Factory Aiming Mobile Network Devices on Monopoles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile network service providers face labor-intensive and costly procedures when installing and aiming mobile network devices on elevated structures, as existing methods require multiple technicians and precise onsite aiming, which is time-consuming and prone to errors due to environmental factors and diverse device requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus that allows for factory wiring and aiming of both lighting fixture and mobile network device assemblies, using a mating interface with a laser to align mobile network devices relative to a lighting fixture assembly, enabling precise geographic and directional orientation, thus facilitating easier and more accurate onsite installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mobile network devices are installed and aimed on-site on elevated structures, then the devices can be installed at the required location, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming requiring multiple technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-aiming mobile network devices at the factory before shipment. The devices are equipped with aiming mechanisms and are precisely oriented to target coordinates during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex on-site aiming procedures and reducing installation time at the elevated structure location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by incorporating laser aiming devices and alignment systems as mediators between the factory environment and the final installation site. These intermediary tools enable precise aiming to be established during manufacturing and maintained during installation, bridging the gap between factory preparation and field deployment.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple technicians perform onsite aiming of mobile network devices, then precise alignment can be achieved, but labor costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing mobile network devices with integrated aiming mechanisms that enable self-aiming during installation. The devices include built-in alignment systems, laser pointers, and positioning features that allow a single technician to accurately aim the device without requiring multiple specialists, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical aiming procedures with optical and electronic substitution. Laser aiming systems, optical alignment tools, and electronic positioning systems substitute for traditional mechanical adjustment methods, enabling precise aiming with simpler procedures and fewer technicians.
3Manufacturing precision
If devices are aimed precisely on-site considering environmental factors, then accurate alignment is achieved, but the process becomes prone to errors and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing aiming adjustments in the controlled factory environment before shipment. All precision alignment is completed during manufacturing when environmental conditions are stable, eliminating the risk of environmental interference during installation and ensuring reliable, error-free alignment at the elevated structure location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-compensating for potential installation variables during factory aiming. The devices are aimed with built-in margins of error and adjustment capabilities that cushion against environmental variations that may occur during installation, ensuring reliable alignment regardless of field conditions.
4Ease of manufacture
If wiring is performed on-site at elevated heights, then connections can be made, but the process becomes labor-intensive and exposes workers to environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing all wiring connections at the factory before the devices are shipped to the installation site. Power cables, signal cables, and grounding connections are all established during manufacturing, eliminating the need for workers to perform wiring tasks at elevated heights and removing exposure to environmental hazards during the wiring process.
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
This approach reduces the time and cost associated with onsite commissioning by allowing for pre-aimed and pre-wired devices to be installed efficiently, minimizing labor and environmental exposure, while ensuring precise alignment and operation of mobile network devices.
Implementation Method 1
A mating interface associated with the mobile network device assembly having structure for a laser, the laser used to align the mobile network device assembly to a mark or other indicia of a mating interface associated with the lighting fixture assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are means and methods by which unrelated or outside entities may add value to strategic partnerships with mobile network service providers—beyond providing preexisting elevating structures. In the state of the art, mobile network service providers must rely upon multiple technicians using multiple tools to pinpoint where a tower or pole exists, and must perform precise horizontal and vertical aiming of each mobile network device when elevated and mounted at a particular position on said tower or pole. Said means and methods are directed to reducing the time and cost associated with this onsite commissioning of mobile network devices by factory wiring and factory aiming at least some of these devices in a commensurate fashion to factory wiring and factory aiming of disparate devices such as lighting fixtures.