Plug-in Antenna Adapting Electrical Wiring for Signal Reception
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antennas, both indoor and outdoor, face challenges in providing optimal reception of over-the-air radio and television signals due to low efficiency and signal attenuation through building materials, with outdoor antennas being difficult to install and unsuitable for all building types.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in antenna module that adapts a building's electrical wiring system to receive radio frequency signals by using conducting wires insulated from the AC system to inductively transfer signals to a coaxial connector, allowing the electrical wiring to function as an antenna while preventing the transfer of harmful electrical current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If indoor antennas are used, then installation is simple, but signal reception quality is poor due to small receiving cross section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna function with the electrical outlet cover plate, merging two separate components into one integrated unit. The conducting wires are embedded within the cover plate structure, allowing the outlet cover to simultaneously serve as both an electrical component and an antenna with extended receiving cross section.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the antenna elements beyond the traditional small indoor antenna dimensions by utilizing the spatial dimension provided by the outlet cover plate structure. The conducting wires can extend along the surface of the cover plate, effectively increasing the receiving area without occupying additional space.
2Reliability
If outdoor antennas are used, then signal reception quality improves, but installation and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the antenna functionality directly into the indoor electrical outlet cover plate, combining the benefits of outdoor antenna performance with indoor installation convenience. The conducting wires are built into the cover plate structure, eliminating the need for separate outdoor mounting while maintaining effective signal reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical wiring system acts as an intermediary, allowing the antenna to receive signals indoors without requiring external outdoor installation. The conducting wires within the outlet cover plate utilize the building's existing electrical infrastructure as a medium for signal transmission, bridging the gap between indoor convenience and outdoor performance.
3Area of stationary object
If electrical wiring is used as antenna, then receiving cross section increases, but risk of AC current transfer to signal receiver increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical wiring system from the signal output by using separate conducting wires for AC power and signal transmission. The insulation layers create distinct zones that prevent electrical current transfer, allowing the wiring to serve dual purposes without compromising safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Insulation layers act as intermediaries between the AC electrical system and the signal receiver. These insulating materials (rubber or plastic) serve as barriers that prevent harmful AC current transfer while allowing the conducting wires to function as antenna elements for signal reception.
4Reliability
If conducting wires are wound around third wire, then inductive transfer efficiency improves, but complexity of wire arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wire functions into a single integrated structure. The first and second conducting wires are wound around the third conducting wire, creating a compact inductive coupling arrangement that achieves efficient signal transfer while maintaining a simple overall wire configuration within the outlet cover plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a nested wire arrangement where the first and second conducting wires are wound around the third conducting wire, creating a compact inductive coupling structure. This nested configuration achieves efficient signal transfer while maintaining a simple overall wire arrangement within the outlet cover plate.
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
Enhances signal reception by leveraging the extensive wiring system while ensuring safety by isolating AC power from the signal output, providing a practical solution for improved television and radio signal quality without the need for traditional antenna installation.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second conducting wires are wound around the third conducting wire to inductively transfer the communication signal captured by the antenna to the third conducting wire
Implementation Method 2
The first and second conducting wires are electrically insulated from each other and from the third conducting wire to prevent transfer of alternating current (AC) from the building's electrical system
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in device is provided for adapting a building's electrical wiring system as an antenna for receiving radio or over-the air television signals. The device has a plug for insertion into an electrical receptacle in the building, a coaxial connector for providing the communication signal captured by the antenna to a signal receiver, and a plurality of conducting wires extending from the plug to the coaxial connector. The conducting wires comprise first and second wires, and a third wire in electrical contact with the coaxial connector. The first and second wires are electrically insulated from each other and from the third wire to prevent passage of alternating current (AC) power to the signal receiver. The wires are wound to inductively transfer the communication signal captured by the antenna to the third wire for output to the signal receiver via the coaxial connector.