Rotatable Antenna Mount for Industrial Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial process transmitters face challenges in harsh environments due to exposure to liquids, dust, humidity, and electromagnetic interference, which can damage electrical components and disrupt wireless communication.
Innovation Solution
A field-hardened industrial device with a sealed housing and a rotatable antenna mount that is resistant to environmental contamination and electromagnetic interference, allowing for reliable wireless communication with remote devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an antenna is attached to the field device for wireless communication, then wireless communication capability is improved, but the antenna becomes vulnerable to damage from harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented from the main device housing by providing it through a sealed opening in the housing. This allows the antenna to be electrically connected to the device while physically separated and protected from harsh environmental conditions by the sealed housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed opening or aperture in the housing acts as an intermediary element, allowing the antenna to extend through the housing while maintaining the seal integrity. This intermediary structure enables wireless communication functionality while protecting internal components from environmental contaminants.
2Ease of manufacture
If the antenna is fixed in a specific orientation on the housing, then installation is simplified, but the antenna cannot be optimally oriented for different installation scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna mount is made rotatable relative to the housing, transforming it from a static fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the antenna to be rotated to different orientations after installation, providing versatility for various installation scenarios while maintaining a simple fixed-mount structure during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna mounting structure incorporates rotational freedom around an axis perpendicular to the housing surface, adding a rotational degree of freedom. This dimensional freedom allows the antenna to be oriented in different directions without complicating the basic mounting attachment to the housing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna mount is made rotatable to allow orientation adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates a simple rotational joint that allows the antenna to be rotated to different orientations. This dynamic element provides adjustability without requiring complex mechanisms, maintaining relative simplicity while enabling orientation changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable mount serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment of the antenna to the housing, enables rotation to different orientations, and maintains a sealed connection point. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, keeping the overall structure relatively simple despite the added rotational capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A field device (100) including a housing (102) having an outer surface (103) and an inner surface (105) surrounding a main cavity (117). The housing (102) further includes an aperture (114) extending from the main cavity (117) to the outer surface (103). An electrical component (28) is located within the main cavity (117) of the housing. An antenna (18) is in electrical communication with the electrical component (28). The field device (100) further includes a rotatable mount (110) attached to the housing (102). The mount (110) has a channel (120) extending from a first end (118) to a second end (122) of the mount. A cable (182) is electrically connected to the electrical component (28) and the antenna (18) and the cable (182) extends through at least a portion of the channel (120).