Foil Laminate for Hermetic Enclosures
AssigneeItron, Inc.
InventorShawn Showcatally
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An electronics enclosure is configured to provide protection against a wet and/or humid environment, and that is configured to allow radio frequency (RF) reception and transmission by electronics within the enclosure. In an example of the enclosure, a plurality of layers interact synergistically to provide protection against moisture and a plurality of low cost antennas are disposed proximate an exterior of the enclosure. In the example, a foil layer of the enclosure defines a small opening, through which RF and electrical coupling occurs. The coupling ensures electrical connection to the antenna(s), defined in a layer proximate an exterior of the enclosure.
Claims20
A water-resistant enclosure, comprising:
- a main body, comprising:
- a foil layer to provide a moisture barrier to protect an interior of the water-resistant enclosure, wherein the foil layer defines an opening to allow electrical communication through the foil layer;
- and
- an antenna layer, located in a position external to the foil layer, wherein the antenna layer is electrically connected to a conductor passing through the opening through the foil layer;
- and
- a cap, attachable to the main body by adhesive, the cap comprising:
- a foil layer configured to overlay the opening in the foil layer;
- and
- a protective layer adhered to an exterior surface of the foil layer.
An enclosure, comprising:
- a body comprising:
- a foil layer defining an opening to allow passage of an electrical conductor;
- and
- an antenna layer, having an antenna defined on a substrate, the antenna layer external to the foil layer;
- wherein the antenna is connected to the electrical conductor passing through the foil layer.
A water-resistant enclosure, comprising:
- a main body, comprising:
- a foil layer to provide a moisture barrier to protect an interior of the water-resistant enclosure, wherein the foil layer defines an opening to allow electrical communication through the foil layer;
- and
- an antenna layer, located in a position external to the foil layer, wherein the antenna layer is electrically connected to a conductor passing through the opening of the foil layer;
- and
- a cap, attachable to the main body, and comprising a foil layer configured to overlay the opening defined in the foil layer of the water-resistant enclosure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.