Adhesive Tape Network Infrastructure for Ubiquitous Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional networking infrastructure lacks ubiquity and efficiency in monitoring, tracking, and logistics applications due to gaps in coverage across heterogeneous environments, requiring a cost-effective and flexible solution for continuous monitoring and communication.
Innovation Solution
The development of a low-cost, multi-function adhesive tape platform integrating wireless communications and sensing components within a flexible adhesive structure, allowing seamless deployment in various applications, including tracking and monitoring, with segments that can be easily attached to surfaces for inconspicuous network communication and sensing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional networking infrastructure is deployed, then network coverage can be established in traditional locations, but coverage gaps remain across heterogeneous environments and deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The networking infrastructure is divided into discrete adhesive tape segments that can be independently deployed on various surfaces. Each segment contains integrated wireless communication components, allowing flexible placement in heterogeneous environments without requiring complex centralized infrastructure. The segmentation enables targeted deployment in specific locations while maintaining overall system connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive tape platform serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural adhesion to surfaces, houses wireless communication transceivers for network connectivity, and integrates sensing components for environmental monitoring. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate infrastructure components, reducing deployment complexity while achieving ubiquitous coverage.
2Reliability
If traditional network infrastructure components are installed, then reliable communication can be achieved, but installation cost and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple infrastructure components are merged into a single adhesive tape unit. The tape integrates the wireless transceiver, power source, sensing elements, and structural adhesive layer into one compact component. This consolidation maintains communication reliability by preserving all necessary functional elements while dramatically reducing deployment cost and labor requirements through simple self-adhesive installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive tape segments are designed as low-cost, disposable units that can be easily installed and replaced. Each segment contains sufficient power and communication capabilities for its intended deployment period, eliminating the need for expensive permanent infrastructure installations. The low cost and simplicity enable widespread deployment while maintaining adequate communication reliability for the application duration.
3Productivity
If comprehensive monitoring and tracking capabilities are implemented, then continuous surveillance is achieved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing components in the adhesive tape segments operate periodically rather than continuously, detecting environmental parameters at scheduled intervals. This periodic operation maintains effective monitoring capabilities while significantly reducing power consumption and system complexity. The segments can be configured to monitor at appropriate frequencies for their specific applications, achieving continuous surveillance where needed without unnecessary resource expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each adhesive tape segment is self-contained with integrated power, sensing, and communication capabilities, enabling autonomous operation. The segments automatically transmit their monitoring data to the central system without requiring external intervention or complex coordination. This self-service architecture simplifies the overall system by distributing intelligence to individual units, reducing centralized system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure generally relates to networking infrastructure and, more particularly, to installing transient infrastructure for ubiquitous networking applications. A wireless gateway device is sent to physical premises with a parcel. After the wireless gateway device is delivered to the physical premises, a processor of the wireless gateway device draws power from the energy source to perform operations comprising executing program code stored in non-transitory processor-readable medium to establish a wireless communications connection with a network service through a first type of wireless communications interface. The wireless gateway device performs operations comprising establishing wireless communications with one or more wireless peripheral devices in the physical premises through the second type of wireless communications interface.