Devices, assemblies, and methods for mounting a wireless access point to a post
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network equipment, such as access points, are often visually obtrusive and architecturally incongruent with their surroundings when retro-fitted in public locations like parks and buildings, making them unsightly and disrupting the aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly that includes a base panel secured to a post, a shroud to enclose the access point and post, and an antenna support that rotates for optimal signal direction, allowing the equipment to be concealed while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless access point equipment is installed in public locations, then network connectivity is provided, but the equipment becomes visually obtrusive and architecturally incongruent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the wireless access point and antenna inside a decorative housing that resembles a traditional outdoor lamp. The equipment is nested within the housing structure, with the antenna extending through the housing in a manner that mimics a lamp fixture, thereby concealing the technological equipment within an aesthetically pleasing traditional form.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative housing acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the functional wireless access point equipment and the public environment. The housing conceals the obtrusive equipment while allowing it to function, serving as a buffer that reconciles the conflict between technological functionality and aesthetic requirements.
2Shape
If the access point is concealed within a housing, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but access to the equipment for maintenance and configuration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into removable sections that allow access to the wireless access point and antenna for maintenance and configuration. The decorative exterior can be separated from the internal equipment compartment, enabling technicians to access the concealed equipment without damaging the aesthetic housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing incorporates dynamic access mechanisms such as removable panels or hinged sections that can be opened or detached to provide access to the equipment. This allows the housing to transition from a closed aesthetic state to an open accessible state during maintenance, and back to the closed aesthetic state when not in use.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for mounting a wireless access point includes a base panel configured to be mounted to a post and to support the access point. The assembly includes a shroud configured to at least partially surround the base panel, the access point, and the post. The assembly can also include an antenna support configured to support an antenna coupled to the access point and configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. A method of mounting the access point to the post includes mounting, to the post, the base panel supporting the access point. The method also includes, after mounting the base panel to the post, coupling the shroud to the base panel such that the shroud at least partially surrounds the base panel, the access point, and the post.