Latch Assembly Antenna Integration for Wireless Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rack-mounted computing devices in data centers lack efficient wireless communication capabilities, limiting remote management and diagnostics due to space constraints and potential interference from metal enclosures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an antenna into the latch assembly of the computing device, which is made of dielectric material to avoid interference, enabling wireless communication protocols like NFC, RFID, WiFi, or Bluetooth for remote management and diagnostics without significant design changes or additional space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an antenna is added to enable wireless communication, then wireless communication capability is improved, but device complexity and space usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna with the latch assembly by integrating the antenna into the latch lever or latch body. This merging approach allows the antenna to be incorporated without adding separate components, thereby enabling wireless communication while minimizing increases in device complexity. The antenna is embedded within existing structural elements of the latch assembly, sharing space and reducing overall component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: mechanical latching/catching functionality and wireless communication through the integrated antenna. By making the latch assembly universal, it can perform both its traditional mechanical role and serve as a mounting structure for wireless communication components, eliminating the need for dedicated antenna mounting space and reducing overall device complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If an antenna is incorporated into the latch assembly, then space usage is optimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is nested within the latch assembly structure, specifically integrated into the latch lever or latch body. This nesting approach allows the antenna to be housed within existing structural voids or as integrated features of the latch components, optimizing space usage without requiring additional external mounting space. The antenna becomes a nested element within the existing latch geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly may be manufactured as a composite structure combining the latch functional elements with the antenna integrated into a single molded or assembled unit. This composite approach can simplify manufacturing by reducing the number of separate assembly steps, even though the initial design and tooling complexity increases. The integration is achieved through co-molding or precise assembly of integrated features.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the latch assembly includes an antenna, then wireless communication for remote management is enabled, but the metal enclosure interference problem persists
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly acts as an intermediary structure between the metal rack enclosure and the antenna. By positioning the antenna within the latch assembly—which may include dielectric or non-conductive components—the patent creates a intermediate zone that reduces direct exposure to metal enclosure interference. The latch assembly structure serves as a mediator that protects the antenna from harmful electromagnetic interference while enabling wireless communication functionality.
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
Enables one-way or two-way wireless communication for receiving diagnostic and configuration information, firmware updates, and out-of-band management of rack-mounted devices, facilitating remote control and monitoring with minimal cost and design modifications.
Implementation Method 1
The latch assembly is made of dielectric material to avoid interference
Data Source
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AI summary
A computing device is disclosed. The example computing device includes an enclosure that houses an electrical component. The example computing device also includes a latch assembly disposed on the enclosure, the latch assembly to facilitate coupling the enclosure to a rack. The latch assembly includes an antenna which is communicatively coupled to the electrical component.