Insertable Wireless Module With Shared PCB Ground Plane in Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power tools often lack compact communication capabilities due to limited space for communication circuitry, and existing solutions struggle to meet minimum antenna efficiency standards with smaller insertable wireless communication devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of a conductive layer on a printed circuit board (PCB) within the power tool to create an extended ground plane for the antenna, allowing for efficient radio frequency performance while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact wireless communication device is used, then the device size is reduced, but the antenna efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ground plane function with the host device's existing PCB structure. The conductive layer on the host device's PCB serves dual purposes: as part of the communication circuitry and as the ground plane for the antenna, eliminating the need for a separate ground plane structure and enabling compact device design while maintaining antenna efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB's conductive layer is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the communication circuit substrate and the antenna ground plane. This multi-functionality allows the compact wireless communication device to meet antenna efficiency standards without requiring additional space for dedicated ground plane structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If communication circuitry is integrated into the power tool, then communication capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication circuitry is merged with the host device's existing PCB structure. The antenna, connector, and conductive layer are integrated into the power tool's housing and PCB, creating a unified communication system that adds functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The host device's existing PCB structure serves the dual purpose of supporting both the original power tool electronics and the new wireless communication circuitry. The conductive layer on the PCB automatically provides the ground plane function for the antenna, eliminating the need for additional complex grounding structures
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
This solution enables power tools to meet minimum antenna efficiency standards while maintaining a small size, enhancing communication efficiency and radio frequency performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first conductive layer of the first PCB may be configured to be electrically coupled to the antenna via the first connector and the second connector such that the first conductive layer of the first PCB serves as a ground plane of the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool may include a compartment in its housing and a first printed circuit board (PCB) located in the housing and electrically coupled to a first connector. An insertable wireless communication device may include a second electronic processor and an antenna that are each mounted to a second PCB. The insertable wireless communication device may be configured to be received in the compartment and may include a second connector configured to electrically and physically couple to the first connector. The insertable wireless communication device may be configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device. When the insertable wireless communication device is inserted into the compartment, a first conductive layer of the first PCB may be configured to be electrically coupled to the antenna via the first connector and the second connector such that the first conductive layer of the first PCB serves as a ground plane of the antenna.