TW202103367A - Transceiver devices for soil sensors - Google Patents

Abstract

A transceiver device (100) includes a housing (110). The transceiver device (100) includes at least one battery (116) housed within the housing (110). The transceiver device (100) includes an antenna (230) housed within the housing (110). Further, the antenna (230) has a metal surface (240) below the antenna (230). The transceiver device (100) includes a sensor (200) electrically coupled with the at least one battery (116) and configured with the antenna (230). The transceiver device (100) is characterized in that the housing (110) is provided with a spacer means such that the antenna (230) and the metal surface (240) are disposed at a predefined distance relative to each other.

Description

Transceiver device for soil sensor

The present invention relates to a transceiver device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a transceiver device that provides the benefit of improved characteristics associated with the antenna of the transceiver device.

The transceiver device includes an antenna to exchange data with a mobile unit (such as a lawnmower) usually in the case of outdoor applications. During the application, the transceiver device is assembled in the ground surface from which data exchange with the mobile unit occurs. But there have been concerns about low-range antenna characteristics (specifically, the range of the antenna) resulting in less effective implementation. This seems to be the case when the transceiver device is deeply fitted into the ground surface resulting in a loss of the range of the antenna characteristics. In order to deal with this problem, an increase in size, that is, the length of the antenna, may be specified, or there may be a trade-off in range (of antenna characteristics), which is often unacceptable for several reasons.

Moreover, such problems result in unreliable and less effective work with the lawnmower, which requires correct guidance from the antenna for better maneuvering. Efforts have been made in the past to solve such problems, but there is still a need for solutions to reduce the loss of antenna characteristics and to guide it above the ground for effective work.

An example of a transceiver device is provided by US 93,26,462 (hereinafter referred to as the '462 reference). The '462 reference provides a soil moisture sensor. The soil moisture sensor includes a sensor body having a horizontally elongated shape. The sensor circuit assembly is horizontally disposed in the sensor main body, and the antenna is coupled to the sensor circuit assembly and is oriented horizontally in the sensor main body. The sensor probe assembly is connected to the first end of the sensor body so as to be substantially perpendicular to the horizontal elongated sensor body. However, the '462 reference does not seem to mention improving the antenna characteristics of the soil moisture sensor. In addition, the '462 reference can be limited by constraints related to any other shape/size/type of antenna compared to its current configuration.

Therefore, there is a need for improved transceiver devices that provide the benefits of terrestrial and wide-ranging antenna characteristics without substantial changes to the transceiver device.

In view of the above, the purpose of the present invention is to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. This objective is achieved at least in part by the transceiver device. The transceiver device includes a housing. The transceiver device includes at least one battery housed in a housing. The transceiver device includes an antenna housed in a housing. In addition, the antenna has a metal surface under the antenna. The transceiver device includes a sensor electrically coupled to at least one battery and configured to have an antenna. The transceiver device is characterized in that the housing is provided with spacers so that the antenna and the metal surface are arranged at a predefined distance with respect to each other. Therefore, the present invention provides a simple, convenient and effective operation of the transceiver device by better control of the range and scope of the antenna characteristics.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes an antenna housing and a battery housing. The separation provided between the antenna housing and the battery housing results in low interference between electronic components and antenna signals, more ergonomics, easy maintenance, and other benefits.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spacer device is a spacer frame, and the spacer frame has a size according to a predefined distance. The spacer frame can be easily inserted or removed, allowing the predefined distance and desired antenna characteristics to be changed according to requirements.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spacer is a part of the housing in the form of a recess or protrusion of the housing to satisfy a predefined distance. This can be more suitable for devices that require semi-permanent or fixed assembly of transceiver equipment, where the spacer device does not need to be frequently changed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spacer between the antenna and the metal surface imparts desired antenna characteristics. This allows the transceiver device to be widely used in outdoor appliances, such as robotic weeders.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the metal surface is the radio frequency module PCBA. The metal surface can be any other electronic device or module, PCB, as will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the antenna is at least partially covered by the top cover. The presence of the top cover protects the transceiver device from external media (eg, dust, moisture), and at the same time extends the working life of the transceiver device.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor may measure at least one parameter associated with the surrounding environment of the sensor. Then, the transceiver device can transmit the measured parameters to any connected devices, such as robotic weeders, user equipment (laptop computers, smart phones, etc.), and so on.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the sensor is a soil sensor. The transceiver device of the present invention can be easily implemented with any sensor (especially a sensor used in outside (garden) applications (such as a soil sensor)).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the metal surface includes wings. The presence of wings can benefit from considerations such as radiation, isolation optimization, and any other benefits, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Other features and aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and drawings.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more fully with reference to the drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms, and the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; on the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present invention will be thorough and complete, and will provide a clear understanding to those skilled in the art. Fully convey the scope of the present invention. For example, one or more aspects of the invention may be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements.

For convenience only, certain terms are used herein, and certain terms are not considered as limiting the present invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "portrait," "lateral", "horizontal", "upwards", "down", "forward" ", "backward", "to the side", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "upward", "inside", "outside", "inward", " Outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "center", "middle", "intermediate", "between" , "End", "adjacent", "close", "adjacent", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", etc. only describe the configuration shown in the figure. In fact, the components It can be oriented in any direction, and thus, the term should be understood to encompass such variations unless otherwise specified.

In the drawings and the description, the preferred embodiments and examples of the present invention have been disclosed, and although specific terms are used, the specific terms are only used in a general and descriptive sense, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the following Explained in the scope of the patent application.

FIG. 1 shows the transceiver device 100 together with some important parts of the transceiver device 100. The transceiver device 100 finds application in outdoor environments (such as gardens, lawns, etc.) where ground/soil/environmental factors (for example, temperature, humidity, solar radiation) need to be monitored. The transceiver device 100 is usually basically installed in the ground in an outdoor environment, and the transceiver device 100 has an antenna 230 (shown in FIG. 2) to transmit the monitored information (soil, etc.) to an external device, such as Robotic weeders, user equipment (such as laptops, tablets, smart phones). In some applications, the transceiver device 100 can be easily removed from the ground in the outside environment for purposes such as maintenance, data collection, etc. The present invention mainly discusses the influence on the antenna characteristics of the antenna 230 of the transceiver device 100 when the antenna 230 is placed near the metal surface 240 (shown in FIG. 2), etc. However, the present invention can be easily applied to the use of antennas, PCBs, etc. Or any electronic device with similar components.

As shown in the figure, the transceiver device 100 includes a housing 110. The housing 110 is divided into a battery housing 112 and an antenna housing 114. The separation of the battery housing 112 and the antenna housing 114 may be for ergonomic considerations, ease of maintenance, and low interference from the antenna 230 of the transceiver device 100, radio frequency and electronic equipment, and other operations (eg, signals). The housing 110 includes at least one battery 116 housed in the housing 110, and the present invention shows two batteries 116 housed in the housing 110. From the perspective of the embodiment, the battery 116 is inserted into the housing 110 from below the housing 110 (as seen with respect to the perspective view shown here), however, other assembly positions, directions, or orientations have been envisaged, and other assembly positions , Direction or orientation completely fall within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the housing 110 includes a guide rail 118 or any other attachment device for mating with the sensor 200 (such as the attachment assembly shown in FIG. 3 above). In some embodiments, the battery 116 may be a rechargeable battery, and in particular, the rechargeable battery may be charged in time by using solar radiation or the like during outdoor applications.

Also, when the battery 116 is inserted into the housing 110, then the battery cap 120 (with the assembled O-ring and battery spring contacts 302) may be fixed to the housing 110. This will provide benefits such as the correct positioning and operation of the battery 116 within the housing 110. After assembling the battery cover 120, the battery cover 130 is used to cover the housing 110 from below, and to check for any unintended removal or loss of the battery 116. The transceiver device 100 of the present invention also includes additional elements, such as a spacer frame 140 as shown here. In various embodiments of the present invention, the spacer frame 140 is disclosed as having a substantially "H" shape, but the present invention is not limited by any shape/size/size/type of the spacer frame 140. Therefore, the spacer frame 140 may have any other shape, such as “I”, “T”, “O” or any letter or convenient shape suitable for mass production and easy to assemble with the transceiver device 100. Moreover, in the case of not interfering with the operation of the antenna 230, PCBA and other electronic components of the transceiver device 100, the spacer frame 140 can be produced with any material, such as but not limited to metal, glass fiber, and rubber. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the selection of the material of the spacer frame 140 in any way.

FIG. 2 shows the sensor 200 of the transceiver device 100. The sensor 200 includes a sensor PCBA 212 and a reset button 214 provided on the board 210. The reset button 214 can be used to reset the sensor 200, or for any of its other functions, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, the radio frequency module PCBA 240 and the antenna 230 are attached to the board 210 through a cord 250. The sensor 200 is electrically coupled with the battery 116 by means of a battery spring contact 302 and is configured to have an antenna 230.

In some embodiments, the spacing frame 140 may be configured to dynamically change the predefined distance between the antenna 230 and the radio frequency module PCBA 240 to effect desired changes to the antenna characteristics of the transceiver device 100. This feature can be easily used to change the range of antenna characteristics, which in turn causes a change in the working range of a mobile robotic device (such as a weeder wirelessly connected to the transceiver device 100). Moreover, an extended range of the antenna characteristics of the transceiver device 100 may be required to supplement the reduced power of the battery 116, or to communicate the exhausted battery status or any other problems to the user equipment (eg, mobile phones, laptops, etc.) Signal or notification.

In some embodiments, the radio frequency module PCBA 240 may be coupled to the antenna 230 through a spring-loaded contact element similar to the battery spring contact 302 of the present invention. Although spring loaded devices are preferred, other devices as known or used in the art have been envisaged, and other devices as known or used in the art are fully within the scope of the present invention. Spring-loaded contact elements are preferred attributable to ease of work and maintenance and other benefits.

The sensor 200 measures at least one parameter associated with the surrounding environment of the sensor 200. In some embodiments, the sensor 200 may be a soil sensor. The transceiver device 100 of the present invention can be easily implemented with any sensor, any sensor including soil sensor 200, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, etc., and the present invention is not affected by the sensor in any way. 200 limit.

FIG. 3 shows the assembly of the sensor 200 to the transceiver device 100. In particular, the plate 210 of the sensor 200 is attached to the guide rail 118 of the housing 110 by means of glue, but other attachment devices such as but not limited to magnets and mechanical couplings are possible and completely fall within the scope of the present invention. . In addition, the transceiver device 100 includes a battery spring contact 302 with rivets for establishing an electrical connection between the battery 116 and the sensor 200, refer to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 shows the assembly of a PCBA, such as a radio frequency module PCBA 240 housed in the housing 110 (in particular, housed in the antenna housing 114). Here, the radio frequency module PCBA 240 is shown inside the antenna housing 114, while the antenna 230 is still completely moved inside the antenna housing 114. In addition, the antenna 230 has a metal surface 240 (ie, the radio frequency module PCBA 240) under the antenna 230. FIG. 5 shows that the spacer is inserted on the radio frequency module PCBA 240 so that the antenna 230 and the metal surface 240 are arranged at a predefined distance with respect to each other. As shown in the figure, the spacer is a spacer frame 140 having a size according to a predefined distance. The spacer frame 140 can be easily inserted or removed, allowing the change of the predefined distance. During implementation, the presence of a spacer between the antenna 230 and the metal surface 240 imparts desired antenna characteristics. This allows the transceiver device 100 to be widely used in outdoor appliances, such as robotic weeders and the like.

As used herein, this title refers to the "antenna characteristics" as the profile or range and similar factors of the antenna 230. During the operation of the antenna 230, the profile or range and similar factors of the antenna 230 are compatible with any outdoor machine/unit/equipment ( For example, the data exchange of lawn mowers, smart phones, laptops, etc.) has an impact. In addition, as will be obvious to those skilled in the art, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the "antenna characteristics" need to be broadly defined, on the ground, and horizontally defined to enhance the operation of the antenna 230.

In an embodiment, the spacer is a part of the antenna housing 114 in the form of an indentation or protrusion (not shown, and can be based on requirements) of the antenna housing 114 to satisfy a predefined distance. This is more suitable for assemblies that require semi-permanent and similar solutions that do not require frequent changes to the spacer device.

FIG. 6 shows the sensor 200 and the transceiver device 100 after being potted according to an embodiment of the present invention. A potting process is performed around the spacer frame 140 in the antenna housing 114 (with the aid of the soil to be tested or monitored), resulting in the potting 602 of the radio frequency module PCBA 240 together with the potting 602 of the sensor PCBA 212.

Fig. 7 shows the closing of the antenna 230 of the sensor 200 in the transceiver device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This makes the transceiver device 100 almost ready to be installed in the ground of any external/outdoor environment (such as gardens, lawns, etc.). In addition, FIG. 8 shows the antenna 230 of the transceiver device 100 after being covered by the top cover 802. FIGS. 8 and 9 show different views of the transceiver device 100. In some embodiments, the antenna 230 may be at least partially surrounded by the top cover 802. As shown in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the top cover 802 is provided to protect any components of the transceiver device 100 from external media (eg, dust, moisture), as well as to extend the working life of the transceiver device 100. In addition, considering the possible interaction between the ground part of the transceiver device 100 and a mobile unit (such as a lawnmower, etc.), the top cover 802 may also be used as a shockproof and mechanical entry device. During maintenance, the top cover 802 may allow better access to the inside of the housing 110 of the transceiver device 100 as required.

In some embodiments, the transceiver device 100 further includes a soil-mounted valve box (not shown). The soil-mounted valve box can be any type of valve device that can allow better adjustment of the water content during operation with the transceiver device 100.

Moreover, FIG. 9 shows the transceiver device 100 with a battery cap 120 that covers the battery 116 to protect the battery 116 from external elements (for example, rain, dust, humidity, etc.), and allows the battery 116 to be in the case The correct orientation inside the body 110. Before the battery cover 130 is assembled around the battery cover 120 and the housing 110, the battery cover 120 is also used as an additional layer for protection and fixation of the battery 116, as shown in FIG. 10. Moreover, FIG. 10 shows different views of the transceiver device 100 of the present invention, in which the top cover 802 and the battery cover 130 are attached to the transceiver device 100 so that the transceiver device 100 is ready for the desired application.

FIG. 11 shows the internal part of the transceiver device 100 without the battery cover 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The metal surface or radio frequency module PCBA 240 has a wing 1102. According to considerations such as radiation and isolation optimization, the wing 1102 is shown as a wall device attached to (or integrally formed) with a metal surface or the radio frequency module PCBA 240. However, other shapes/styles/sizes/types of wings 1102 have been envisaged, and other shapes/styles/sizes/types of wings 1102 completely fall within the scope of the present invention.

As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the size/dimension/area of the metal surface/plane of the radio frequency module PCBA 240 should be larger or similar to the plane of the antenna 230. A metal surface with a large area or the RF module PCBA 240 will be the best for good isolation from the ground and radiation at the same time. In cases such as applying the metal surface/RF module PCBA 240 above the ground 1104, the area of the metal surface/RF module PCBA 240 should be optimized so that the isolation is not unreasonably low (for example, for very small areas) , Or the radiation is significantly obstructed (for example, for very large areas).

Alternatively, the antenna 230 may also have a larger size/dimension/area compared to the metal surface/RF module PCBA 240, and all such changes have been envisaged, and all such changes are completely within the scope of the present invention . Moreover, the antenna 230 may have a flat area, preferably provided with small holes according to mechanical and any other considerations. In the drawings and the description, the preferred embodiments and examples of the present invention have been disclosed, and although specific terms are used, the specific terms are only used in a general and descriptive sense, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the following Explained in the scope of the patent application.

100: Transceiver device 110: shell 112: battery case 114: Antenna housing 116: battery 118: Rail 120: battery cap 130: battery cover 140: Interval frame 200: Sensor 210: Board 212: Sensor PCBA 214: Reset button 230: Antenna 240: Metal surface/RF module PCBA 250: flexible cord 302: Battery spring contacts 602: potting 802: top cover 1102: Wing 1104: Ground

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a transceiver device according to an embodiment of the present invention along with some important parts thereof; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a sensor of a transceiver device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the assembly of a sensor in a transceiver device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the assembly of a sensor in a transceiver device according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a sensor element in which a spacer element is assembled into a transceiver device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a sensor and transceiver device after potting according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 shows a closed perspective view of the antenna of the sensor in the transceiver device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a transceiver device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the transceiver device is provided with a top cover attached thereto; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a transceiver device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the transceiver device having a battery cap attached thereto; FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a transceiver device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the transceiver device having a battery cover attached thereto; and FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an internal part of a transceiver device without a battery cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

100: Transceiver device

110: shell

112: battery case

114: Antenna housing

116: battery

140: Interval frame

210: Board

212: Sensor PCBA

230: Antenna

250: flexible cord

302: Battery spring contacts

602: potting

Claims (10)

A transceiver device (100), including: Shell (110); At least one battery (116), the at least one battery (116) is contained in the housing (110); An antenna (230), the antenna (230) is accommodated in the housing (110), wherein the antenna (230) has a metal surface (240) under the antenna (230); A sensor (200), the sensor (200) is electrically coupled with the at least one battery (116) and is configured to have the antenna (230); Its characteristics are: The housing (110) is provided with spacers so that the antenna (230) and the metal surface (240) are arranged at a predefined distance with respect to each other. The transceiver device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (110) includes an antenna housing (114) and a battery housing (112). The transceiver device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the spacer device is a spacer frame (140), and the spacer frame (140) has a size according to the predefined distance. The transceiver device (100) according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the spacer device is a part of the housing (110) in the form of a recess or protrusion of the housing (110) to satisfy the Pre-defined distance. The transceiver device (100) according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the spacer between the antenna (230) and the metal surface (240) imparts desired antenna characteristics. The transceiver device (100) according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the metal surface (240) is a radio frequency module PCBA (240). The transceiver device (100) according to claims 1 to 6, wherein the antenna (230) is at least partially covered by a top cover (802). The transceiver device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sensor (200) is configured to measure at least one associated with the surrounding environment of the sensor (200) parameter. The transceiver device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sensor (200) is a soil sensor. The transceiver device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal surface (240) includes a wing (1102).

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