Sensor Radio Module Adaptation for Varying Housing Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensors in automation technology face challenges in adapting their radio communication modules due to varying materials used in their housings, such as UV-stable plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel, which affect antenna requirements and radio transmission quality.
Innovation Solution
A controller-driven arrangement that selects radio module features based on sensor structure parameters, including housing material, by using switchable matching networks and electronic component adjustments to optimize antenna impedance and transmission characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radio communication module is integrated into a sensor with a specific housing material, then the antenna can be optimized for that material, but the sensor cannot be adapted to different housing materials without redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by enabling the radio module to automatically adjust its antenna parameters based on the detected housing material. The controller determines the housing material and dynamically configures the matching network components (inductors, capacitors) to optimize antenna performance for each material type, transforming a static system into an adaptive one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes electrical parameters of the matching network (inductance values, capacitance values, impedance settings) based on the housing material detected. By storing multiple sets of optimized parameters in memory and selecting the appropriate set based on the housing material, the system achieves adaptation without physical redesign.
2Reliability
If the antenna is optimized for a specific housing material, then radio characteristics are improved, but the sensor design becomes material-specific and cannot be reused with different materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal radio module design that can function with multiple housing materials through software-controlled parameter adjustment. Instead of creating separate hardware designs for each material, a single modular design with configurable parameters serves multiple purposes, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining optimized performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical hardware variations (different antenna designs for different materials) with electronic/software-based parameter adjustments. The controller stores multiple parameter sets and selects the appropriate ones based on the housing material, substituting mechanical/design complexity with programmable adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna configurations are provided for different housing materials, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic parameter selection through software control rather than providing multiple static antenna configurations. The controller dynamically switches between stored parameter sets based on the detected housing material, achieving adaptability without physically implementing multiple complete matching networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multiple configurations by changing electrical parameters (inductance, capacitance, impedance values) of a single matching network through electronic switching or variable components, rather than providing separate physical matching networks for each material type.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for a sensor of automation technology, the arrangement selecting a radio module feature, and the radio module feature depending on a sensor structure. The arrangement including a controller that selects the radio module feature according to the sensor structure.