RF-Transparent Inspection Chamber Cover with Sealed Apertures

Solution Overview

Problem

The current structure of inspection chambers and their covers, often made of metal or concrete, impedes the propagation of radio frequency signals, limiting the development and effectiveness of radio frequency transmission installations.

Innovation Solution

A cover for inspection chambers with a wall pierced by through openings filled with a sealing material transparent to radio frequency signals, facilitating signal propagation both inside and outside the chamber, and optionally incorporating radiating elements and diffraction devices for enhanced performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the cover is made of metal or concrete, then the mechanical strength is high enough to support vehicle circulation, but the propagation of radio frequency signals is impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidsignal propagation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into multiple sections: opaque portions (metal or concrete) for mechanical strength and transparent portions (plastic or acrylic) for RF signal transmission. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover uses composite construction combining metal/concrete portions for structural integrity and plastic/acrylic portions for RF transparency. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties in a single functional component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover is made entirely of transparent material, then the propagation of radio frequency signals is improved, but the mechanical strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal propagationVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into multiple sections: opaque portions (metal or concrete) for mechanical strength and transparent portions (plastic or acrylic) for RF signal transmission. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover uses composite construction combining metal/concrete portions for structural integrity and plastic/acrylic portions for RF transparency. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties in a single functional component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If through openings are added to the cover, then the propagation of radio frequency signals is facilitated, but the sealing performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal propagationVSAvoidsealing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing member (gasket) is introduced as an intermediary component between the cover body and the inspection chamber flange. This sealing member fills and seals the through openings, preventing water and debris infiltration while maintaining RF signal transmission capability through the transparent cover portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the cover have different properties: the transparent portions allow RF signal passage, while the sealing member located at the through openings provides water and debris protection. This local differentiation of function resolves the contradiction between signal propagation and sealing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Improves the propagation of radio frequency signals, making the cover easy to manufacture and cost-effective, compatible with various materials, and suitable for both existing and future manholes, thereby enhancing the functionality of radio frequency transmission devices.

Implementation Method 1

said material being made of a material transparent to the propagation of a radio frequency signal transmitted from and/or to the transmission device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transparency: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3688235B1Cover for an inspection chamber transparent for radio signals

Publication Date: 2023.02.01 ORANGE SA

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a manhole cover, said manhole being provided with an access opening and being suitable for containing a device for transmitting a radiofrequency signal, said cover comprising a wall (1a) intended for covering said access opening when the cover is in closed position, characterised in that the wall of the cover is bored by at least one through-opening (OC) filled with a sealing material (ME) of the cover, said material extending over the surface of the wall of the cover that is oriented towards the inside of the manhole when the cover is in closed position, said material being made up of a material that is transparent to the propagation of a radiofrequency signal transmitted from and/or to the transmission device.