10 according to an embodiment. In the cross-sectional view, the plane intersecting the teeth 100 and 200 is the XZ plane, which corresponds to the plane of arrow 150 in Figure 9.

[0168] It should be noted that the cavity 126 is formed inside the female part 110, in the foremost wall 111 of the female part 110, i.e., the wall 111 closest to the wear end 101, and in other embodiments, the cavity 126 is formed in another wall within the female part 110. As can be observed, the female part 110 is shaped and sized to receive the male part of the intermediate, while the cavity 126 is shaped and sized to receive the capsule 10. The through-hole 120 of the tooth 100 is arranged to align with the through-hole of the intermediate adapter when the intermediate adapter is introduced onto the tooth, thereby allowing both wear elements to be mechanically coupled with a pin.

[0169] Preferably, the cavity 126 is formed such that the cover 15a of the capsule 10 is closest to the rear end 102, particularly if the cover 15a provides a flange to the capsule 10. Once the mounting means for the cover 15a is removed while the capsule 10 is inside the teeth 100 or after the capsule 10 has been removed therefrom, an operator can inspect the device and its components housed in the capsule 10. Also, when the capsule 10 is inside the cavity 126 and the slot antenna is formed, for example, on the cover 15a, it may be preferable to dimensionally adjust the cavity 126 and the capsule 10 so that the slot antenna is flush with the wall 111. The slot antenna is understood to be flush when its outermost surface is coplane or nearly coplane with at least a portion of the wall in which the opening of the capsule receiving cavity 126 is formed, and the surface and the wall are nearly coplane when there is a depth difference of less than 20 mm, preferably 10 mm or less and / or 5 mm or less. If not positioned flush with wall 111, the capsule and slot antenna are preferably located further inward within the cavity to enhance their protection.

[0170] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the wear element 100, particularly the teeth 100.

[0171] In this embodiment, the teeth 100 do not include the capsule receiving cavity of the embodiment in Figure 9, but include a cavity 125a formed on the surface 121 on the rear end 102 of the teeth 100. As seen in Figure 7, each time the intermediate adapter 200 is coupled to the teeth 100, the surface adjacent to the male part 205 (or the female part if the intermediate adapter or the first mounting end of the adapter includes it) comes into contact with the surface 121, thereby securing the capsule separately from the fixing of its mounting means.

[0172] Figure 9 also shows, by dashed line, another possible cavity 125b, which is formed on surface 121, but has an L-shaped cavity opening. The first portion of the opening is on surface 121, while the second portion of the opening is on the surface within female portion 110. When the intermediate adapter is attached to the tooth, the two portions of the opening are closed by the intermediate.

[0173] Additionally, another possible cavity 127 formed on the outer surface 106 of tooth 100 is shown by a dashed line.

[0174] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the wear element 200, in particular the intermediate adapter 200, but if the wear element system is a two-part system, it may similarly be an adapter.

[0175] The intermediate adapter 200 has a front end 201 with a male part 205, and an adapter, weld-on nose. It has a rear end 202 with a rear portion 207 that provides a second mounting end for attaching to the blade of an earth moving machine via a nose or cast nose.

[0176] In the male portion 205, a cavity 225 is located next to the pin through-hole 220. In this case, the cavity 225 is located closer to the rear end 202 than to the front end 201 with respect to the through-hole 220. In contrast, in other embodiments, the cavity 226 is located closer to the front end 201 than to the rear end 202 with respect to the position of the through-hole 220. This portion of the male portion 205, which is close to or on the neutral plane, is subjected to less stress and deformation than other parts of the adapter 200, and also receives less lateral hits or hits of lower intensity than other parts of the adapter 200. Furthermore, under normal circumstances, this portion of the male portion 205 is less susceptible to material compression, which occurs on the surface between the teeth and the adapter and is more difficult to expel than the foremost part of the adapter 200. These characteristics make the cavities 225 and 226 adjacent to the through-hole 220 convenient for capsule placement, not only to extend their effective life and the effective life of the electronic devices they protect, but also to reduce losses in the transmission and reception of radio signals, as well as to provide data on the terrain in operation of the machine resulting from measurements of the electronic devices.

[0177] Other possible cavities are shown in the figure for illustrative purposes only. For illustrative purposes, cavity 227 is shown to be formed on the surface 206 at the front end 201, i.e., the tooth-mounted end. In another example, cavity 228 is formed on the surface 208 of the rear portion 207 from which the male portion 205 protrudes. And, as in the teeth, another possible cavity 229 is formed on the outer surface 229 of the rear portion 207, this surface 229 may come into contact with the ground during the engagement operation with the ground.

[0178] Figure 11 shows an earth moving machine 300 illustrating the device having a position where capsules can be placed according to the embodiment.

[0179] The machine 300 comprises a stick 301, a hydraulic cylinder 302, a boom 303, a wear element 304, a drilling tool 305, a towing means 306, and a cabin 307. The capsule according to this disclosure can be placed in each of these devices 301 to 307 in different embodiments.

[0180] For example, the capsule can be positioned at a location 311 on the stick 301 that does not constantly contact the ground during ground engagement work, for example, the upper half of the stick 301, and at a similar location 312 along the length of the hydraulic cylinder 302. Preferably, the capsule can be positioned at a location 313 on the boom 303 closest to the joint with the stick 301. The capsule can be positioned at different locations 314 on the wear element 304, as described with reference to Figures 7 to 10, and on the side or inside 315 of the digging equipment. The capsule can be positioned on the track 316 of the continuous track of the towing means 306, or below the cabin 307.

[0181] If the capsules are to be placed in locations susceptible to abrasion, soil compression, or impact, preferably the capsules are placed in cavities formed in devices 301-307 at these locations. Alternatively, the capsules may be placed directly on the surface of devices 301-307, i.e., in any cavity, in which case the capsules are attached to devices 301-307 by mounting means such as bolts or welds.

[0182] Figures 12A to 12E schematically show cross-sections of capsules 10a to 10c according to the embodiment.

[0183] In Figure 12A, the slot antenna 20 of the capsule 10a is centered with respect to the illustrated X-axis. The PCB 32 of the electronic device 30 is oriented along the axial direction (the illustrated Z-axis) and parallel to the slot antenna 20. More specifically, the length of the PCB 32 (along the illustrated Z-axis) is parallel to the length of the slot antenna 20 (along the illustrated Z-axis). Nevertheless, the PCB 32 is offset from the position of the slot antenna 20 (along the illustrated X-axis). The electronic device 30 also preferably includes at least one sensor 45 soldered to the PCB 32. At least one sensor 45 may be located away from the PCB 32, as shown in Figures 12B to 12D, where at least one sensor 45 is mounted on the wall of the inner chamber 16, or it may be located away from the capsule, in which case the electronic device 30 has an electrical connection and / or wireless communication link between at least one sensor 45 and the PCB 32 to transmit measurements, and the battery 40 powers at least one sensor 45, if it does not have its own battery, via the same electrical connection or another.

[0184] In Figure 12B, the slot antenna 20 of capsule 10b is positioned offset from the center with respect to the X-axis shown in the figure. In this embodiment, the PCB is also oriented along the axial direction and is not only parallel to the slot antenna 20 but also aligned with the slot antenna 20.

[0185] In Figure 12C, the slot antenna 20 is positioned similarly to that in the embodiment shown in Figure 11B. The PCB 32 is mounted on the wall 15a so as to be perpendicular to the axial direction and such that at least a portion of the slot antenna 20 is covered by the PCB 32. This arrangement facilitates the electrical connection between the PCB 32 and the slot antenna 20.

[0186] The capsules 10 in Figures 12A to 12C each include four walls 15a to 15d, a first wall 15a on which a slot antenna 20 is provided, and second, third, and fourth walls 15b to 15d that are mechanically joined (preferably in a permanent way, e.g., welded together) to form a container. The first wall 15a may be detachably joined to the second and fourth walls 15b and 15d. In these examples, the wall 15a containing the slot antenna 20 is made of a conductive material in the area surrounding the slot or the entire wall so that the slot antenna 20 can radiate and capture electromagnetic waves. If the entire wall 15a is not made of a conductive material, one or more parts thereof may be made of other materials, such as resin. The remaining walls, i.e., walls 15b to 15d, may be made of a conductive material or a non-conductive material.

[0187] In this example, a bondable lid or cap made of dielectric material 22 is placed within the slot of the slot antenna 20. The lid or cap can be attached to the wall defining the slot, for example, by adhesive or mounting means.

[0188] In Figure 12D, the capsule 10c comprises at least one wall 15a made of a conductive material, on which a slot antenna 20 is provided, and at least one wall 15a is coupled to other walls 15b-15d made of different materials, either conductive or nonconductive. In this example, the at least one wall 15a on which the slot antenna 20 is located is provided with a bondable lid or cap made of a dielectric material 22. The lid or cap can be attached to the capsule wall 15a, for example, by adhesive or mounting means.

[0189] In Figure 12E, the capsule 10c has the same walls 15a-15d and slot antenna, but instead of a connectable lid or cap, dielectric material 22 fills the entire inner chamber 16 in addition to the slots of the slot antenna 20.

[0190] In a similar embodiment, the dielectric material 22 forms walls (e.g., walls 15b-15d not including the slot antenna 20, or all walls 15a-15d) and fills the inner chamber 16, so that the walls and the filled inner chamber form a single piece (a Made as a single piece, in this sense, the outer surface of the filling becomes the capsule wall. Such capsules can be manufactured, for example, by a potting process.

[0191] In other embodiments, the PCB 32, sensors attached to or connected to the PCB 32, and / or battery 40 may be located outside the inner chamber 16, for example, in another cavity formed to receive the components, or they may be attached from the outside to one of the walls 15a to 15d of the capsule 10. In these embodiments, electrical connections between the external components of the inner chamber 16 and the internal components of the inner chamber 16 may be made by means of, for example, one or more cables, a flexible printed circuit board, or the like.

[0192] It should be noted that the slot antenna 20 of the embodiment described with reference to Figures 12A to 12E can be formed in the space between two or more adjacent walls. For example, the upper and lower walls 15a shown in Figures 12A to 12E are separate walls and can be arranged such that a slot exists between the two walls 15a, thereby forming a slot antenna 20 if at least the portion surrounding the slot is electrically conductive. This means a slot antenna 20 that is made possible by two or more walls 15a and the way they are coupled.

[0193] Figures 13A to 13E schematically show the geometry of the capsule slot antennas 20a to 20e according to the embodiment. The slot antennas 20a to 20e can be formed on one or more walls of the capsule.

[0194] The first slot antenna 20a is a straight slot antenna due to its single segment 21a, and in this example, it is even straighter. The capsule in Figure 5 includes a slot antenna like the first slot antenna 20a.

[0195] The second slot antenna 20b consists of three segments 21a-21c, arranged such that the most intermediate first segment 21a is connected at its first end to the second segment 21b, and at its second end to the third segment 21c. With respect to the first and third segments 21a, 21c, the vertical axis is represented by a dashed line for illustrative purposes only. Similarly, the angle 22 formed between the vertical axes is shown. A similar representation may be made with respect to the first and second segments 21a, 21b. The minimum or maximum angle 22 may also be measured, but it is clear that regardless of which angle 22 is measured, the vertical axis forms an angle different from 0°.

[0196] The third slot antenna 20c comprises three segments 21a-21c arranged such that an intermediate first segment 21a connects to the second and third segments 21b, 21c such that a 90° angle is formed at each of its ends. As shown in this example, segments 21a-21c do not necessarily have to be connected at their ends, but can be connected at some point along the length of the segments. The capsule in Figure 6 includes a slot antenna such as the third slot antenna 20c.

[0197] The fourth slot antenna 20d comprises five segments 21a to 21e. The most intermediate first segment 21a is connected at its first end to the second segment 21b, and subsequently to the third segment 21c, which is parallel to the first segment 21a. The most intermediate first segment 21a is connected at its second end to the fourth segment 21d, which is connected subsequently to the fifth segment 21e, which is parallel to the first segment 21a.

[0198] Another slot antenna 20e comprises multiple segments 21a-21e, including five segments. The arrangement of segments 21a-21e is somewhat similar to that of the fourth slot antenna 20d, except that in this example, the third and fifth segments 21c, 21e extend inward. In this way, the length of the wall in which the slot antenna 20e is placed is reused by the slot antenna 20e to lengthen its radio wave length, that is, to lengthen the path that the current follows to radiate and / or capture electromagnetic waves. In this case, the path is the sum of all segments 21a-21e, and therefore its length is the sum of the lengths of segments 21a-21e.

[0199] The different arrangements of the second, third, fourth, and fifth slot antennas 20b-20e are intended to increase the effective length of the slot antenna 20, for example, based on the size of the walls of the capsule in which they are formed. In this way, the operating frequency of the slot antenna 20 can be reduced by walls characterized by a minor length.

[0200] The exemplary slot antennas 20a–20e in Figures 13A to 13E have straight segments, but in other embodiments, similar or different slot antenna geometries may be arranged, with one, some, or all of their segments being curved. Similarly, slot antennas 20a–20e do not need to feature symmetry and can have irregular geometries. Slot antennas may also feature serpentine geometries intended to utilize larger portions of the wall surface in which they are placed to increase the radio wave length.

[0201] In some embodiments, the maximum dimension of the slot antenna 20 (such as, but not limited to, any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6, Figures 12A to 12E, and Figures 13A to 13E) is at least 40 mm. In some embodiments, the maximum dimension of the slot antenna 20 (such as, but not limited to, any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6, Figures 12A to 12E, and Figures 13A to 13E) is equal to or less than 115 mm. The maximum dimension refers to the longest side of the rectangle enclosing the shape of the slot 20 where the sides of the rectangle are in contact with the slot 20 (such as the rectangle 25 shown as a dashed line in Figure 13D, although it is readily apparent that a similar rectangle 25 can be drawn for any other slot antenna), and referring to rectangle 25 in Figure 13D, the maximum dimension corresponds to the length of the side indicated by the letter L, which is greater than the length of the side indicated by the letter W.

[0202] The maximum dimensions of a slot antenna affect its radio characteristics at different frequencies, increasing or decreasing the gain at each frequency.

[0203] In some embodiments, the maximum width of at least one wall on which the slot antenna 20 (in embodiments such as, but not limited to, any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6, Figures 12A to 12E, and Figures 13A to 13E) is located is at least 20 mm. In some embodiments, the width is at most 60 mm. The rectangle enclosing at least one wall may be drawn as a rectangle 25 for the slot antenna, but with sides of the rectangle touching at least one wall. In these cases, the maximum width is the length of the shortest side of the rectangle, i.e., the length W of the rectangle over at least one wall as shown in Figure 13D. Thus, the rectangle is drawn with respect to a specific longitudinal and first transverse direction of at least one wall.

[0204] The width of the wall affects the gain of the slot antenna, and the width is measured along the two vertical directions that close the capsule, having the shortest length between the two vertical directions.

[0205] In some embodiments, at least one of the walls containing the slot antenna 20 (as in, but not limited to, any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6, Figures 12A to 12E, and Figures 13A to 13E) has a thickness of at least 1.0 mm, preferably 20.0 mm or less. In some embodiments, the thickness is between 2.0 mm and 8.0 mm, with the endpoints falling within that range. The thickness is a third dimension of the wall not included in the rectangle surrounding at least one wall, i.e., the thickness in the second transverse direction.

[0206] The wall thickness may be selected based on the expected strain or wear on the capsule during ground engagement work, depending on the capsule's position on the earth moving machine. The thickness is measured along the direction toward the inside of the internal chamber, and therefore not in either of the two vertical directions that close the capsule, namely, the maximum length and maximum width. It has been found that if the thickness is within the above range, it has little to no effect on the gain of the slot antenna.

[0207] Figures 14A to 14B show different diagrams of the apparatus 500a according to the embodiment.

[0208] The apparatus 500a comprises a sheet 515 having a slot antenna 20 disposed therein. Furthermore, in these preferred embodiments as shown, the sheet 515 includes at least one groove 25 for installing a sensor 90 of an electronic device 30 such as a Hall effect sensor, and a protruding surface 65 that facilitates the extraction of the device by an extraction tool when the apparatus 500a is introduced into the device (as shown in Figure 15B). In other embodiments, only one of these additional features, namely the groove 25 and the protruding surface 65, is present, or neither is present.

[0209] The extraction tool can be partially introduced into the recessed portion of the apparatus 500a relative to the protruding surface 65. The extraction tool is brought into contact with the protruding surface 65. The extraction tool is then rotated toward the opening of the cavity into which the apparatus 500a is inserted, in other words, toward the extraction direction. This applies torque to the protruding surface 65, causing the apparatus 500a to tend to rotate within the cavity. The extraction tool is preferably a pointed device such as a punch or screwdriver.

[0210] The apparatus 500a further includes an electronic device 30 which includes a printed circuit board 32 and a battery 40. The PCB 32 is mechanically coupled to the sheet 515, for example, to better withstand shocks and stresses. For this purpose, mounting means such as screws 39 can be used to attach the PCB 32 to the sheet 515, which may include its own mounting means for cooperating with those of the PCB 32, such as screw holes in this case. The battery 40 is preferably mechanically coupled to the PCB 32, for example, by a clamp 48.

[0211] Terminals 35 and 36 are located on sheet 515, PCB 32, or between them, electrically connecting the slot antenna 20 and PCB 32 for power supply to the former. A wireless communication module 38 mounted on PCB 32 controls the operation of the slot antenna 20 so that it can radiate and / or capture electromagnetic waves.

[0212] As described above, the electronic device 30 can be configured by mounting the sensor 90, which is placed in the groove 25, and / or sensors, which are not placed in any groove, on, for example, the PCB 32.

[0213] In other embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 15A to 18, the device 500a can be made even more compact if the battery 40 of the electronic device 30 is one or more button batteries.

[0214] Figure 15A is a perspective view of the device 500b, and Figure 15B is a cross-sectional view of the device 500b in the state where it has been introduced into the cavity 97.

[0215] Apparatus 500b comprises, in addition to the sheet 515, one or more sidewalls 516 extending from the sheet 515 to form an open receptacle intended to provide additional protection to the hosted electronic device and to increase the rigidity of apparatus 500b. The one or more sidewalls 516 can be mechanically bonded to the sheet 515, for example they can be welded together, or the sheet 515 can be bent to form one or more sidewalls 516, i.e., the sheet 515 integrally provides the sidewalls.

[0216] As mentioned above, the battery 40 is a button cell battery in order to make the device 500b thinner.

[0217] In one embodiment, the screw 19a penetrates the entire sheet 515 and the side wall 516, while in another embodiment, the through-hole of the screw 19a is located only in the sheet 515, i.e., outside the projection of the wall 516. The screw 19a secures the device 500b to a cavity 97 having a hole located in at least one of its walls 99.

[0218] In the device 500b, it is preferable that the sheet 515 is positioned so as to cover the opening 96 of the cavity 97 and is on the same plane as the surface 94 in which the opening 96 is formed. This promotes the propagation of electromagnetic waves radiated from the slot antenna, and allows for the reception of electromagnetic waves at a higher power compared to an arrangement in which the sheet 515 is provided within the cavity portion 97.

[0219] To make it clear, the electronic devices of apparatus 500b are positioned on the surface of sheet 515 facing inward relative to the cavity 97. Thus, the walls 99 of sheet 515 and cavity 97 define a chamber protected by each of these members, and in embodiments in which apparatus 500b comprises them, one or more side walls 516 also help protect the chamber. Furthermore, particle intrusion can be further reduced by providing dielectric material to cover the slots of the slot antenna. And since the slot antenna is not in this chamber, the Faraday cage formed by sheet 515 and walls 99 does not affect the radio wave performance of the slot antenna.

[0220] Figure 16A is a perspective view of the device 500c, and Figure 16B is a cross-sectional view of the device 500c in the state where it has been introduced into the cavity 97.

[0221] Device 500c is similar to device 500b in Figures 15A and 15B, but instead of screws, device 500c comprises a cap 70 positioned on a sheet 515 as a fastening means. The cap 70 includes projections 71 or fins to create friction that secures device 500c to the wall 99 of the cavity 97 and more securely holds device 500c introduced therein. Device 500c also preferably comprises one or more side walls 516 (or a sheet 515 bent to form side walls) such that the cap 70 is supported by the side walls.

[0222] Figure 17A is a perspective view of the device 500d, and Figure 17B is a cross-sectional view of the device 500d in the cavity 97.

[0223] The apparatus 500d comprises a sheet 515, and as fastening means, one or more edges thereof are welded to a surface 94 on which an opening 96 of a wall 99 or cavity 97 is formed, thereby forming one or more welded joints 600. The one or more edges of the sheet 515 can be positioned at an angle different from 90° with respect to the largest surface of the sheet 515, i.e., they are not perpendicular to their largest surface (i.e., the surface on which the slot antenna is placed), which can facilitate the welding process.

[0224] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the device 500e in the cavity 97.

[0225] The apparatus 500e comprises a sheet 515 and a dielectric material 601 attached to the electronic device and further attached to the cavity wall 99. The dielectric material 601 is preferably provided by a potting process.

[0226] Referring to Figures 14A to 18, in embodiments where the sheet 515 comprises one or more grooves 25 and one or more Hall effect sensors are positioned in one of those grooves 25, the grooves 25 are preferably on the surface of the sheet 515 facing outward relative to the cavity 97, so that the sensors can sense outward toward the device 95 without being obstructed by the metallic material of the sheet 515. Hall effect sensors can detect magnetic fields, and since the magnetic field changes less on such grooves than on other surfaces of the sheet 515, they can detect magnetic fields better when positioned in such grooves. The sensors can be used to detect the fall of a device of an earth moving machine from another device of the earth moving machine, for example, the detection of wear elements such as teeth from another wear element such as an intermediate adapter, a welded adapter, or a mechanically mounted adapter. For this purpose, the sensors detect magnetic fields from one or more magnets positioned in the other device, so that the magnetic field can be measured by the Hall effect sensors.

[0227] In other embodiments, the electronic devices of the device, as described with reference to Figures 14A to 18, do not include the battery 40, in which case the device and slot antenna may be powered by a separate power source.

[0228] Figures 19A and 19B show different cross-sections of the capsule 10 according to the embodiment.

[0229] The capsule 10 includes multiple walls 15a to 15b, one of which is not visible but has a slot antenna positioned on top of it. Inside the inner chamber formed by the multiple walls 15a to 15b, the PCB 32 is electrically connected to the slot antenna and the battery 40.

[0230] The capsule 10 further includes a protector 50 positioned adjacent to the wall 15a having a slot antenna, and particularly on its outer surface. The protector 50, also illustrated in Figures 20A and 20B, protects the wall surface 15a from, for example, fine powder.

[0231] In embodiments where the capsule 10 is equipped with a cap 70, as shown in Figures 19A to 19B, the protector 50 is preferably located between the cap 70 and the wall 15a having a slot antenna.

[0232] Figures 20A to 20B show different diagrams of the protector 50 provided in the capsule according to the embodiment, as shown in Figures 19A to 19B.

[0233] The protector 50 is made of an electrically non-conductive material so as not to interfere with the transmission and / or reception of radio signals by the slot antenna. The material of the protector 50 is preferably selected to give the protector 50 rigidity and includes, but is not limited to, electrically non-conductive alloys.

[0234] The protector 50 preferably includes mounting means 51, in this case through holes for introducing screws, but other mounting means including adhesive are also possible. One surface of the protector 50 preferably has a projection 52 that is shaped and sized to correspond to the slots of the slot antenna. When the protector 50 is positioned on the outer surface of the capsule as shown in Figures 19A and 19B, the surface with the projection 52 faces the inner chamber and is positively connected to the slots of the slot antenna.

[0235] Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of the capsule 10 according to an embodiment.

[0236] The capsule 10 includes at least a plurality of walls 15a to 15b providing an inner chamber, a battery 40, a PCB 32, a slot antenna 20 provided on one of the walls 15a, a protector 50, mounting means in the form of screws 19a and cooperative nuts 19b, and a cap 70.

[0237] In this text, the term "comprise" and its derivatives (such as "comprising") should not be understood in an exclusionary sense; that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include further elements, steps, etc.

[0238] On the other hand, this disclosure is clearly not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but encompasses all modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive of (for example, with respect to the choice of materials, dimensions, components, configuration, etc.) within the general scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A capsule (10) for protecting an electronic device (30) for an earthmoving machine, the capsule (10) comprising walls (15a-15d) surrounding an inner chamber (16) configured to house the electronic device (30), the capsule (10) comprising a slot antenna (20) disposed within at least one of the walls (15a-15d), at least one of the walls (15a-15d) having the slot antenna (20) disposed therein is a cover, the cover (15a) being removably connectable to one or more of the walls (15a-15d) of the capsule (10), and the cover (15a) having the slot antenna (20) disposed therein comprises a conductive material.

2. The capsule (10) of claim 1, wherein the slot antenna (20) is adapted to operate at frequencies below 1000 MHz.

3. The capsule (10) of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a dielectric material (22) filling the slots of the slot antenna (20).

4. 3. The capsule (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the walls (15a-15d) has a particular maximum vertical length, a particular first maximum horizontal width, and a second maximum horizontal thickness, the maximum length being equal to or greater than the maximum width, and the slot antenna (20) has the maximum vertical length that is at least 60% and not more than 100% of the maximum length of at least one of the walls.

5. 3. The capsule (10) of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an electronic device (30), the electronic device having a power source (40) and configured for at least wireless data transmission, the electronic device (30) being electrically connected to the slot antenna (20), and the inner chamber (16) housing the electronic device (30) or at least one or more components thereof.

6. The capsule (10) of claim 5, wherein the electronic device (30) further comprises at least one sensor (45) configured to sense one or more of strain, wear, pressure, temperature, acceleration, position, material or topography, and shedding of a wear element.

7. 3. The capsule (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the slot antenna has a single straight segment or multiple segments, each connected to one or more other segments.

8. 10. A device (100, 200, 301-307) for an earthmoving machine, comprising a capsule (10) according to claim 1 or 2, said device being one of a wear element (100, 200, 304), a digging implement (305), a boom (303), a stick (301), a hydraulic cylinder (302), a traction means (306), or a cabin (307).

9. The device (100, 200, 301-307) of claim 8, further comprising a cavity having the capsule (10) disposed therein.

10. the device is a wear element with teeth (100), and - said cavity (126) is inside the female part (110) of said tooth (100); - said cavity (125) is on the surface (121) of said tooth (100) at the end (102) opposite the wear end (101) of said tooth (100); and - said cavity (127) is on the outer surface (106); The device (100, 200, 301-307) according to claim 9, being one of:

11. The device is a wear element comprising an adapter or intermediate adapter (200), the adapter or intermediate adapter (200) having a male part (205) adapted for insertion into the female part (110) of the tooth (100) and defining a first end of the wear element, and a rear part (207) defining a second end of the wear element, - said cavities (225-227) are on the surface (206) of the tooth-engaging end (201) of said male part (205) or adjacent to a through-hole (220) of said adapter or intermediate adapter (200) for receiving a pin for mechanically coupling said adapter or intermediate adapter (200) with said tooth (100); - the cavities (228-229) are in the rear part (207), in the face (208) from which the male part (205) projects, or in the outer face (209); The device (100, 200, 301 to 307) according to claim 9,

12. The device (100, 200, 301-307) according to claim 10, wherein the outermost surface of at least one of the walls (15a-15d) having the slot antenna (20) disposed therein is flush with the surface of the wear element (100, 200) in which the opening of the cavity (125-127, 225-229) is formed.

13. A process for producing a capsule (10) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the steps of: using a mold to manufacture the walls (15a-15d) of the capsule (10) from an alloy, or at least one wall (15a) of the walls (15a-15d) comprises or is made of a conductive material, and using a device (100, 200, 301-307) for an earthmoving machine as a mold to manufacture the walls (15a-15d) of the capsule (10) from a resin by a potting process; forming or adding a slot antenna (20) in said at least one wall (15a); The at least one wall (15a) is manufactured to form a cover (15a) that can be removably coupled to one or more of the walls (15b-15d) of the capsule (10) to close the inner chamber (16).

14. The process of claim 13, further comprising the step of producing the walls (15a-15d) in a potting process, the potting process being carried out with the electronic device (30) of the capsule (10) introduced into the mold.

15. The process of claim 13, further comprising providing an attachment means and coupling the cover (15a) to the one or more walls (15a-15d) in a releasable manner using the attachment means.

16. Providing a device (100, 200, 301-307) according to claim 9, forming on said device (100, 200, 301-307) said cavity (125-127, 225-229) adapted to receive said capsule (10); and The process of claim 13, further comprising introducing the capsule (10) into the formed cavity (125-127, 225-229).

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