Antenna Mount for Panelboard Enclosure Signal Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical enclosures interfere with radio signal transmission when antennas are positioned inside, and external placement compromises enclosure integrity and safety, failing to meet industry standards and posing shock hazards.

Innovation Solution

An antenna mount with a cover and mounting assembly that can be retrofitted inside the enclosure, using a snap-in or screw-on mechanism to securely hold the antenna outside while maintaining enclosure integrity and safety, using dielectric materials to meet UL standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the antenna is positioned inside the electrical enclosure, then the radio signal transmission is improved, but the enclosure integrity is compromised and safety standards are not met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio signal transmissionVSAvoidenclosure integrity and safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is segmented into two parts: the antenna element itself remains inside the enclosure for optimal signal transmission, while a protective cover extends outside the enclosure to provide protection and maintain integrity. This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A protective cover acts as an intermediary element between the antenna and the external environment. This cover maintains the enclosure's integrity while allowing the antenna to function, serving as a mediator that resolves the conflict between signal transmission and safety requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the antenna is positioned outside the enclosure through a hole, then the radio signal transmission is improved, but the enclosure integrity is compromised and shock hazards are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio signal transmissionVSAvoidenclosure integrity and shock hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna cover is nested within the enclosure structure, with the cover extending through the enclosure wall. The antenna element is nested within the cover, creating a hierarchical arrangement that protects the antenna while maintaining enclosure integrity and eliminating the need for large holes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna cover functions as a protective shell that extends from the enclosure. This shell-like structure provides physical protection for the antenna and maintains the enclosure's integrity by distributing stresses and preventing direct exposure of electrical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If the antenna is positioned inside the enclosure, then the enclosure integrity is maintained, but the radio signal transmission is interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenclosure integrityVSAvoidradio signal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is segmented into two parts: the antenna element itself remains inside the enclosure for optimal signal transmission, while a protective cover extends outside the enclosure to provide protection and maintain integrity. This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10326194B2Antenna mount for electrical panel boards
Publication Date: 2019.06.18 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA INC
  • US10326194B2 patent drawing
  • US10326194B2 patent drawing
  • US10326194B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An antenna mount (120, 220) is provided for an enclosure (100) of a panelboard. The mount includes an antenna cover (130, 230) mountable on the enclosure via a hole on a wall of the enclosure. The cover includes an opening (146, 246) at one end to receive an antenna in the cover and a mounting assembly (140 and 150, 240 and 250) to mount the one end onto the enclosure via the hole. The mounting assembly includes a flange (140, 240) which abuts against or is proximate the wall of the enclosure around the hole when the cover is arranged in the hole at a mounted position. The mount also includes a retainer (170, 270) which engages the opposite end of the cover to close the opening and retain the antenna in the cover. The mounting assembly can be a snap-in mounting assembly or a screw-on mounting assembly.