Pit Lid Antenna Assembly for Utility Meter Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communications from utility meters with wireless capabilities are often blocked by metal lids and bodies of meter boxes, making remote reading difficult due to interference.
Innovation Solution
A pit lid antenna assembly comprising an antenna with an upper and lower section, housed in an antenna casing with a connection hole, and an adapter casing with a locking tab, allowing secure attachment and enhancing signal transmission through inductive coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal lids and bodies are used for meter boxes, then structural strength and durability are improved, but wireless communication signal transmission deteriorates due to signal blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The meter box structure is segmented by introducing antenna openings in the metal lid and corresponding antenna recesses in the meter box body. These openings and recesses create dedicated pathways for antenna elements to extend through the metal structure, allowing wireless signals to pass through specific segments without compromising the overall structural integrity of the metal enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
Antenna elements serve as intermediary components that bridge the gap between the metal enclosure and wireless communication requirements. The antennas are positioned to extend through the metal lid openings and into the antenna recesses, creating transmission pathways that mediate between the signal-blocking metal structure and the need for reliable wireless communication.
2Reliability
If the antenna assembly is integrated into the pit lid, then wireless communication beyond metal barriers is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly is merged with the pit lid structure by integrating the antenna housing into the lid and positioning the antenna elements to extend through openings in the lid. This merging approach combines the protective function of the pit lid with the communication function of the antenna system, enabling wireless signals to transmit through the metal barrier while maintaining a unified structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pit lid structure is given multiple functions: it provides structural protection for the meter box, incorporates antenna openings for signal transmission, and houses the antenna assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system while enabling reliable wireless communication through the metal barrier.
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 antenna assembly effectively extends wireless communication beyond metal barriers, enabling reliable remote reading of utility meters by overcoming signal blocking issues.
Implementation Method 1
an adapter casing attached to the antenna casing and including a locking tab, the locking tab having a plug sized to fit within the connection hole to attach the adapter casing to the antenna casing
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a pit lid antenna assembly including an antenna having an upper section and a lower section; and an antenna casing having a casing wall having an inner surface, the inner surface defining a first antenna slot, the first antenna slot sized to accept a portion of the lower section of the antenna.