Antenna with Angled Intermediate Portion for Automated PCB Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building controllers face challenges with antenna orientation, inconsistent interconnects, and increased assembly costs due to manual mounting of antennas, which can also limit the robustness and performance of wireless communication in HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of an automated surface mounting method for antennas, featuring a design with feet and intermediate portions for secure attachment to printed circuit boards, and a tape and reel assembly for efficient packaging and placement, utilizing a pick-and-place system for precise alignment and soldering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual mounting of antennas is used during device assembly, then orientation can be adjusted, but assembly cost increases and consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is pre-oriented at a fixed angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the printed circuit board during manufacturing, eliminating the need for manual orientation adjustment during assembly. This preliminary positioning action resolves the contradiction by providing consistent orientation without increasing assembly complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure itself incorporates the orientation feature through its geometric design (e.g., angled intermediate portion), allowing it to self-align and self-position correctly on the circuit board without requiring manual intervention for orientation adjustment, thereby reducing assembly costs while maintaining operational consistency.
2Ease of operation
If manual mounting of antennas is used during device assembly, then orientation can be adjusted, but assembly consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is pre-oriented at a fixed angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the printed circuit board during manufacturing, eliminating the need for manual orientation adjustment during assembly. This preliminary positioning action resolves the contradiction by providing consistent orientation without increasing assembly complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure itself incorporates the orientation feature through its geometric design (e.g., angled intermediate portion), allowing it to self-align and self-position correctly on the circuit board without requiring manual intervention for orientation adjustment, thereby reducing assembly costs while maintaining operational consistency.
3Ease of manufacture
If printed antenna on circuit board is used, then assembly is simplified, but three-dimensional configuration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna transitions from a two-dimensional printed trace to a three-dimensional structure by extending vertically from the circuit board surface through an intermediate portion. This dimensional change provides spatial configuration benefits (such as improved radiation patterns or interference reduction) while maintaining the simplicity of automated surface-mount assembly, as the entire 3D structure is placed as a single component.
4Ease of manufacture
If printed antenna on circuit board is used, then assembly is simplified, but antenna robustness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna transitions from a two-dimensional printed trace to a three-dimensional structure by extending vertically from the circuit board surface through an intermediate portion. This dimensional change provides spatial configuration benefits (such as improved radiation patterns or interference reduction) while maintaining the simplicity of automated surface-mount assembly, as the entire 3D structure is placed as a single component.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to building controllers, and more particularly, to antennas for providing wireless communication capabilities in such building controllers. Methods and systems for automated surface mounting of such antennas are also contemplated and disclosed.