Autonomous Carrier for On-Demand Fog Computing Module Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fog computing implementations are static, making it difficult to efficiently deploy, maintain, and upgrade fog nodes, especially in applications requiring high availability and nonstop operation, as they often necessitate significant human intervention and result in service outages during hardware upgrades or capacity adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous carrier transports and aligns fog computing modules with enclosures using mating mechanical connectors, allowing for on-demand activation and integration of additional resources, enabling rapid deployment, maintenance, and capacity supplementation with minimal human intervention, using a combination of mechanical, electrical, and software techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fog computing nodes are designed with static hardware configurations, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to changing network demands and ease of upgrade are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The fog computing node is divided into modular hardware components that can be independently added, removed, or upgraded. Each module provides specific computing, storage, or networking functions, allowing the system to maintain stability while adapting to changing demands through modular reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static hardware configurations to dynamic, reconfigurable architectures. Hot-swappable modules and automated provisioning enable the fog node to adapt its capacity and functionality in real-time based on network demands without requiring complete system redesign.
2Productivity
If fog computing hardware is upgraded or replaced, then system capacity and functionality are improved, but service availability is worsened due to required downtime
Solution Approach 1:
Backup modules are pre-configured and staged before being needed. When hardware upgrades are required, pre-provisioned replacement modules are already available, enabling rapid swap operations that minimize service interruption and maintain continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements hot-swappable module architectures where computing, storage, and networking functions can be replaced without shutting down the fog node. Power and data connections remain active throughout the upgrade process, ensuring continuous service delivery and eliminating downtime.
3Productivity
If additional fog computing resources are deployed to handle load spikes, then system capacity is improved, but device complexity and operational costs are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized module interfaces and containerized software architectures enable single fog nodes to perform multiple functions. The same hardware platform can dynamically allocate resources for different services (computing, storage, networking, security), reducing the need for specialized equipment and simplifying operations during load spikes.
Solution Approach 2:
Virtualized computing environments and containerized applications are nested within the physical fog node infrastructure. This layering allows multiple logical systems to share underlying hardware resources, enabling flexible capacity expansion without proportionally increasing physical device complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual intervention is used for fog node deployment and maintenance, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The fog computing system implements automated self-provisioning, self-configuration, and self-healing capabilities. Modules automatically detect their installation status, configure appropriate services, and report operational state without human intervention, maintaining deployment precision through standardized interfaces while dramatically increasing deployment speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Integrated sensors and management software provide real-time feedback on module installation, power status, and operational health. This automated monitoring and reporting system ensures precise deployment tracking and enables rapid response to installation issues without requiring manual inspection or configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an autonomous carrier transports a fog computing module to an enclosure at a location determined to be in need of a particular fog computing resource, and aligns and anchors the fog computing module to the enclosure, where the aligning and anchoring is based on mating mechanical connectors on the fog computing module and enclosure. One or more electronic components of the fog computing module may then interface to the enclosure due to the anchoring, and the fog computing module activates at the location, accordingly. In one particular embodiment, the particular fog computing resource of the fog computing module is an additive resource to an existing fog computing resource module at the enclosure, and the existing fog computing resource module provides the mechanical connectors and interfaced electronic components of the enclosure.