Socket Revenue Meter Wireless Antenna Layout for Tamper Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) for monitoring electrical energy lack efficient wireless communication capabilities, making it difficult to remotely transmit power usage data accurately and securely, especially in tamper-proof and tamper-indicating configurations.
Innovation Solution
The development of an intelligent electronic device (IED) with a wireless communication system that includes a main antenna and diversity antenna, integrated into a socket-based revenue meter, allowing secure and reliable wireless transmission of power parameters to remote computing devices, while being tamper-proof and indicating any unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If wireless communication capabilities are added to IEDs, then remote transmission of power usage data is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection for internal components, acts as a mounting surface for the antenna, and incorporates tamper-indicating features. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby adding wireless communication capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is integrated directly into the housing structure rather than being a separate external component. The housing itself becomes part of the antenna mounting system, combining the protective enclosure function with the wireless communication function in a single integrated structure.
2Reliability
If tamper-proof and tamper-indicating features are implemented, then device security is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates visual indicators that change appearance or reveal specific features when tampering occurs. This allows the tamper-indicating function to be achieved through material properties and design features that can be integrated into the manufacturing process rather than requiring separate complex security mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed as an assembly of components that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and manufactured using appropriate processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while still achieving tamper-proof and tamper-indicating capabilities through the assembly configuration.
3Reliability
If multiple antennas are integrated into the housing, then wireless communication reliability is improved, but housing design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is designed to accommodate multiple antennas through integrated mounting features such as recesses, channels, or embedded elements. This universal mounting approach allows multiple antennas to be installed without requiring separate complex mounting mechanisms for each antenna, thereby improving wireless communication reliability while controlling housing design complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent electronic device (IED) is provided. The IED includes a metering sub-assembly and an input base module sub-assembly. The metering sub-assembly is hinged to the input base module sub-assembly, where when in an open position, various cables, connectors, and input/output cards/modules are accessible. Various input/output cards/modules are interchangeable to add/change functionality and/or communication capabilities to the IED In one embodiment, a communication card is provided with at least one antenna disposed internal or external to a housing of the IED.