Survey Tool RF Module Apertures for Strength and Omnidirectional Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surveying holes in mineral mining is time-consuming and cumbersome due to inefficiencies in communication and data transfer between survey tools and external systems, which affects both efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A communication module for survey tools featuring an RF transceiver housed in a structurally robust and pressure-rated outer housing with circumferentially arranged apertures that allow omnidirectional RF signal propagation, enabling efficient communication over distances up to 20 meters without the need for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inner body is made with large apertures for RF signal propagation, then RF communication capability is improved, but structural integrity to withstand torsional and axial forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inner body incorporates apertures with specific dimensional characteristics (length and width) that are optimized for RF signal propagation while maintaining sufficient material between apertures to withstand mechanical forces. The apertures are circumferentially arranged to provide omnidirectional RF communication while preserving structural integrity through carefully controlled spacing and dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for aperture dimensions (length and width) to balance RF signal propagation requirements with structural strength requirements. The aperture width is controlled to allow RF signals to pass through effectively while maintaining sufficient material thickness to resist torsional and axial forces during survey tool rotation and operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple apertures are circumferentially arranged for omnidirectional RF communication, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner body is segmented with multiple apertures distributed circumferentially around its perimeter. This segmentation allows RF signals to propagate through multiple discrete pathways, enabling omnidirectional communication capability while maintaining a relatively simple monolithic structure without requiring complex assemblies or mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the aperture length is increased to meet RF propagation requirements, then RF signal transmission is improved, but the module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture length is optimized to the minimum necessary dimension to allow effective RF signal propagation through the inner body. The width of the aperture is controlled to provide sufficient structural material while the length is sufficient to allow RF signals to pass through effectively, achieving a balance between communication performance and compact module dimensions.
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
The solution enhances workflow efficiency and safety by allowing omnidirectional RF communication, enabling data upload from survey tools to external systems while maintaining structural integrity and pressure resistance, thus reducing the complexity and time required for surveying operations.
Implementation Method 1
an RF transceiver in the inner body, at least one coupling for coupling the communication module to a survey tool assembly, wherein the inner body comprises two or more apertures circumferentially arranged about the inner body, each aperture having: a) a length that allows propagation of RF signals to/from the RF transceiver
Data Source
AI summary
A communication module for a survey tool assembly comprising: an outer housing, an inner body within the outer housing, an RF transceiver in the inner body, at least one coupling for coupling the communication module to a survey tool assembly, wherein the inner body comprises two or more apertures circumferentially arranged about the inner body, each aperture having: a) a length that allows propagation of RF signals to/from the RF transceiver, and b) a width such that the body has structural integrity to withstand: torsional forces due to rotation of a survey tool assembly and/or axial forces due to forces along the survey tool assembly.