Sealed Conductive Feed-Through for External Antenna in Consumption Meters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumption meters face a conflict between protecting electronic components from ambient conditions and maintaining a sufficient communication range, with internal antennas compromising protection and external antennas requiring costly housing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A consumption meter design featuring a conductive feed-through with a sealed compartment and a conductive path from the communication module to an external part, allowing for external communication equipment attachment without exposing internal components to ambient conditions, using a single sealing means and conductive paths deposited via techniques like CVD or PVD for enhanced protection and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an internal antenna is used to protect electronic components from ambient conditions, then protection is improved, but communication range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive feed-through structure acts as an intermediary element that extends the antenna function from the sealed internal compartment to the external environment. The conductive path includes a first section inside the compartment connected to the communication module, and a second section outside the compartment that extends into the ambient environment, thereby mediating between the protected internal components and the external communication space.
2Length of stationary object
If an external antenna is used to ensure communication range, then communication range is improved, but protection of electronic components deteriorates due to exposure to ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into distinct sections: the communication module remains sealed within the protected compartment, while the conductive feed-through is divided into a first section inside the compartment and a second section outside. This segmentation allows the internal components to remain protected while the external section provides antenna functionality in the ambient environment.
3Length of stationary object
If an external antenna is used to improve communication range, then communication range is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to costly housing solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive feed-through structure serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection for the antenna, maintains the sealing integrity of the housing, and enables external antenna functionality without requiring a specially designed complex housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces both device complexity and manufacturing cost.
Data Source
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AI summary
A consumption meter is provided with a conductive feed through for external communication equipment. The meter comprises a housing (104) which forms a closed compartment when an opening of the housing is closed with a cover (106). The compartment includes a communication module (204) and the conductive feed through comprises at least one conductive path (202, 408) from the communication module (204) to an outside part of the meter (102), which outside part is subject to ambient conditions. The path is provided via the opening of the housing and a sealing means (210) in the opening of the housing is used to seal against a first surface (308) of the conductive path when the cover is attached to the housing.