Cylindrical Access Point Housing for Protected Internal Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network access point devices are large, visually unappealing, and pose risks due to exposed antennas and complex controls, which can frustrate users and diminish the user experience.
Innovation Solution
A compact, cylindrical access point device with rounded edges and a seamless design, featuring a housing with a heat sink and heat shield to protect internal components, along with a simplified antenna carrier and status lights integrated into the housing for improved robustness and user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional access point devices include external antennas, then wireless signal transmission is enabled, but the antennas are within reach of small children or animals that may move or damage them
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is nested inside the housing of the access point device, specifically positioned in a recessed area. This internal placement protects the antenna from external damage by children or animals while maintaining its wireless signal transmission functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional access point devices include complex controls and status lights, then device functionality and monitoring are enhanced, but the controls and status lights can be difficult for some users to understand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex physical controls and intricate status light systems from the device. Only essential status lights are retained to indicate basic operational states, thereby simplifying the user interface while preserving core device functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional access point devices are designed with standard housing, then manufacturing is straightforward, but the devices are large and visually unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a curved, rounded exterior shape rather than sharp angles or flat surfaces. This curved design improves visual appeal and allows for a more compact form factor while maintaining ease of manufacturing through standard molding processes.
4Device complexity
If conventional access point devices lack internal protection, then device assembly is simple, but the internal components are vulnerable to damage and electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is nested within the housing in a recessed area, and the circuit board is positioned within the housing structure. This nested arrangement provides inherent protection for internal components while maintaining a simple overall assembly process.
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
The solution provides a visually appealing and robust access point device that minimizes risks to users and enhances user experience through a compact, easy-to-understand design and effective protection against damage and electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
a housing (104) including a top housing member (108) and a bottom housing member (110)
Implementation Method 2
a heat sink (506) positioned between the antenna carrier (502) and the circuit board assembly (508)
Implementation Method 3
a heat shield (510) proximate to the circuit board assembly (508) to shield the circuit board assembly from electromagnetic interference
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
Inter alia, an access point is disclosed. The access point comprises a housing. The housing comprises a top housing member having a wall that is generally cylindrical about a longitudinal axis, the top housing member having a top-end portion connected to a first end of the wall via rounded corners, the wall having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface; and a bottom housing member connected to the top housing member at a second end of the wall, the bottom housing member having a bottom exterior surface and an opposing interior surface, the bottom housing member comprising a curved edge between the bottom exterior surface and the second end of the wall of the top housing member. The access point further comprises multiple antennas positioned within the housing and operable to transmit and receive communication signals, the multiple antennas positioned within a tolerance distance of two millimeters to the inner surface of the wall; a circuit board assembly positioned within the housing and operable to provide a gateway to a wireless network, the circuit board assembly comprising one or more Ethernet ports; and a heat shield positioned adjacent to the circuit board assembly to shield the circuit board assembly from electromagnetic interference. The bottom housing member includes an exterior cavity formed by a portion of the bottom exterior surface. The exterior cavity comprises an interior side that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The exterior cavity has one or more openings aligned with the one or more Ethernet ports of the circuit board assembly.