Ceiling Mount for Wireless Devices Using Rotatable Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of wireless communication devices in wireless networking environments are cumbersome, time-consuming, and costly, often causing permanent property damage due to the need for drilling and use of tools, and existing solutions do not efficiently address the challenges of expanding network range and minimizing damage.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling mount system using a channel member and rotatable latch that allows wireless communication devices to be suspended from T-bar ceilings without tools or alterations, ensuring easy installation and removal without leaving residue or damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting methods (drilling, screws, mounting clips) are used to secure communication devices to ceilings, then the devices are firmly fixed and stable, but the installation becomes time-consuming, requires multiple tools, and causes permanent property damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mounting function from the communication device itself and integrates it into a separate ceiling-mounted clip mechanism. The clip includes a body with a receiving channel and a latch that can be independently installed on the ceiling, allowing the device to be simply attached and removed without tools or permanent modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into separate components: a ceiling-mounted clip body and a detachable latch mechanism. The clip body remains fixed to the ceiling while the latch can be engaged or disengaged to attach or remove devices, enabling quick installation and removal without affecting the permanent mounting structure.
2Reliability
If traditional mounting methods are used to secure communication devices, then the devices are firmly fixed, but the uninstallation process becomes equally problematic and leaves permanent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It can be rotated between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the mounting system to transition between a firmly fixed state during operation and an easily removable state during uninstallation, eliminating permanent damage.
3Reliability
If multiple mounting components (screws, nuts, washers, spacers, mounting clips) are used, then the device is securely mounted, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple traditional mounting components (screws, nuts, washers, spacers, and mounting clips) into a single integrated ceiling-mounted clip assembly. This unified structure includes all necessary mounting functions within one component system, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing installation complexity.
4Reliability
If communication devices are positioned throughout the operating area to provide serviceable signal strength, then network coverage is improved, but the costs and time for installation increase exponentially as the network grows
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system enables non-expert users to independently install and remove communication devices without requiring professional installers or special tools. The simple snap-in/snap-out mechanism allows end-users to perform maintenance, repositioning, or expansion tasks themselves, dramatically reducing installation costs and time as the network grows.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a ceiling mount for a device comprising a channel member and a latch. The channel member includes a side surface extending upward a first predetermined distance from a top surface of a housing of the device and a horizontal surface extending for a second predetermined distance away from the side surface in a direction substantially parallel to the top surface to define a first ceiling member receiving channel between the horizontal surface and the top surface. The latch is rotatably attached to the top surface. The latch defines a second ceiling member receiving channel between the latch and the top surface, so that when rotated, the latch covers the second ceiling member receiving channel.