Radio Device with Gravity-Selected Helical Antennas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio devices for wireless networks face challenges in maximizing reception and transmission efficiency while maintaining low costs, robustness, simplicity, and long lifespan, particularly in applications requiring efficient energy management and directional antenna orientation.

Innovation Solution

A radio device with an outer protective casing housing an electronic transceiver circuit and multiple radiating elements, featuring automatic selection of a radiating element oriented perpendicular to a resting surface, utilizing a configuration of helical antennas and switches with mercury-based connections for efficient energy management and directional communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple radiating elements with different orientations are used, then reception and transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereception and transmission efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device dynamically selects which radiating element to use based on its orientation relative to the resting surface. The automatic selection means changes the active radiating element according to the device's position, ensuring optimal performance without requiring all elements to be active simultaneously, thus managing complexity while maintaining efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device automatically determines its own orientation and selects the appropriate radiating element without external control. The automatic selection means monitors the orientation of radiating elements relative to the resting surface and autonomously switches between elements, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If automatic selection means is added, then energy management is optimized, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy managementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic sensing and control systems with a simple mechanical solution. The casing's geometric shape and the arrangement of radiating elements create a mechanical system where gravity naturally positions the device, and simple switches detect which element is perpendicular to the resting surface, avoiding expensive electronic orientation sensors and control circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If radiating elements are carried by protective casing, then device robustness is improved, but manufacturing simplicity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice robustnessVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective casing is merged with the mounting structure for the radiating elements. Rather than being separate components, the casing itself provides the mechanical support and positioning features for the radiating elements, integrating structural protection with functional mounting in a single manufactured piece that can be produced as one unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device achieves high-efficiency antenna orientation, optimized energy management, and extended lifespan by ensuring the radiating element is always oriented for maximum efficiency, reducing power dissipation and enhancing communication capabilities in low-power applications.

Implementation Method 1

at least one first radiating element and one second radiating element, which are carried by said protective casing and have orientations that differ from one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

means for automatic selection of the radiating element that presents a pre-set orientation with respect to a resting surface on which said casing is set

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2255155B1Radio device for a wireless network
Publication Date: 2011.10.05 SELEX SISTEMI INTEGRATI
  • EP2255155B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2255155B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2255155B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A radio device for a wireless network comprising: an outer protective casing (3) housing an electronic transceiver circuit (4); and four radiating elements (5) carried by the protective casing and having orientations that differ from one another. The outer protective casing (3) is configured in such a way that, when it is set on a plane surface, it sets itself with just one radiating element (5) substantially perpendicular to the plane surface; the radio device is able to determine autonomously the orientation assumed and comprises an automatic selector (20) for selecting the radiating element (5) set substantially perpendicular to the plane surface.