A wireless data communication unit that can be easily attached and a system including the same

Abstract

A wireless data communication unit 2 is disclosed, the wireless data communication unit 2 comprising a communication module 26 configured to communicate wirelessly, and one or more permanent magnets 8, 10 arranged in such a manner as to enable the unit 2 to be mounted on a magnetizable surface. The unit 2 is a self - contained unit formed as a sealed housing 30 not connected to external power, communication or an antenna using a cable or wire, and the one or more permanent magnets 8, 10 project from the housing 30 to such an extent that the one or more permanent magnets 8 can be deactivated by one or more electromagnets 18, 18', 18'' arranged and configured to deactivate the one or more permanent magnets 8, 10 when the unit 2 is mounted on the magnetizable surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless data communication unit comprising a communication module configured to communicate wirelessly and one or more permanent magnets, the one or more permanent magnets being arranged in such a manner as to enable the unit to be mounted on a surface magnetizable by the one or more permanent magnets, the unit being a self - contained unit formed as a sealed housing not connected to external power, communication or an antenna using a cable or wire.

Background Art

[0002] Next - generation measurement and control systems are operated using small wireless sensors and actuators. This development is known as the Internet of Things (IoT).

[0003] With many new units, better control of operations is possible, thereby enabling significant improvements in our environment and climate. IoT solutions have been installed with remarkable success in buildings and production sites, but are still in their very early stages in underground systems. Such systems include grids for power, water, district heating, road surfaces, and earthquake monitoring at the city level. The reason these types of solutions are lagging is that they are attached very close to the ground or underground where internet connectivity is poor, making it difficult to obtain a reliable internet connection for these solutions.

[0004] To avoid the problem of poor internet connectivity, better coverage is required. An efficient way to improve connectivity is to install range - extender cells that add wireless access points to the network that relays the signal.

[0005] The state-of-the-art solutions for adding a range extender to a network utilize cells, but cells require an external power source in the form of power, data cables, and antennas, and installers need access to the location where the cells are installed, making them costly and difficult to install.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile device that can be magnetically attached to a surface. The mobile device includes a first attachment module configured to generate a first magnetic field that causes the mobile device to be magnetically attached to the surface. The first attachment module is configured to perform at least one of reducing the intensity of the first magnetic field or reversing the polarity of the first magnetic field in response to a pickup signal corresponding to the detection of a first operation in which a user picks up the mobile device. However, this solution requires a rather complex structure. Moreover, electrical energy is required to maintain the generated magnetic field. Therefore, it would be desirable to have an alternative to this prior art solution.

[0007] These constraints are a major obstacle to the popularization of IoT solutions. Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless repeater designed to be attached to an existing surface such as a fixed mast, light mast, road sign, house covering, or chimney. However, the wireless repeater is difficult to attach, for example, by a drone. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a solution that simplifies the attachment procedure.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0009]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention can be achieved by the wireless data communication unit according to claim 1, the system according to claim 10, the kit according to claim 11, and the method according to claim 12. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims, described in the following description, and shown in the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] The wireless data communication unit includes a communication module configured to communicate wirelessly, one or more permanent magnets arranged in such a manner that the unit can be attached to a magnetizable surface by one or more permanent magnets, and the unit is a self - contained unit formed as an enclosed housing that is not connected to external power, communication, or an antenna using a cable or wire, and when the unit is attached to a magnetizable surface, one or more electromagnetic magnets are arranged and configured to deactivate one or more permanent magnets to such an extent that one or more permanent magnets protrude from the housing. It is a wireless data communication unit.

[0012] This enables the unit to be attached in an easier way than the prior art units. By using one or more electromagnets to deactivate one or more permanent magnets during the installation of the unit, the user can move the unit and find the most desirable position without risking the unit being attached in an undesirable position from which it cannot be moved. Moreover, when the unit has to be removed or replaced, the unit can be easily moved by using one or more electromagnets to deactivate one or more permanent magnets during the removal of the unit.

[0013] The communication module is configured to communicate wirelessly and may be configured to apply any suitable wireless technique. In one embodiment, the communication module is configured to communicate wirelessly by using a wireless unit.

[0014] The one or more permanent magnets may have any suitable shape and size. In one embodiment, the one or more permanent magnets are cylindrical. In one embodiment, the one or more permanent magnets are box-shaped. In one embodiment, the one or more permanent magnets are flat (the thickness is less than 1 / 4 of the width).

[0015] The one or more permanent magnets are arranged in a manner that enables the unit to be attached onto a magnetizable surface by the one or more permanent magnets. In one embodiment, the one or more permanent magnets protrude from the remaining outer surface of the unit.

[0016] The unit is a stand-alone unit formed as a sealed housing that is not connected to external power, communication or an antenna using a cable or wire.

[0017] The housing may have any suitable shape. In one embodiment, the housing is basically box-shaped.

[0018] One or more electromagnets can be part of an installation device arranged and configured such that the one or more electromagnets deactivate one or more permanent magnets during installation of the unit.

[0019] In one embodiment, each electromagnet is shaped in such a way that each electromagnet can be brought to a position surrounding at least a part of one of the permanent magnets.

[0020] In one embodiment, one or more electromagnets are integrated into the unit in such a way that each of the one or more electromagnets surrounds at least a part of one of the permanent magnets.

[0021] In one embodiment, each electromagnet completely surrounds one permanent magnet.

[0022] In one embodiment, each electromagnet completely surrounds several permanent magnets.

[0023] In one embodiment, one or more electromagnets are arranged movably relative to the permanent magnets. This enables deactivation of the permanent magnets during installation (or removal), and subsequently enables movement of the one or more electromagnets.

[0024] In one embodiment, one or more permanent magnets are arranged movably relative to the one or more electromagnets and / or the housing. This enables deactivation of the permanent magnets during installation (or removal), and subsequently enables movement of the one or more permanent magnets relative to the electromagnets and / or the housing.

[0025] The magnetizable surface can be ferromagnetic metals such as iron and ferrite and martensitic stainless steels.

[0026] In one embodiment, the unit is configured to be mounted on a magnetizable surface of a fixed mast.

[0027] In one embodiment, the unit is configured to be mounted on a magnetizable surface of a light mast.

[0028] In one embodiment, the unit is configured to be attached to a magnetizable surface of a road traffic sign.

[0029] In one embodiment, the unit is configured to be attached to a magnetizable surface of a street name sign.

[0030] In one embodiment, the unit is configured to be attached to a magnetizable surface of a house covering.

[0031] In one embodiment, the unit is configured to be attached to a magnetizable surface of a chimney.

[0032] In one embodiment, the unit includes an energy harvester and is powered by the energy harvester.

[0033] In one embodiment, the energy harvester is configured to generate energy from sunlight.

[0034] In one embodiment, the energy harvester is configured to generate energy from wind.

[0035] In one embodiment, the energy harvester is configured to generate energy from vibration.

[0036] In one embodiment, the energy harvester is configured to generate energy from a temperature difference.

[0037] In one embodiment, the energy harvester is a thermoelectric generator.

[0038] In one embodiment, one or more permanent magnets are coated with a sticky material.

[0039] By having an adhesive coating, the surface of the permanent magnet is adhesive. Therefore, displacement of the unit after installation can be avoided.

[0040] In one embodiment, one or more permanent magnets are flexible and are configured to be attached to various types of masts having various diameters and / or cross-sectional area shapes.

[0041] Flexible magnets can be manufactured by mixing a ferrite magnet material with a flexible rubber binder and then extruding or calendering it to produce any desired profile including tapes and sheets.

[0042] In one embodiment, the unit comprises a flexible magnet extender comprising two permanent magnets connected by a flexible structure.

[0043] Thereby, it is possible to expand the unit.

[0044] In one embodiment, the flexible structure is manufactured from a spring.

[0045] In one embodiment, the flexible structure is manufactured from rubber.

[0046] In one embodiment, the flexible structure is manufactured from plastic.

[0047] In one embodiment, the flexible magnet extender is configured to extend the distance between the magnets.

[0048] In one embodiment, the communication module is configured to communicate wirelessly in a mesh network with other devices of the same type of the unit.

[0049] In one embodiment, the unit is bendable.

[0050] In one embodiment, the housing of the present unit is bendable.

[0051] In one embodiment, the housing is a hermetically sealed container that is closed tightly enough so that air cannot enter or exit.

[0052] In one embodiment, the present unit is bendable to the extent that it is suitable for being formed to withstand bending around a mast having a diameter of less than 50 cm.

[0053] In one embodiment, the present unit is bendable to the extent that it is suitable for being formed to withstand bending around a mast having a diameter of less than 20 cm.

[0054] In one embodiment, the present unit includes one or more batteries.

[0055] In one embodiment, one or more batteries have enough energy to supply power to the present unit for one year during normal use.

[0056] In one embodiment, the present unit is suitable for installation using a drone.

[0057] In one embodiment, the present unit includes a communication unit, a battery, and a processing unit electrically connected to one or more electromagnets.

[0058] In one embodiment, the present unit includes a control button accessible from the outside of the present unit. The control button is arranged and configured to supply power to one or more electromagnets when the control button is activated (e.g., pressed, rotated, or pulled), and is connected to a processing unit.

[0059] The system according to the present invention the unit according to the present invention, and a light mast having a light source A system comprising: The unit is attached to the light mast, The unit comprises an energy harvester arranged and configured to capture energy from the light of the light mast. This enables energy to be captured by the unit in an easy manner.

[0060] By applying one or more electromagnets to inactivate one or more permanent magnets during installation of the unit, a high degree of freedom for moving the unit is obtained even when the permanent magnets are in contact with a magnetizable surface.

[0061] In one embodiment, one or more electromagnets form part of the unit. This means that one or more electromagnets are integrated into the unit.

[0062] In one embodiment, the unit comprises two rows of permanent magnets on the rear side of the housing. This can be an advantage, which may enable the unit to be firmly attached to a magnetizable surface.

[0063] In one embodiment, one or more permanent magnets of the unit are attached to a metal plate on the rear side of the unit, and thus, one or more of those permanent magnets can be arranged to conform to the surface on which the mast is installed.

[0064] In one embodiment, the permanent magnets of the unit are flexible, and thus, those permanent magnets can more easily conform to the surface on which the mast is installed.

[0065] In one embodiment, the unit is suitable for installation using a stick for easy installation.

[0066] In one embodiment, the unit is configured to be installed using a flying drone for easy installation.

[0067] In one embodiment, to avoid the use of permanent magnets to attach the unit in an undesirable position during installation, the permanent magnets are immobilized (alternatively, neutralized or deactivated) by electromagnets during installation. Each of the electromagnets can cover one or more of the permanent magnets.

[0068] In one embodiment, the electromagnet has an open-core design that makes it easier to position the electromagnet during installation.

[0069] In one embodiment, the unit includes a flexible magnet extender to assist in ease of installation and is configured to be attached using the flexible magnet extender. The magnet extender is composed of two permanent magnets, and a flexible element extends between the two permanent magnets. The flexible element can be manufactured from, for example, rubber, plastic, or spring.

[0070] In one embodiment, the unit includes an energy harvester formed as a solar cell configured to capture energy from light. This light can be generated, for example, from the sun and / or artificial light. When the cell is attached to a light mast or the like, the light may be generated from the light mast. The advantage of capturing energy from the light from the light mast is that the cell can capture more energy during dark periods such as at night and in winter.

[0071] In one embodiment, the unit includes a wind turbine configured to capture energy from the wind and is powered by the wind turbine.

[0072] In one embodiment, the unit includes a kinetic energy harvester configured to capture energy from vibration and is powered by the kinetic energy harvester.

[0073] In one embodiment, the unit includes a thermoelectric generator that captures energy from a temperature gradient and is powered by the thermoelectric generator.

[0074] In one embodiment, the permanent magnet is coated with a material that makes the surface sticky after the cell is attached, for example, to prevent the cell from shifting due to wind or gravity. The coating material can be selected, for example, from rubber, polymers with large surfaces, or micro-grains of, for example, tin or silicon.

[0075] In one embodiment, the unit is flexible, which allows the unit to be bent, for example, around a mast for easy installation.

[0076] A kit according to the present invention is a kit including a unit according to the present invention and an installation device including one or more electromagnetic magnets, wherein the one or more electromagnetic magnets are arranged in a manner such that when the unit is mounted on a magnetizable surface, the one or more electromagnetic magnets can be moved to a position where the one or more electromagnetic magnets can deactivate one or more permanent magnets.

[0077] A method according to the present invention is a method for attaching a wireless data communication unit to a magnetizable surface, wherein the unit includes a communication module configured to communicate wirelessly, and one or more permanent magnets arranged in a manner such that the unit can be mounted on a magnetizable surface by the one or more permanent magnets, and has a housing, wherein the unit is a stand-alone unit formed as a sealed housing not connected to external power, communication, or an antenna using a cable or wire. The method includes applying one or more electromagnets arranged and configured to deactivate one or more permanent magnets during installation of the unit, where the one or more permanent magnets protrude from the housing.

[0078] This makes it possible to provide an improved method that facilitates the installation procedure.

[0079] In one embodiment, one or more electromagnets form part of the unit.

[0080] In one embodiment, one or more electromagnets do not form part of the unit.

[0081] In one embodiment, one or more electromagnets are flexible.

[0082] In one embodiment, the housing comprises a plurality of permanent magnets protruding from a single surface of the housing, and the permanent magnets extend parallel to each other.

[0083] In one embodiment, the permanent magnets are spaced apart from each other.

[0084] In one embodiment, the permanent magnets have the same length.

[0085] The present invention will be more fully understood from the following modes for carrying out the invention given in the specification. The accompanying drawings are given by way of example only and thus do not limit the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0086]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12A

Figure 12B

Figure 12C

Figure 12D

Figure 13A

Figure 13B

Figure 13C

Figure 13D

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0087] Next, referring in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, the wireless communication unit 2 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1.

[0088] FIG. 1 shows a wireless communication setup according to the present invention. Two units 2 are installed (attached) to a light mast 4, and wireless sensors 6 are installed underground. The unit 2 can function as a range extender. The units 2 can be interconnected to form an independent network of range extenders or a local area network. This network of units 2 can operate in a mesh network.

[0089] The leftmost unit 2 includes an energy harvester 38 arranged to receive light emitted by the light source 36 of the light mast 4. Thus, the unit 2 can capture energy from the light source 38.

[0090] FIG. 2 shows a wireless communication setup according to the present invention. A first unit 2 is attached to a road sign mast 4, and a second unit 2 is attached to a house coverage.

[0091] FIG. 3 shows a wireless communication unit according to the present invention. The unit 2 includes a plurality of permanent magnets 8 arranged on the rear side of the unit 2. The permanent magnets 8 are arranged and configured to attach the unit 2 to a magnetizable surface.

[0092] FIG. 4 shows a wireless communication unit 2 corresponding to the wireless communication unit 2 shown in FIG. 4. A plurality of permanent magnets 8 are provided on the rear side of the unit 2. The unit 2 includes some electromagnets 18, 18', 18'' arranged to deactivate the permanent magnets 8 during installation of the unit 2. The electromagnets 18, 18', 18'' can also be used to deactivate the permanent magnets 8 during removal of the unit 2.

[0093] Each of the electromagnets 18, 18', 18'' covers one or more of the permanent magnets 8. The first electromagnet 18 covers a single permanent magnet 8 and is configured to deactivate it. The second electromagnet 18' covers two permanent magnets 8 simultaneously and is configured to deactivate them. The third electromagnet 18' covers four permanent magnets 8 simultaneously and is configured to deactivate them.

[0094] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of the electromagnet 18 of the wireless communication unit according to the present invention. The electromagnet 18 has an opening, and the opening enables the electromagnet to be moved to a temporary position during installation and removal.

[0095] Figure 6 shows the wireless communication unit 2 according to the present invention. The unit 2 is provided with several flexible magnets 8 disposed on the housing of the unit and protruding from the housing. The flexible magnets 8 are arranged and configured to enable the unit 2 to be attached to a magnetizable surface.

[0096] Figure 7 shows how the wireless communication unit 2 according to the present invention is attached to the light mast 4. The first unit 2 is attached to the mast 4 by a stick 16, and the unit 2 is provided at the upper free end of the stick 16. The second unit 2 is attached to another mast 4 by a flying drone 12.

[0097] Figure 8 shows the flexible magnet extender 14 according to the present invention. The flexible magnet extender 14 includes two magnets 8, and a flexible unit 20 extends between the magnets 8. The flexible unit 20 is manufactured from a flexible material. The flexible material can be a spring, rubber, or plastic.

[0098] Figure 9 shows the wireless communication unit 2 according to the present invention. The unit 2 includes an integrated solar cell 22. The solar cell 22 is arranged and configured to supply power to the unit 2.

[0099] Figure 10 shows the wireless communication unit 2 according to the present invention. The unit 2 comprises an integrated wind turbine 24. The integrated wind turbine 24 is arranged and configured to supply power to the unit 2. The unit 2 may comprise several integrated wind turbines 24.

[0100] Figure 11 shows the wireless communication unit 2 according to the present invention. The unit is flexible so that the unit 2 can be bent, for example, around the mast 4, to facilitate installation.

[0101] Figure 12A shows a cross-sectional view of the wireless communication unit 2 according to the present invention. The unit 2 comprises a housing 30. In one embodiment, the housing 30 is a sealed container that is tightly closed so that air cannot enter or leave.

[0102] The unit 2 comprises a battery 21 and a processing unit 34 that functions as a control unit electrically connected to the battery 32. The unit 2 may comprise a battery 21 and a communication unit 26 comprising an integrated antenna. The communication unit 26 is attached to the processing unit 34. A control button 42 is electrically connected to the processing unit 34. The control button 42 is accessible from the outside of the housing 30 so that a user can easily access the control button 42. The processing unit 34 is electrically connected to a first electromagnet 18 and a second electromagnet 18' by means of wired connections 44, 44'. Thus, the control button 42 can activate the first electromagnet 18 and the second electromagnet 18', thereby generating a magnetic field corresponding to the electromagnets shown in Figure 12C.

[0103] The first electromagnet 18 surrounds a part of the first permanent magnet 8. Similarly, the second electromagnet 18' surrounds a part of the second permanent magnet 8'. The electromagnets 18, 18' are arranged and configured to cancel the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 8. Thus, when the control button 42 is activated, the first electromagnet 18 and the second electromagnet 18' generate a magnetic field that cancels the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 8.

[0104] Figure 12B shows the magnetic field lines 28 of the permanent magnet 8 of the unit 2 shown in Figure 12A.

[0105] Figure 12C shows the magnetic field lines 28' of the electromagnet 18 of the unit 2 shown in Figure 12A. It can be seen that the magnetic field lines 28' of the electromagnet 18 cancel out the magnetic field lines 28 of the permanent magnet 8 shown in Figure 12B according to the principle of superposition.

[0106] Figure 12D shows that the magnetic field lines of the electromagnet 18 and the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnet 8 (shown in Figure 12A) cancel each other out according to the principle of superposition.

[0107] Figure 13A shows a cross-sectional view of the wireless communication unit 2 according to the present invention. The unit 2 includes a housing 30.

[0108] The unit 2 includes a battery 21 and a processing unit 34 that functions as a control unit electrically connected to the battery 32. The unit 2 includes a battery 21 and a communication unit 26 that may include an integrated antenna. The communication unit 26 is attached to the processing unit 34. The unit 2 includes a first permanent magnet 8 protruding from the housing 30. Similarly, the unit 2 includes a second permanent magnet 8' protruding from the housing 30. The permanent magnet 8 protrudes from the housing 30 to such an extent that the permanent magnet 8 can be deactivated by one or more of the electromagnets 18, 18' of the installation device 46 shown in Figure 13D when the permanent magnet 8 is mounted on the magnetizable surface 48 of the unit 2.

[0109] Figure 13B shows the magnetic field lines 28 of the permanent magnet 8 of the unit 2 shown in Figure 13A.

[0110] Figure 13C shows the magnetic field lines 28' of the electromagnet 18 of the installation device 46 shown in Figure 13D. The magnetic field lines 28' of the electromagnet 18 cancel out the magnetic field lines 28 of the permanent magnet 8 shown in Figure 13B according to the principle of superposition.

[0111] Figure 13D shows kit 52 according to the present invention. Kit 52 includes unit 2 corresponding to the unit shown in and described with reference to Figure 13A, and an installation device 46 further comprising several electromagnets 18, 18'. The electromagnets 18, 18' are arranged in such a manner that each of the electromagnets 18, 18' can be moved to a position where the electromagnets 18, 18' can deactivate the permanent magnet 8 of unit 2 when unit 2 is mounted on the magnetizable surface 48.

[0112] The electromagnets 18, 18' are arranged and configured to cancel out the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 8. Thus, when unit 2 and the installation device 46 are arranged as shown in Figure 13D, the first electromagnet 18 and the second electromagnet 18' generate a magnetic field that cancels out the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 8. Thus, unit 2 can be moved to the desired position and attached to the magnetizable surface 48 (by deactivating or moving the electromagnets 18, 18').

[0113] It can be seen that the electromagnets 18, 18' surround a part of the permanent magnet 8, but a gap 50 is provided between the installation device 46 and the magnetizable surface 48. This is achieved by applying an installation device 46 having a width smaller than the width by which the permanent magnet 8 protrudes from the housing 30.

[0114] The installation device 46 can be integrated into the stick shown in and described with reference to Figure 7.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0115] 2 Wireless cell 4 Mast on which a wireless cell can be installed 6 Wireless sensor 8 Permanent magnet 10 Flexible permanent magnet 12 Drone for installing cells 14 Flexible magnet extender 16 Installation stick 18, 18', 18'' Electromagnet 20 Flexible structure 22 Solar cell (solar panel) 24 Wind turbine 26 Communication module 28, 28’ Magnetism 30 Housing 32 Battery 34 Processing unit 36 Light source 38 Energy harvester 40 Adhesive material 42 Control button 44, 44’ Wired connection 46 Installation device 48 Magnetizable surface 50 Gap 52 Kit

Claims

1. A wireless data communication unit (2), comprising: A communication module (26) configured to communicate wirelessly; One or more permanent magnets (8, 10) arranged in such a manner that the unit (2) can be attached onto a magnetizable surface (48) magnetizable by the one or more permanent magnets (8, 10); and the unit (2) is a self - contained unit formed as a sealed housing (30) not connected to external power, communication or an antenna using a cable or wire; one or more electromagnets (18, 18’, 18”) arranged and configured to demagnetize the one or more permanent magnets (8, 10) to such an extent that the one or more permanent magnets (8, 10) protrude from the housing (30) when the unit (2) is attached onto the magnetizable surface (48).

2. The unit (2) according to claim 1, wherein the unit (2) comprises an energy harvester (38) and is powered by the energy harvester (38).

3. The unit (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more permanent magnets (8, 10) are coated with an adhesive material (40).

4. The unit (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more permanent magnets (10) are flexible and are configured to be attached to various types of masts (4) having various diameters and / or cross - sectional area shapes.

5. The unit (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the unit (2) comprises a flexible magnet extender (14) comprising two permanent magnets (8, 10) connected by a flexible structure (20).

6. The unit (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the unit (2) is bendable.

7. The unit (2) according to claim 6, wherein the housing (30) is bendable.

8. The unit (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing (30) is a sealed container closed so tightly that air cannot enter or exit.

9. The unit (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the unit (2) comprises one or more batteries (32).

10. A system comprising the unit (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and a light mast (4) having a light source (36), wherein the unit (2) is mounted on the light mast (4), and the unit (2) is provided with an energy harvester (38) arranged and configured to capture energy from the light of the light mast (4).

11. A kit (52) comprising the unit (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and an installation device (46) comprising one or more electromagnets (18, 18'), wherein the one or more electromagnets (18, 18') are arranged in such a manner that the one or more electromagnets (18, 18') can be moved to a position where the one or more electromagnets (18, 18') can deactivate the one or more permanent magnets (8, 10) when the unit (2) is mounted on the magnetizable surface (48).

12. A method for attaching a wireless data communication unit (2) to a magnetizable surface, wherein the unit (2) comprises a communication module (26) configured to communicate wirelessly, and one or more permanent magnets (8, 10) arranged in such a manner that the unit (2) can be attached to the magnetizable surface (48) by the one or more permanent magnets (8, 10), and the unit (2) is an independent unit formed as a sealed housing (30) not connected to external power, communication or an antenna using a cable or wire, the method including the step of applying one or more electromagnets (18, 18', 18") arranged and configured to deactivate the one or more permanent magnets (8) during installation of the unit (2), the one or more permanent magnets protruding from the housing (30).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the one or more electromagnets (18, 18', 18") form part of the unit (2).

14. ​ The method according to claim 12, wherein the one or more electromagnets (18, 18', 18") do not form part of the unit (2).

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the one or more electromagnets (18, 18', 18") are flexible.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the housing (30) comprises a plurality of permanent magnets (8, 10) protruding from a single surface of the housing (30), and the permanent magnets (8, 10) extend parallel to each other.

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