Foldable PCB Assembly for Compact Consumption Meters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The physical size of wireless consumption meters is limited by the dimensions required for radio frequency (RF) antennas to achieve appropriate resonance frequency, leading to inefficient small antennas and increased space usage, especially in moisture-sensitive applications like flow meters.
Innovation Solution
A foldable printed circuit board assembly with RF and NFC antennas, where the RF antenna extends in two different geometric planes, allowing for a compact design, optimal radiation characteristics, and a stable electrical counterweight, enabling the use of a shorter antenna and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the RF antenna is made smaller to reduce the physical size of the consumption meter, then the device becomes more compact, but the antenna efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The RF antenna is configured to extend in two different geometric planes (first plane and second plane) rather than being confined to a single plane. This dimensional change allows the antenna to achieve the necessary electrical length for resonance while occupying less volumetric space, thereby maintaining antenna efficiency in a compact consumption meter housing.
2Ease of manufacture
If a traditional flat printed circuit board assembly is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the device occupies excessive space and cannot be efficiently enclosed in a compact watertight housing
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board assembly is folded such that the first rigid part and second rigid part containing the RF antenna are arranged in nested or adjacent three-dimensional spaces. This folding configuration allows the antenna and electronic components to be enclosed within a compact watertight housing while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard PCB fabrication and assembly processes.
3Reliability
If the ground plane is placed on the same printed circuit board as the RF antenna, then the electrical counterweight is provided, but the antenna radiation characteristics are compromised due to limited free space
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane is positioned on the first rigid part of the printed circuit board assembly, while the RF antenna extends into a second rigid part in a different geometric plane. This spatial separation in three-dimensional space provides both the necessary electrical counterweight for stable resonance and sufficient free space around the antenna for optimal radiation characteristics.
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 solution results in a more compact consumption meter construction, improved radiation characteristics, and reduced production costs, while maintaining optimal performance and flexibility for different meter sizes and frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
the radio frequency (RF) antenna used for communication with a distant central control unit requires certain dimensions in order to obtain the appropriate resonance frequency of the antenna
Implementation Method 2
a Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna extends mainly on the second rigid part of the printed circuit board substrate
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A consumption meter comprising a foldable printed circuit board assembly, and a method of manufacturing such consumption meter. A foldable printed circuit board assembly comprises a printed circuit board substrate having at least a first and a second rigid part, and a radio frequency antenna extends mainly on the second rigid part. Electronic components and a battery are mounted on the first rigid part, which also comprises an electrical ground plane. A first flexible part of the printed circuit board substrate is arranged to allow the printed circuit board assembly to be folded so that the first and second rigid parts extend in two different but substantially parallel geometric planes. A Near Field Communication antenna extends mainly on the second rigid part of the printed circuit board substrate.