Ceiling-Mounted Track Enclosure for Free Space Optical Network Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital ceiling systems for network device deployment face challenges in efficient and flexible positioning of network devices without obstructing free space optical signals, particularly in large spaces where precise control and dynamic repositioning of devices are needed.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling-mounted track enclosure system using a beam transmission cavity and track rail structure that supports the movement of mobile network devices along a collimated light beam, allowing for precise control and repositioning of devices via modulated light signals, enabling dynamic deployment of on-demand ceiling service areas without network cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network devices are positioned at prescribed locations in ceiling structure, then deployment efficiency is improved, but flexibility and adaptability for dynamic repositioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where network devices can be moved along the ceiling structure using motorized mechanisms. The system transitions from static prescribed locations to dynamic repositioning capabilities, allowing devices to be relocated based on changing network requirements while maintaining efficient deployment through automated guidance systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cable-based positioning systems with free-space optical communication and wireless control mechanisms. This substitution enables device movement without physical cable constraints, providing flexibility for dynamic repositioning while maintaining deployment efficiency through automated optical guidance and control.
2Reliability
If traditional network cabling is used for ceiling deployment, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but installation costs and complexities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical cable infrastructure with free-space optical communication systems. Light-based transmission replaces electrical cables, eliminating the need for complex cable routing, drilling, and conduit installation while maintaining high-speed data transmission reliability. The system uses optical sensors and wireless communication to replace traditional wired network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the physical cable layer from the network deployment system. By eliminating cables and traditional wiring infrastructure, the system reduces installation complexity to minimal mounting structures while maintaining data transmission reliability through optical and wireless communication channels.
3Area of stationary object
If ceiling space is utilized for network deployment, then flooring real estate is preserved, but obstruction of free space optical signals may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions network devices at the ceiling surface rather than within the ceiling structure, utilizing the ceiling plane as a dimensional boundary. This positioning allows devices to occupy ceiling space without blocking the vertical free-space optical paths through the ceiling, effectively separating device placement from signal transmission pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ceiling space into device mounting zones and optical transmission zones. By dividing the ceiling area into discrete device locations and maintaining clear optical pathways through the ceiling material, the system prevents signal obstruction while maximizing ceiling space utilization for network deployment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, flexible, and precise deployment of network devices and services across large spaces, reducing installation costs and complexities associated with traditional cabling, while ensuring high-speed data transmission and control over device movement.
Implementation Method 1
positioning, within a beam transmission cavity of a ceiling-mounted track enclosure, a free space optical transmitter for transmission of a collimated light beam having a prescribed cross-sectional area
Implementation Method 2
causing the free space optical transmitter to transmit, within the collimated light beam, a modulated light signal
Implementation Method 3
causing the mobile network device to receive the modulated light signal at a selected detection area within the cross-sectional area
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile network device moves along a track rail structure of a ceiling-mounted track enclosure. The ceiling-mounted track enclosure further comprises a beam transmission cavity for accommodating a collimated light beam having a prescribed cross-sectional area and having been transmitted into the beam transmission cavity by a free space optical transmitter, without obstruction of the collimated light beam by the mobile network device along the track rail structure. The mobile network device receives, at a selected detection area within the cross-sectional area, a modulated light signal transmitted within the collimated light beam. The selected detection area is substantially smaller than the prescribed cross-sectional area and allocated exclusively to the mobile network device. The mobile network device can move toward an identifiable destination position of the track rail structure by a determined arrival time in response to the mobile network device detecting a movement instruction in the modulated light signal.