3D Cell Site Modeling for Safer Small Cell Installation Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for maintaining and installing cellular components at cell sites are hazardous and costly due to the need for frequent tower climbs, which can lead to accidents and service disruptions, and there is a need for more efficient site planning and installation processes, especially with the integration of small cells into cellular networks.

Innovation Solution

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and satellite data capture for 3D modeling and augmented reality systems to coordinate, prepare, and implement small cell installations without physical site visits, enabling remote data capture and validation, and reducing the need for tower climbs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional tower climb methods are used for installation and maintenance, then workers can directly access cell sites to perform tasks, but safety risks increase and service disruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates detailed 3D digital models (copies) of cell sites that replicate physical structures, equipment locations, and environmental features. These virtual models enable remote planning, simulation of installation procedures, and virtual inspections, eliminating the need for workers to physically climb towers for preparation and planning activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical tower climbing with automated robotic systems and remote-operated devices. Robots equipped with specialized tools can perform installation and maintenance tasks on cell towers and small cells without human workers needing to ascend the structures, thereby eliminating safety risks associated with tower climbs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual site survey and planning methods are used, then physical inspections can be performed, but time consumption increases and access difficulties arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesite preparation efficiencyVSAvoidsite survey time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs site surveys and creates 3D models during off-hours or remotely before actual installation activities. Detailed planning, equipment positioning, and procedure simulation are completed in advance using virtual models, so that when workers do access sites, they can execute pre-planned tasks efficiently without time-consuming on-site measurements and planning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms physical site survey parameters into digital data parameters through photogrammetry and LiDAR scanning. By converting physical measurements into digital 3D models, the system enables rapid analysis, simulation, and planning without requiring repeated physical site visits, significantly reducing survey time while improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive site data collection is performed through physical visits, then accurate information can be obtained, but installation and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesite data accuracyVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a universal 3D modeling system that can capture and represent multiple types of site data (structural features, equipment locations, environmental conditions, access points) in a single integrated digital model. This multi-functional model serves various purposes including installation planning, maintenance scheduling, safety analysis, and training, eliminating the need for separate data collection processes for different objectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If small cells are integrated into existing infrastructure, then network coverage improves, but installation challenges and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork deployment flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces 3D digital models as an intermediary between installation planners and physical cell sites. These virtual models enable detailed pre-planning of small cell integration on various infrastructure types (towers, poles, buildings, streetlights), allowing workers to identify and mitigate safety hazards, optimize installation procedures, and prepare all equipment and tools before arriving at the site, thereby reducing installation hazards while maintaining deployment flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11797723B2Systems and methods for coordinating initiation, preparing, vetting, scheduling, constructing, and implementing a power plant implementation

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 ETAK SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A method for scheduling construction of a power plant at a telecommunications site is disclosed. The method includes assessing the telecommunication site and the power plant. The method also includes obtaining data from the location utilizing one or more data capture techniques. The method also includes generating a model of the existing infrastructure and a model of the power plant and inserting the model of the power plant therein. The method further includes developing a draft schedule. The method also includes publishing the final schedule with the model of the power plant inserted into the model of the existing infrastructure.