Integrated Antenna Vent Structure for Space-Saving Electronics Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vents for electronic devices do not provide multifunctionality, particularly in integrating an antenna within the vent structure to facilitate easier assembly and protect it during transport and mounting.
Innovation Solution
A vent with an integrated antenna, such as a PCB antenna, is attached to the inner surface of the body portion, allowing for secure attachment to a housing via resilient leg portions or threaded connections, and featuring a cover with a filter material to prevent foreign substances while allowing gas exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If space is allocated within the housing for an antenna, then the antenna can be properly positioned for signal transmission, but the arrangement options for electronics within the housing are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna with the vent structure by attaching the antenna to the inner surface of the vent's body portion. This merging of functions allows the vent to serve dual purposes: ventilation and antenna support, thereby freeing up space within the housing for other electronic components while maintaining adaptability in electronics arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides ventilation through the central vent passage, protects against foreign substances via the cover and filter material, and serves as a mounting structure for the antenna. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate antenna housing space, improving overall space utilization and arrangement flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If the antenna is provided separately and attached during assembly, then the antenna can be connected to the electronic device, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is pre-attached to the vent's body portion during vent manufacturing, before the vent is installed in the housing. This preliminary action ensures that when the vent is assembled into the housing, the antenna is already in position, requiring only the connection of the feed cable to the electronic device, thereby simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing assembly time.
3Ease of operation
If the antenna is located externally on the vent, then it can be easily accessed, but it is vulnerable to damage during transport and mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is nested within the vent structure by attaching it to the inner surface of the body portion, which defines the central vent passage. This nested configuration protects the antenna from external damage during transport and mounting, while the antenna remains functional as it extends into the housing for signal transmission. The vent's own structure serves as the protective enclosure for the antenna.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vent (1) for attachment to a housing wall (2) with an aperture (12), the vent (1) comprises, a body portion (3) comprising a wall (4) with an inner surface (5) defining at least part of a central vent passage (6) for allowing gas to pass through the vent (1), attachment means (9) for attaching the vent (1) to the housing wall (2). The vent further comprises a cover (22) arranged at a first axial end (19) of the body portion (3) to cover the central vent passage (6), and at least one opening (25) at a first axial end (19) of the body portion (3) for gas to exit the vent (1), wherein an antenna (7) is attached to the inner surface of the wall (4) of the body portion (3).