Building controller with antenna
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building control systems face challenges in wireless communication without increasing the size of the building controller, which can lead to reduced wireless communication performance due to signal attenuation by building components.
Innovation Solution
A building controller design that incorporates a compact antenna placement, using a flexible printed circuit (FPC) positioned behind the front plate and electrically connected to a PCB, which enhances wireless communication range and signal quality by distancing the antenna from the mounting wall and other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the antenna is placed closer to the mounting wall to reduce size, then the building controller size is reduced, but wireless communication performance deteriorates due to signal attenuation by building components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the antenna in a specific three-dimensional location within the housing: behind the front plate and in front of the PCB, creating an antenna cavity. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows the antenna to be compact while maintaining adequate distance from the mounting wall (at least 6mm), thereby resolving the contradiction between size reduction and communication performance.
2Device complexity
If the antenna is positioned closer to the PCB to reduce space, then device complexity is reduced, but signal interference from building components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized antenna cavity with specific quality characteristics - positioned behind the front plate and in front of the PCB, with the antenna spaced at least 6mm from the mounting wall. This localized spatial arrangement provides optimal electromagnetic environment for the antenna while maintaining compact overall device structure, reducing signal interference without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wall module for a building control system includes a back plate with one or more mounting features for mounting the backplate to a wall. A main body includes one or more attachment features for removably attaching the main body to the back plate. The main body also includes a front side and a back side, wherein at least part of the front side is formed by a front plate. A display is housed by the main body in a display cavity that is defined at least in part by the front plate, and wherein at least part of the display is viewable from the front side. An antenna is housed by the main body in an antenna cavity that is defined at least in part by the front plate.