Wireless Gateway Segmentation for Signal Integrity and Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wireless gateway systems are large, heavy, and costly due to the need for power supply circuits and explosion-proof requirements, leading to high installation workloads and degradation of wireless communication performance when antennas are installed at high locations, and when cables are lengthened to connect only the antenna, high-frequency signals are degraded.
Innovation Solution
A wireless gateway system with a separate power supply apparatus that converts external power to internal voltage for the gateway apparatus, allowing the gateway to operate independently and relay signals between wireless field devices and external controllers, using a wired protocol, while the power supply apparatus includes overcurrent protection and insulation circuits to ensure safe and efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless gateway apparatus is installed at a high location to enable satisfactory communication with wireless field devices, then communication performance is improved, but installation cost and workload increase due to the need for heavy fasteners and expensive materials
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a lightweight gateway apparatus and a power supply apparatus. The gateway apparatus can be installed at high locations without requiring heavy fasteners, while the power supply apparatus is installed separately at accessible locations, resolving the contradiction between communication performance and installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply function is extracted from the gateway apparatus and implemented as a separate power supply apparatus. This allows the gateway apparatus to be lightweight and easy to install at high locations, while the power supply is provided through a separate unit connected via cable.
2Ease of operation
If only the antenna is installed at a high location and the cable is lengthened to connect to the gateway apparatus at a low location, then installation workload is reduced, but wireless communication performance deteriorates due to high-frequency signal degradation in the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the antenna function from the gateway apparatus, allowing the antenna to be installed at the optimal high location for wireless communication while the gateway apparatus is positioned separately. This segmentation enables independent optimization of both wireless communication performance and cable routing.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable connection serves as an intermediary between the antenna and the gateway apparatus, enabling the antenna to be positioned at high locations for optimal communication while the gateway apparatus can be installed at accessible locations for ease of maintenance and power supply connection.
3Reliability
If the wireless gateway apparatus includes a power supply circuit and conforms to explosion-proof requirements, then operational reliability is ensured, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is extracted from the gateway apparatus and implemented in a separate power supply apparatus. This allows the gateway apparatus to be lightweight and simple in structure, while the power supply function is provided by an external unit, resolving the contradiction between operational reliability and device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into a gateway apparatus and a separate power supply apparatus. The gateway apparatus focuses on wireless communication and signal processing functions, while the power supply apparatus handles power conversion and supply, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function and reducing overall system complexity.
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 configuration reduces installation costs and workloads, minimizes wireless communication performance deterioration, and allows for cost-effective installation of the gateway at high locations without degrading signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply apparatus converts a voltage from an external power supply to a predetermined internal voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless gateway system includes a gateway apparatus having a gateway function and including an antenna that wirelessly communicates with a wireless field device, and a power supply apparatus separated from the gateway apparatus. The power supply apparatus converts a voltage from an external power supply to a predetermined internal voltage, supplies the internal voltage to the gateway apparatus, and relays a wired signal in conformance with a first wired communication protocol between an external controller and the gateway apparatus. The gateway apparatus operates using the internal voltage supplied from the power supply apparatus, converts a wireless signal in conformance with a wireless communication protocol received from the wireless field device to a wired signal in conformance with the first wired communication protocol, and transmits the converted wired signal to the power supply apparatus.