Antenna Module Integrating Router and Gateway for Wellhead Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing large-scale wireless communication systems are not suitable for small-scale applications due to their size, weight, cost, and high power consumption, making them difficult to install in constrained environments such as well sources, where a compact, lightweight, and low-power solution is required for wireless communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A compact and lightweight antenna module that includes an antenna, a circuit for signal processing, a tubular casing, an antenna accommodator, a connector for external device connection, a router for signal relay, and a gateway for network management, which allows for efficient wireless communication and network formation in small-scale environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large-scale wireless communication system is used, then reliable wireless communication is achieved, but the system becomes large, heavy, expensive and consumes high power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the access point and information processing device into a single integrated antenna module. The access point includes a wireless communication unit with antenna and circuit for wireless field device communication, and an information processing unit with processor and memory for data processing, both merged into one compact device that can be installed on well heads or in constrained environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distributed antenna modules that can be independently deployed. Each antenna module functions as a standalone unit capable of wireless communication and data processing, allowing selective deployment in small-scale applications rather than requiring a complete large-scale system infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a large-scale wireless communication system is used, then reliable wireless communication is achieved, but the system becomes large, heavy, expensive and consumes high power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The access point and information processing device are merged into a single antenna module with integrated power supply, reducing total power consumption compared to operating separate large-scale systems. The circuit and processor share common power management resources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments communication functions into distributed antenna modules that consume less power individually. Each module can be independently powered and managed, allowing power-efficient operation in small-scale deployments where full large-scale system power is unnecessary

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a large-scale wireless communication system is used, then reliable wireless communication is achieved, but the system becomes complex and difficult to install

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The access point and information processing device are merged into a pre-integrated antenna module that requires minimal installation steps. The module includes all necessary components (antenna, circuit, processor, memory, power supply) already connected and configured, making it a plug-and-play solution for constrained environments like well heads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments functionality into modular antenna units that can be independently installed and configured. This modular approach simplifies installation compared to deploying integrated large-scale systems, as each module can be handled and installed separately without requiring complex system-wide configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If a large-scale wireless communication system is used, then comprehensive network coverage is achieved, but the system becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments network coverage into multiple independent antenna modules that can be selectively deployed. Each module provides localized coverage appropriate for small-scale applications, eliminating the need to purchase and install expensive large-scale system infrastructure for applications that don't require extensive coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna module is designed as a universal platform that can serve multiple functions (wireless communication, data processing, local networking) in various deployment scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces overall system cost by eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11139849B2Antenna module
Publication Date: 2021.10.05 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • US11139849B2 patent drawing
  • US11139849B2 patent drawing
  • US11139849B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An antenna module which transmits and receives a radio signal via a wireless network, the antenna module includes an antenna configured to transmit and receive the radio signal, a circuit configured to convert a signal received from outside into a radio signal, make the antenna transmit the converted radio signal, and transmit a signal generated by processing the radio signal received by the antenna to the outside, a tubular casing configured to accommodate the circuit to cover a periphery of the circuit, an antenna accommodator provided at one end of the casing and configured to accommodate the antenna to allow the antenna to transmit and receive the radio signal, a connector joined to the casing and connectable to an external device which transmits and receives a signal to and from the circuit, a router configured to relay the signal processed by the circuit, and a gateway configured to communicatively connect the router and the external device connected to the connector.