Agricultural Data Connector Housing for Durable Wireless Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for data transfer and storage in agricultural equipment are limited by the need for robust, compact, and efficient wireless communication systems that can withstand harsh environments and provide reliable connectivity for agricultural data collection and prescription applications.
Innovation Solution
A wireless drive unit with a non-conductive housing, a thermally and electrically conductive housing, a dual-band antenna, and a rotatable connector structure that includes a coiled cable and roller contacts for secure and durable data transfer between agricultural implements and computing devices, enabling efficient data communication and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wireless communication system is used for data transfer in agricultural equipment, then data communication efficiency is improved, but reliability in harsh environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dual-band antenna technology that operates on multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), allowing the system to switch between frequencies based on environmental conditions. This parameter change enables maintained communication efficiency while improving reliability by selecting optimal bands in harsh agricultural environments with interference from equipment and terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless drive unit utilizes a composite housing structure combining non-conductive materials (for RF shielding) and thermally/electrically conductive materials (for heat dissipation and EMI grounding). This composite approach protects the wireless communication system from electromagnetic interference and thermal stress in harsh environments, maintaining both communication efficiency and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a compact data storage device is used in agricultural equipment, then ease of installation is improved, but durability in harsh environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the data storage functionality directly within the wireless drive unit housing, nesting the storage components inside the protective enclosure. This nested structure provides compact form factor for easy installation while the outer housing protects internal components from harsh environmental conditions including moisture, dust, and temperature extremes.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless drive unit is designed as a replaceable module with integrated storage, allowing the entire unit to be swapped out if damaged. This approach uses a cost-effective, easily replaceable design rather than attempting to make the internal storage components permanently durable, simplifying installation and maintenance in harsh agricultural environments.
3Reliability
If a robust connector structure is used for data transfer, then connection durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector functions into an integrated coupling structure that merges mechanical attachment, electrical connection, and data transfer capabilities into a single unified interface. This merging reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, lowering overall complexity while maintaining robust, durable connections for agricultural equipment data transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for communicating data between a vehicle or agricultural implement and a computing device includes a first housing, a second housing, and a connector sub-assembly. The second housing and the first housing define a first interior region, and the second housing and the connector sub-assembly define a second interior region. A first integrated circuit is disposed in the first interior region, and a second integrated circuit is disposed in the second interior region. A ground clip is coupled to the connector sub-assembly. The ground clip includes a first wall orthogonal to the first integrated circuit and a second wall coupled to an end portion of the first wall. The first wall includes a plurality of outwardly protruding resilient fingers configured to contact the second housing. A mating connector is coupled to the connector sub-assembly and configured to communicatively couple with a connector of the vehicle or agricultural implement.