Composite Power-Data Cable Micro Grids for 5G Infrastructure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Deploying electric power to remote network-connected devices, such as small cell base stations, in areas without a conventional electric power source is costly and time-consuming, especially with the proliferation of 5G networks, as existing composite power-data cables are expensive and inefficient for long distances.

Innovation Solution

Establishing power and data connectivity micro grids using over-provisioned composite power-data cables, including power-plus-fiber cables, that allow for incremental expansion and redundancy, enabling cellular network operators to quickly and cost-effectively provide power and data connectivity to new installations by pre-installing tap points and intelligent remote distribution nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electric power grid connections are installed to provide power to remote network-connected devices, then power availability is improved, but installation cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a composite power-data cable as an intermediary solution that combines power transmission and data communication in a single cable system. This mediator enables simultaneous delivery of electrical power and data signals to remote devices without requiring separate power grid infrastructure, thereby reducing installation complexity and time while maintaining power availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The composite power-data cable performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits electrical power, carries data signals, and provides grounding. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate power and data infrastructure, significantly reducing installation time and cost while ensuring reliable power delivery to remote network-connected devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If Power-over Ethernet cables are used to power remote devices, then installation simplicity is improved, but power delivery capacity and data throughput are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidpower delivery capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite cable structure that integrates power conductors, data communication conductors, and grounding elements within a single cable assembly. This composite construction enables the cable to deliver higher power capacities than standard PoE cables while maintaining installation simplicity, as the entire system is deployed through a single cable installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Power

If Power-plus fiber cables are used to provide power and data connectivity, then power delivery capacity is improved, but installation cost increases prohibitively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capacityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes cost-effective copper-based composite power-data cables as an alternative to expensive fiber optic power delivery systems. While copper has inherent resistance limitations, the patent optimizes the cable design and power management to achieve sufficient power delivery capacity at a fraction of the cost of Power-plus fiber cables, making the solution economically viable for widespread deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Adaptability or versatility

If composite power-data cables are used to connect multiple splice enclosures, then connectivity flexibility is improved, but power outage risk to remote power devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity flexibilityVSAvoidpower stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a segmented cable architecture where the composite power-data cable is divided into multiple sections serving different splice enclosures. Each segment can be independently managed and protected, allowing fault isolation so that issues in one segment do not necessarily cause power outages to other segments, thereby maintaining power stability while preserving connectivity flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11611214B2Power isolation systems and devices for micro grids for information and communication technology infrastructure and related methods of providing power to micro grids

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 OUTDOOR WIRELESS NETWORKS LLC

AI summary

A power system includes a power sourcing device, a first splice enclosure including a first power input port, a first power output port, and a first power tap port that is connected to a first remote powered device, and a second splice enclosure including a second power input port, a second power output port, and a second power tap port that is connect to a second remote powered device. The power system includes a composite power-data cable configured to carry power signals transmitted from the power sourcing device to the first splice enclosure and to the second splice enclosure. The power sourcing device is configured to disable the power signals to at least one of the first power input port, the first power output port, or the first power tap port of the first splice enclosure without disabling the power signals at the second splice enclosure.