Movable Antenna Assembly for Wireless Sensor Signal Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional process control systems in industrial facilities face challenges with inaccurate and delayed data transmission due to insufficient signal strength from wireless sensors, especially in difficult-to-reach locations, where increasing transmitted power is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A wireless device with a movable antenna assembly that maintains a hermetic seal and explosion-proof flame path, allowing for adjustable positioning to enhance signal strength, coupled with a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver to improve data transmission and reception quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless transmitters are rigidly connected to processing devices to ensure data capture, then measurement reliability is improved, but signal strength becomes insufficient under certain structures or environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly is made movable relative to the housing through a sliding mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment of antenna position and orientation to optimize signal strength while maintaining hermetic seal through seals at the sliding interface
2Loss of energy
If transmitted power level is increased to compensate for poor received signal strength, then signal strength is improved, but device complexity and safety requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing power level parameters, the invention changes the physical parameters of antenna position and orientation to optimize signal transmission and reception without increasing transmitted power
3Loss of energy
If antenna assembly is made movable to optimize signal strength, then signal strength is improved, but maintaining hermetic seal and explosion-proof integrity becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Seals act as intermediary elements between the movable antenna assembly and the housing, maintaining hermetic separation while allowing controlled movement. The sliding mechanism with seals enables motion while preserving the explosion-proof barrier
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device (150) and related method of monitoring or controlling a process includes a housing (200) having a mounting structure (300) for rigidly connecting the wireless device with respect to a solid surface, such as within a processing facility (125). An antenna assembly (250) has a movable connection (e.g., using set screw 310 and channel 425) with the housing (200), wherein the antenna assembly can be moved with respect to the housing (200), and wherein the movable connection maintains a hermetic seal and an explosion-proof flame path of the housing and the antenna assembly. The wireless device (150) can include a transmitter, receiver or a transceiver coupled to the antenna assembly (250), wherein the wireless device (150) is operable to wirelessly transmit using the antenna assembly to a remote receiver or receive information from a remotely located transmitter.