Handy Base Station Integrating Power Line Communication for UAV Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

In IoT and connected environments, there is a lack of easy access to power and data backhaul, leading to costly deployments such as site acquisitions and digging roads for backhaul, which are inefficient and expensive.

Innovation Solution

The Handy Base Station (HBS) system, which can be easily installed into standard power sockets, utilizes power lines for both power and data backhaul, transforming any location into a connected environment by using wireless standards like 3G, 4G, 5G, WiFi, and millimeter wave, and integrating sensors and communication modules for data transmission and UAV charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional base station deployment methods are used, then reliable power and data backhaul can be achieved, but deployment cost and complexity increase significantly due to site acquisitions and road digging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower and data backhaul reliabilityVSAvoiddeployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes existing power lines and street lights as self-service infrastructure for power delivery and base station hosting, eliminating the need for external power construction and dedicated base station sites. The power line communication module enables data backhaul through existing electrical infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient using already-deployed utilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention multiplies the functionality of existing power lines by enabling them to serve dual purposes: traditional power delivery and data backhaul communication. Street lights are transformed into multi-functional nodes that provide lighting, power distribution, and wireless communication hosting, reducing the need for separate infrastructure systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional base station deployment methods are used, then reliable power and data backhaul can be achieved, but deployment cost increases due to site acquisitions and road digging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower and data backhaul reliabilityVSAvoiddeployment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If power lines are used for data backhaul, then deployment cost and complexity are reduced, but requires integration of communication modules into existing power infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment complexityVSAvoidintegration requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power line communication module acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between existing power infrastructure and wireless communication needs. It modulates data signals onto power lines and extracts them at receiving ends, enabling communication through the power grid without requiring direct modification of the power distribution system itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If street lights are used as base station hosts, then quick network coverage is achieved, but requires modification of existing lighting infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage speedVSAvoidinfrastructure modification requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The base station functionality is merged with the existing street light structure. The housing integrates communication modules, power management, and lighting controls into a single unified unit that attaches to or replaces traditional street light fixtures, enabling quick deployment without separate base station construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10631366B2Handy base station system, device and method

Publication Date: 2020.04.21 MICRO MOBIO CORP(US)

AI summary

A Handy Base Station (HBS) which is capable of connecting through a base portion into a power socket (e.g., lamp socket). The HBS may have a plurality of functional modules capable of being detachably mounted in a housing. One of the functional modules may be a light emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED). Another rmodule may be a communication module which may communicate using a wire line or wirelessly using standard wireless communication protocols. Further disclosed is a combination unit which has the HBS located on a pole such as a utility pole with a landing pad for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to allow the UAV a recharging location between deliveries and to allow the HBS to guide the UAV on its flight.