Wireless Backplane Coupling for Detachable Module Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial control systems face challenges in enabling efficient, space-saving, and economical wireless communication between a variable number of communication modules without electrical contact, which is necessary for easy removal, replacement, and addition of modules in industrial automation applications.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication apparatus featuring a main transmission line with multiple coupling points and antennas, allowing directional coupling between main and auxiliary antennas, which are integrated into a printed circuit board, enabling communication between detachable modules while minimizing interference and impedance issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication between communication modules is implemented using existing industrial control systems, then communication between modules is enabled, but the system complexity increases and space requirements increase due to electrical contact requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical contact (mechanical connection) with wireless electromagnetic field communication. The main transmission line generates electromagnetic fields that couple with auxiliary antennas on communication modules, eliminating the need for physical electrical contacts and reducing system complexity while maintaining communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate electromagnetic field as a mediator between the main transmission line and communication modules. The field coupling areas act as intermediaries that transfer energy and information without direct electrical contact, enabling wireless communication while simplifying the overall system architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication modules are connected to the main transmission line, then communication versatility increases, but impedance adaptation becomes unstable and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling interface into field coupling areas on the main transmission line and separate auxiliary antennas on communication modules. This segmentation isolates the main transmission line's impedance characteristics from the variable loading effects of multiple detachable modules, maintaining stable impedance adaptation regardless of how many modules are connected
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses field coupling to create an electromagnetic copy or representation of the transmission signal that can be received by multiple auxiliary antennas simultaneously. This copying mechanism allows multiple communication modules to access the transmission line without directly loading it, preserving impedance stability while enabling versatile multi-module communication
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication range is extended to allow module detachment and replacement, then ease of operation improves, but environmental interference increases and system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses evanescent electromagnetic fields that decay exponentially with distance as a natural shielding mechanism. These fields are confined to near-field coupling regions, creating an implicit electromagnetic shell that prevents signals from propagating far beyond the immediate coupling area, thus avoiding environmental interference while enabling module detachment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary anti-action by using directional coupling and field confinement techniques to prevent electromagnetic signals from reaching external environments where interference could occur. The coupling geometry and field distribution are designed in advance to naturally limit radiation and susceptibility to external interferers
4Measurement precision
If directional coupling is implemented between main antennas and auxiliary antennas, then communication precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional planar circuit board traces to three-dimensional field coupling between main transmission lines and auxiliary antennas. This dimensional transition enables directional coupling precision through spatial field distribution and orientation, achieving high communication precision while the coupling structures remain simple planar elements on standard circuit boards
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
This solution allows for flexible and interference-limited wireless communication between communication modules, ensuring stable performance regardless of the number of modules connected, and reduces environmental interference by controlling the range of radio waves.
Implementation Method 1
each main antenna is adapted to communicate with an auxiliary antenna linked to a communication module
Implementation Method 2
each main antenna is linked to a coupling area for a directional coupling between said main antenna and the main transmission line at a coupling point
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for wireless communications between communication modules, the apparatus including a main transmission line which has a plurality of coupling points, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of main antennas, and wherein each main antenna is linked to a coupling area for a directional coupling between the main antenna and the main transmission line at a coupling point and each main antenna is adapted to communicate with an auxiliary antenna linked to a communication module.