Wireless Module Antenna Segmentation for Explosion-Proof Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless devices face challenges in achieving stable wireless communications in environments with inflammable gases due to fixed antennas, restricted antenna types, and limited flexibility in installation position and angle, which hinder effective communication.

Innovation Solution

A wireless module and device that allows selection and use of external antennas conforming to explosion-proof standards, enabling flexible antenna installation and improved communication stability by processing signals through a signal processing module and wireless module connected via an antenna connection module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the antenna is fixed to the wireless device to meet explosion-proof standards, then the device satisfies safety requirements, but the installation position and angle cannot be set up freely, and communication stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexplosion-proof standard complianceVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless device is divided into separate functional modules: the explosion-proof control unit and the antenna unit. The antenna can be detached from the main device body and installed independently at optimal positions for communication, while the control unit remains fixed to maintain explosion-proof integrity. This segmentation allows the antenna to be positioned freely without compromising the safety certification of the main device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An explosion-proof cable or connector acts as an intermediary between the fixed control unit and the movable antenna. This intermediary component maintains the explosion-proof barrier while allowing the antenna to be positioned at optimal locations for signal transmission, thus resolving the conflict between safety requirements and installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If a large-sized antenna is used to achieve long-distance communications, then communication distance is improved, but the physical size and weight become problematic for installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication distanceVSAvoidantenna weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is extracted as a separate, removable component from the main wireless device. This allows the use of larger antennas for long-distance communication when needed, while the lightweight main device can be easily installed in restricted locations. The antenna can be optimized for communication performance without being constrained by the weight limitations of the installed device location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If the wireless device is installed near the field device to omit pipe installation work, then installation complexity is reduced, but electric waves are reflected and blocked by pipelines, deteriorating communication stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation complexityVSAvoidwireless communication stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the antenna from the main wireless device, the antenna can be positioned away from metal pipelines and other obstructions that block radio waves. The main device can remain near the field device for simple installation, while the antenna is strategically placed in locations with clear signal paths, thus maintaining both installation simplicity and communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3054603B1Wireless module, wireless apparatus, and field apparatus control system
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3054603B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3054603B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3054603B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This wireless module is provided with: an antenna connecting terminal capable of having a plurality of external antennas connected thereto; a circuit, which selects at least one external antenna from among the external antennas connected to the antenna connecting terminal, and which transmits and receives wireless signals using the selected external antenna; and a first connector for inputting and outputting the signals transmitted and received by means of the circuit.