Radome-Lower Case Sealing Assembly for Water-Resistant Wireless Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication devices face issues with water penetration due to play in bolting holes, deformation from excessive tightening, cumbersome assembly processes, and poor space utilization caused by bolting connections, leading to increased weight and reduced space for electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication device design featuring a radome with a first locking unit and sealing protrusion, a lower case with a sealing protrusion groove, and a fastener that secures the radome and lower case together, providing a simple manufacturing process and excellent hermetic sealing without the need for direct bolting, thus preventing water ingress and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple functional components: sealing protrusions that prevent water ingress, locking units that provide mechanical interlocking, and fasteners that apply controlled clamping force. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, preventing water penetration while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing protrusions act as intermediary elements between the radome and lower case, filling the gap that would otherwise allow water penetration. These sealing features mediate the connection by providing both sealing and structural functions, eliminating the need for direct metal-to-metal contact that causes play and water ingress.
2Strength
If excessive tightening is applied during bolting, then connection strength is improved, but deformation occurs in the radome
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 provides self-limiting engagement, preventing over-tightening while ensuring adequate connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing protrusions and locking units are pre-configured to provide cushioning and load distribution before excessive forces can damage the radome. The design incorporates compliance elements that absorb excess tightening force, protecting the radome from deformation while maintaining secure connection.
3Strength
If direct bolting of multiple bolts is performed, then connection strength is improved, but the assembling process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into integrated fastener assemblies that combine sealing, locking, and fastening operations. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete steps required during assembly while maintaining the connection strength that would otherwise require multiple separate bolts and sealing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design incorporates multi-functionality, where single components perform multiple functions: sealing protrusions prevent water ingress, locking units provide mechanical retention, and fastener bodies apply clamping force. This universality simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for separate sealing materials and locking mechanisms.
4Strength
If bolting area is included in radome design, then connection strength is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing protrusions are designed as thin, flexible features that can be formed as integral parts of the radome shell or lower case. These thin-film sealing elements provide effective sealing and locking functions without occupying significant internal volume, preserving space for electrical components while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and sealing features are positioned on the external surfaces and perimeters of the radome and lower case, utilizing the external dimensional space rather than consuming internal volume. This dimensional arrangement allows the connection mechanism to operate externally, maximizing internal space utilization while ensuring robust connection strength.
Data Source
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.