Modular Wireless Access Point External Module Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Servicing outdoor wireless access points is challenging due to their hard-to-reach locations and non-modular designs, requiring replacement of entire units upon component failure, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A modular wireless access point with externally accessible components, including a radio module, motherboard module, and power supply module, allowing for quick and efficient servicing and replacement of individual modules without the need for rewiring or opening access doors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If outdoor access points are placed in hard-to-reach locations, then wireless coverage is improved, but servicing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless coverageVSAvoidservicing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The access point is divided into separate modular components (radio module, power supply module, enclosure) that can be independently serviced. The radio module can be removed and replaced without accessing the internal wiring or opening the enclosure, allowing field technicians to service the unit from the exterior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radio module is extracted as a separate removable component from the enclosure. This allows the radio module to be removed, replaced, or upgraded without requiring access to the internal wiring or opening the enclosure, enabling external servicing of the access point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If access points use non-modular wired designs, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but repair efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidrepair efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The access point is segmented into separate functional modules (radio module, power supply module, enclosure) connected through standardized interfaces. This modular architecture enables rapid replacement of individual modules in the field without requiring complex rewiring or disassembly of the entire unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized interfaces and modular design allow the same enclosure to accommodate different radio modules and power supply configurations. This universality enables flexible deployment options while maintaining ease of servicing through module replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10893575B1Modular wireless access point

Publication Date: 2021.01.12 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a wireless access point comprises a housing that defines a plurality of externally-facing apertures. The access point also comprises a radio module that is removably coupled to one of the externally-facing apertures of the housing and includes one or more antennas. The access point further comprises a motherboard module that is removably coupled to one of the externally-facing apertures of the housing and includes a motherboard that controls the one or more antennas of the radio module. The access point yet further comprises a power supply module that is removably coupled to one of the externally-facing apertures of the housing and supplies power to the motherboard and radio modules.