Radome Locking and Sealing Structure for Waterproof Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication devices face issues with water penetration due to play in bolting holes, deformation from excessive tightening, cumbersome assembly, and poor space utilization due to bolting areas, leading to increased weight.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication device design featuring a radome with a first locking unit, sealing protrusions, and a lower case with a sealing groove, secured by a fastener, which simplifies assembly and enhances hermetic sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If bolting coupling is used to connect radome and lower case, then connection strength is improved, but water penetration occurs due to play in bolting holes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidhermetic sealing
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is segmented into multiple functional elements: locking units for mechanical interlocking, sealing protrusions for creating sealing interfaces, and fasteners for securing. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally without compromising hermetic sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Sealing protrusions act as intermediary elements between the radome and lower case, creating a sealing interface that prevents water penetration while maintaining connection strength. The sealing protrusions fill the gap that would otherwise allow water ingress through bolting holes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If excessive tightening is applied during bolting, then connection strength is improved, but deformation occurs in the radome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidradome deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The locking units are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to engage and lock at optimal positions without requiring excessive tightening force. The mechanical interlocking mechanism naturally limits the tightening force to prevent radome deformation while ensuring adequate connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking units provide self-limiting tightening through their mechanical interlocking design. Once engaged, the locking units automatically prevent further tightening that would cause deformation, eliminating the need for precise operator control and preventing radome damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If multiple bolts are directly bolted by operator, then connection strength is improved, but assembly process becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple locking functions are merged into integrated locking units that combine positioning, locking, and sealing features. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking units are designed for self-alignment and self-assembly, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning and complex assembly procedures. The units automatically engage in the correct position, making the assembly process straightforward while ensuring adequate connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Strength

If bolting area is included in radome design, then connection strength is improved, but space utilization deteriorates and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking units are designed as thin, integrated features that can be formed directly into the radome structure or lower case, minimizing the additional material required. This approach maintains connection strength while preserving space utilization and avoiding unnecessary weight increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The locking units serve multiple functions: mechanical interlocking for connection strength, sealing interface for hermetic sealing, and space-efficient design. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate bolting areas, maximizing space utilization while maintaining adequate connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3920330B1Wireless communication device
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 KMW INC
  • EP3920330B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3920330B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3920330B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure in at least one embodiment provides a wireless communication device, comprising a radome comprising a first locking unit and a sealing protrusion formed along at least one side end, a lower case formed along at least one side end and including a sealing protrusion groove which is configured to receive at least part of the sealing protrusion and a second locking unit, and a fastener which is fastened to the first locking unit and the second locking unit to fix the lower case and the radome.