Modular IoT Access Point Anti-Theft Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access point devices require disassembly to change IoT modules, which can lead to physical damage and increased maintenance costs due to electrostatic breakdown and the need for professional assistance.

Innovation Solution

An access point device with a modular design featuring electrical and magnetic connections, guide rails, and an anti-theft mechanism that allows for easy assembly and replacement of IoT modules without disassembling the AP device, ensuring secure and reliable connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the housing of the AP device is disassembled to insert different IoT modules for extension, then the adaptability of the AP device is improved, but the reliability of the control board deteriorates due to electrostatic breakdown and physical damage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a fixed AP device housing and separate removable IoT modules. Each IoT module is an independent unit that can be attached or detached without opening the AP device housing. This segmentation allows protocol adaptation while protecting the control board from damage during module changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The IoT modules are designed to be inserted into or attached on the housing of the AP device, creating a nested structure where the module fits within or on the existing device. This allows module replacement without disassembling the main housing, thus protecting internal components from electrostatic damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If professionals are invited to carry out plug operation of extension modules, then the reliability of module installation is improved, but the loss of time and increase in maintenance cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The IoT modules are designed with user-friendly attachment and detachment mechanisms that do not require professional technical knowledge or special tools. Users can independently install or replace modules by simply connecting them to the AP device housing, eliminating the need for professional assistance and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the housing of the AP device is disassembled to insert different IoT modules, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional assembly and disassembly operations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the AP device housing from the IoT modules, allowing modules to be attached or detached as independent units. This segmentation simplifies the overall operation to a single attachment/detachment action rather than complex disassembly and reassembly of the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If modular design with magnetic connections is used for IoT modules, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength of connection may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidstrength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The solution combines multiple connection mechanisms - magnetic attraction for easy attachment and detachment, supplemented by mechanical interlocking features and electrical contacts. This merging of connection methods maintains both ease of operation and connection strength, as the magnetic force enables simple module replacement while the mechanical and electrical components ensure secure and reliable connection during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the upgrade and replacement of IoT modules under different protocols without disassembling the AP device, reducing maintenance costs and preventing physical damage, while ensuring secure assembly and preventing theft through smart anti-theft measures.

Implementation Method 1

a first assembly part 13 arranged on the AP housing 11 to assemble an IoT device 20

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3573423B1Securing an IoT device at an access point device to avoid theft
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 NEW H3C TECH CO LTD
  • EP3573423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3573423B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3573423B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

According to examples of the present disclosure, an access point (AP) device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, and a communication device are provided. The AP device may include an AP housing, a control board arranged in the AP housing, and a first electrical connecting part and a first assembly part arranged on the AP housing. The control board and the IoT device are electrically connected by the first electrical connecting part. The AP device may assemble with the IoT device by way of the first assembly part.