Cylindrical Enclosure with Tapered Ends for Wireless Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless equipment enclosures diminish the aesthetic value of structures and can be affected by bird nesting, heat dissipation, and wind-loading, while also having inefficiencies in antenna alignment and wiring.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical enclosure with tapered ends, multiple sections, and a rotating assembly that houses radio equipment, antennas, and additional features like LED lights and cameras, designed to be aesthetically pleasing, weatherproof, and efficient in heat dissipation and antenna alignment, with reduced wind-loading and minimal visible wiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional functional enclosures are used to house wireless equipment, then the equipment is protected and functional, but the aesthetic value of the building is diminished

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment protectionVSAvoidaesthetic value
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies spheroidality by using a cylindrical enclosure shape instead of traditional box-like structures. The cylindrical form with curved surfaces provides both aesthetic appeal that complements building architecture and functional benefits including wind load reduction and streamlined appearance, resolving the contradiction between equipment protection and aesthetic value

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates color changes by providing the enclosure in various colors and finishes that can be selected to match or complement the building's aesthetic. The cylindrical enclosure can be painted or finished in different colors, allowing it to blend with the architectural design while still protecting the equipment inside

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Productivity

If equipment is placed in enclosures on buildings, then wireless services are provided, but bird nesting can degrade equipment performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless service provisionVSAvoidequipment performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating bird deterrent features into the enclosure design before birds can nest. The smooth cylindrical surface and tapered ends prevent birds from landing and nesting, while the enclosed structure with sealed openings protects equipment from bird droppings and nesting materials, maintaining equipment performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If equipment is housed in enclosures, then protection is provided, but heat dissipation becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment protectionVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies spheroidality by using a cylindrical shape that provides superior heat dissipation characteristics compared to box-like enclosures. The curved surface area and geometric form facilitate more efficient thermal radiation and convection, while the enclosed structure continues to protect equipment from environmental elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates flexible shell concepts through the use of ventilation grilles and perforated panels that allow heat to escape while maintaining the protective enclosure. These flexible ventilation structures enable thermal management while preserving the protective function of the enclosure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Productivity

If antennas are mounted on enclosures, then wireless coverage is provided, but wind-loading increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless coverageVSAvoidwind-loading
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies spheroidality by using a cylindrical enclosure shape that presents a streamlined profile to wind, significantly reducing wind loading compared to box-like structures. The aerodynamic form allows wind to flow smoothly around the enclosure, reducing pressure differentials and structural forces while still supporting antenna mounts for wireless coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Enhances the aesthetic appeal of structures, improves radio equipment performance by preventing bird nesting and efficient heat dissipation, reduces wind-loading, and simplifies antenna alignment and wiring, while maintaining functionality and security features.

Implementation Method 1

the cylindrical shape of the enclosure assists in dissipating heat produced by the radio equipment within

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Convection

Implementation Method 2

the cylindrical shape of the enclosure assists in dissipating heat produced by the radio equipment within

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

Using a cylindrical shape also helps reduce the wind-loading on the enclosure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic drag reduction: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS8786514B2System and method for payload enclosure
Publication Date: 2014.07.22 AVIAT U S
  • US8786514B2 patent drawing
  • US8786514B2 patent drawing
  • US8786514B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cylindrical-shaped enclosure having tapered ends. The enclosure includes a module having a radio disposed on a printed circuit board and an antenna connected to the PCB. The enclosure has a main piece coupled to a lower piece and to a top piece, an optionally a fourth piece coupled to the top piece. A mounting subsystem is mounted to the main piece and includes a hole configured to receive therethrough a wires that connect to the printed circuit board. The antenna is configured to rotate about an axis that extends along a longest dimension of the enclosure. The module includes a metal plate to which the antenna is directly mechanically and electrically coupled without any cable such that the wires lack any control signals for controlling the antenna. The top and/or lower pieces can house any combination of a camera, an environmental sensor, security equipment, or a lighting system.