Insertable Power Tool Wireless Module With Shared PCB Ground Plane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power tools lack a compact and efficient solution for wireless communication, as the size of insertable wireless communication devices often exceeds the required minimum antenna efficiency standards, necessitating a larger ground plane, which is not feasible in compact designs.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a conductive layer of a printed circuit board (PCB) within the host device to create an extended ground plane for the antenna of the insertable wireless communication device, allowing for efficient radio frequency performance while maintaining a small device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an insertable wireless communication device is used in a power tool, then communication capabilities are added, but the device size exceeds compact design requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ground plane function into the host device's existing PCB structure. The conductive layer of the host device's PCB serves as the ground plane for the insertable wireless communication device, eliminating the need for a separate ground plane structure and reducing overall device volume while maintaining communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The host device's PCB conductive layer serves dual purposes: it maintains the electrical integrity of the host device's own circuits and simultaneously provides the ground plane function for the insertable wireless communication device. This multi-functionality approach allows compact integration without sacrificing communication capabilities.
2Reliability
If a larger ground plane is provided for the antenna, then antenna efficiency standards are met, but the device becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane is merged with the host device's PCB conductive layer, allowing the antenna to achieve required efficiency standards by utilizing the existing PCB structure rather than requiring additional space for a separate ground plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The host device's PCB structure serves the dual purpose of its own electrical connections and providing the ground plane for the wireless communication antenna, allowing the system to meet antenna efficiency requirements using existing structural elements without additional components.
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
Enables the insertable wireless communication device to meet minimum antenna efficiency standards, ensuring proper operation while maintaining a compact design, thereby expanding communication capabilities of power tools.
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.