Explosion-proof Enclosure Slit Waveguide Resonator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure-resistant explosion-proof containers for high frequency wireless communication systems in hazardous environments face challenges such as increased costs, deterioration of high frequency properties, risk of breakage, and electromagnetic interference due to complex structures and materials like glass or resin, which compromise both explosion-proof and high frequency signal transmission capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A metal container with a slit acting as a waveguide and cavity resonator inside, allowing high frequency signals to be transmitted and received without external antennas, reducing material degradation and electromagnetic interference risks while maintaining a simple and cost-effective structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glass or resin materials are used in the container structure to improve high frequency signal transmission, then signal transmission quality is improved, but the risk of breakage and structural strength deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh frequency signal transmission qualityVSAvoidstructural strength and breakage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into two distinct parts: a metal container body providing mechanical strength and explosion-proof functionality, and a separate removable cover made of glass or resin that provides high frequency signal transmission. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable cover acts as an intermediary element between the metal container body and the external environment. It mediates the conflict between metal's structural strength and glass/resin's electromagnetic wave transmission properties, allowing the metal container to maintain its strength while the cover provides signal transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex structures with multiple components are used to achieve both explosion-proof and high frequency transmission functions, then functional performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexplosion-proof and high frequency transmission performanceVSAvoidstructural complexity and manufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the explosion-proof function (handled by the metal container body) and the high frequency transmission function (handled by the removable cover) into a single integrated container structure. This combining approach achieves both functions simultaneously without requiring separate complex systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The removable cover serves multiple functions: it provides high frequency signal transmission, can be removed for antenna installation, and can be replaced if damaged. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure.

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

3Reliability

If antennas are installed outside the container to improve signal transmission efficiency, then transmission efficiency is improved, but electromagnetic interference and exposure to harmful environmental factors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission efficiencyVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference and environmental exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The removable cover serves as an intermediary that allows high frequency signals to pass through while keeping the antenna protected inside the container. This mediates between the need for external antenna placement for efficient transmission and the need to protect the antenna from environmental harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the need for external mechanical antenna installation with an electromagnetic wave transmission mechanism through the removable cover. This substitution allows the antenna to remain protected inside the container while still achieving efficient signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The metal container with a slit and cavity resonator enables efficient high frequency signal transmission and reception, reducing the risk of breakage and electromagnetic interference, while maintaining a robust and cost-effective design, thus enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the wireless communication system.

Implementation Method 1

a slit which functions as an explosion-proof clearance and is formed by penetrating the wall surface of the container, and a cavity resonator which is provided in the container and in which an antenna is built to transmit and receive a high frequency signal by using the slit as a waveguide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

a cavity resonator which is provided in the container and in which an antenna is built to transmit and receive a high frequency signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCavity resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2654124B1Explosion-proof enclosure
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2654124B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2654124B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2A
  • EP2654124B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2D

AI summary

To provide a pressure-resistant explosion-proof container in which a wireless circuit housed inside the pressure-resistant explosion-proof container can transmit and receive a high frequency signal, without installing an antenna outside. A pressure-resistant explosion-proof container includes a container made of metal, a slit functioning as an explosion-proof clearance that is formed by penetrating a wall surface of the container, and a cavity resonator that is provided in the container and in which an antenna is built that transmits and receives a high frequency signal by using the slit as a waveguide.