3D Cell Site Power Plant Planning Without Tower Climbs
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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.
Innovation Solution
The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and satellite data capture for 3D modeling and augmented reality systems to reduce the need for physical site visits, allowing for remote data collection and validation of cell site infrastructure, including small cells, and enabling precise planning and installation without requiring tower climbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tower climbs are used for maintenance and installation of cellular components, then direct access to cell sites is achieved, but safety risks and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a telescoping platform and robotic apparatus that mediates between the ground control and the cell site components. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for human workers to physically climb towers, thereby removing the safety risks while maintaining the ability to perform maintenance and installation tasks at elevated locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human tower climbing with an automated robotic system mounted on a telescoping platform. The robotic apparatus, controlled from the ground, substitutes human physical effort and exposure to danger with automated mechanical operations, achieving the same technical objectives without the associated safety risks.
2Ease of operation
If tower climbs are performed for installation work, then cell site access is obtained, but service disruptions and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping platform serves as a mobile intermediary that can be positioned near the cell site and extend to reach components. This eliminates the time-consuming process of climbing the tower structure, as workers or robotic systems can access installation points directly from the extended platform, significantly reducing installation time and minimizing service disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for preliminary positioning and preparation of equipment at the desired installation location before actual installation begins. The telescoping platform can be extended and positioned in advance, allowing for equipment staging and verification of installation conditions, which streamlines the overall installation process and reduces total time required.
3Productivity
If traditional site planning methods are used, then manual inspection is performed, but accuracy and efficiency of planning decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs photogrammetry and imaging systems to create accurate 3D digital copies and models of the cell site environment. These virtual models serve as precise replicas that can be analyzed, measured, and used for planning without requiring repeated physical inspections, thereby improving both the accuracy of site modeling and the efficiency of the planning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement and inspection methods with automated optical and photogrammetric systems. These systems capture detailed spatial data and generate precise 3D models automatically, eliminating the inaccuracies and time constraints associated with manual measurement while significantly improving both measurement precision and inspection efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for constructing and implementing a power plant at a telecommunications site is disclosed. The method includes receiving data responsive to an initial site visit with the data representing field conditions of the telecommunications site. The method also includes generating a model of the existing infrastructure and generating a model of the power plant and inserting the model of the power plant into the model of the existing infrastructure. The method further includes obtaining a bill of materials for the power plant and validating the bill of materials based on the model of the power plant combined with the model of the telecommunications site and identifying type, quantity, and location of materials for acquisition. The method also includes developing a project plan for the power plant at least partially based on the model.