Wireless Access Point Antenna Module Snap-Fit Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless access point devices require complex and time-consuming operations for antenna module installation, disassembly, and replacement, which increases the risk of accidents due to the need for tools and elevated working positions.

Innovation Solution

A wireless access point device design featuring a main frame, antenna module, transmission assembly, unlocking assembly, and fastener, where the antenna module is detachably connected using a buckle and elastic member, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without the need for tools, reducing the risk of accidents and simplifying maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If screwing fashion is used to fix antenna module, then connection strength is improved, but operation complexity increases and assembly/disassembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional screwing mechanical system with a snap-fit mechanism consisting of a buckle, elastic member, and fastening recess. This substitution eliminates the need for screwdrivers and wrenches, transforming a complex tool-based mechanical operation into a simple tool-free snap-in/snap-out action while maintaining secure connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member automatically engages the buckle with the fastening recess through elastic force, creating a self-locking mechanism that secures the antenna module without requiring additional fastening operations. The mechanism serves itself by using the elastic deformation of the member to both install and lock the connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If screwing fashion is used to fix antenna module, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly/disassembly speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly/disassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member is pre-loaded and positioned within the buckle structure before assembly. When the antenna module is inserted, the elastic member is already ready to engage the fastening recess, eliminating the need for sequential fastening operations. This preliminary preparation enables rapid one-action assembly while ensuring reliable engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-step screwing process is replaced with a single-snap snap-fit mechanism. The elastic member and buckle system provides both rapid assembly and dependable connection through its spring-loaded engagement design, achieving high productivity without sacrificing connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If tools are required for antenna module installation, then connection precision is improved, but safety risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection precisionVSAvoidsafety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for external tools (screwdrivers, wrenches) from the assembly process. By integrating the fastening function directly into the antenna module structure through the buckle and elastic member system, the harmful factor of tool-based operations and associated safety risks are completely removed while maintaining precise connection through the designed snap-fit geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Facilitates quicker and safer maintenance or replacement of antenna modules by eliminating the need for tools and reducing the risk of falls from elevated positions, thereby improving operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The fastener includes a buckle and an elastic member respectively connected to the buckle and the second connection portion of the waveguide. When the buckle is pushed out of the fastening recess by the unlocking assembly, the second connection portion is separable from the first connection portion.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11469793B2Wireless access point device
Publication Date: 2022.10.11 ACCTON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
  • US11469793B2 patent drawing
  • US11469793B2 patent drawing
  • US11469793B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless access point device includes a main frame, an antenna module, a signal transceiving element, an unlocking assembly and a fastener. The main frame includes a casing and a first connection portion formed with a fastening recess, connected to the casing and communicates with the internal space. The signal transceiving element is located in the casing. The antenna module includes a waveguide and a second connection portion disposed on one end of the waveguide. The second connection portion is detachably connected to the first connection portion to couple to the signal transceiving element. The unlocking assembly is movably located in the fastening recess. The fastener includes a buckle, and an elastic member that is connected to the second connection portion and the buckle. The antenna module is fixed on the main frame when the buckle is inserted into the fastening recess.