IoT Battery Pack Mesh Networking for Reliable Equipment Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack efficient and scalable methods for managing and monitoring outdoor and indoor equipment, particularly battery-powered and engine-powered equipment, to facilitate data communication and management across a network, especially in environments where cellular connectivity may be unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A mesh network system integrating IoT modules with equipment and battery packs that utilize multiple communication frequencies and protocols, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular, to enable data transmission and management, allowing for seamless integration with cloud-based systems for fleet tracking and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mesh network system with multiple communication frequencies is implemented, then data communication reliability and network coverage are improved, but device complexity and system integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The IoT module is designed to support multiple communication protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular) and frequency bands within a single integrated unit. This multi-functional design allows the system to automatically select appropriate communication channels based on availability and requirements, improving reliability without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each protocol
Solution Approach 2:
A mesh network gateway or coordinator node serves as an intermediary that manages communication between devices using different protocols and frequencies. This intermediary handles protocol translation, routing decisions, and network management, reducing the complexity burden on individual end devices while maintaining overall system reliability
2Loss of information
If IoT modules are integrated into battery packs and equipment, then fleet tracking and operational monitoring are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The IoT module is designed as a universal component that can be integrated into various battery packs and equipment types through standardized interfaces. This modular approach allows the same core module to serve multiple functions (tracking, monitoring, communication) across different applications, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the added capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture segments functionality into separate modules: the IoT communication module, battery management system, and equipment control systems. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then integrated through standardized connections, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enabling comprehensive monitoring capabilities
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication frequencies and protocols are supported, then network adaptability and connectivity are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system dynamically selects protocols and frequency bands based on real-time conditions such as signal availability, power levels, and communication requirements. The system can switch between low-power modes (Bluetooth) and higher-bandwidth modes (Wi-Fi, cellular) as needed, maintaining network adaptability while optimizing energy consumption based on actual operational needs
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes a housing, rechargeable lithium-ion battery cells, a positive terminal, a negative terminal, a data terminal, a battery management system, and an Internet of Things (IoT) module. The data terminal includes at least one data pin that is configured to receive operational information from a piece of equipment coupled with the battery pack. The IoT module is in communication with the data terminal and the battery management system, and is configured to receive operational information about the piece of equipment from the data terminal, receive operational information about the rechargeable lithium-ion battery cells from the battery management system, and transmit the operational information about the piece of equipment and the operational information from the lithium-ion battery cells via a network interface. The network interface is configured to communicate the operational information about the piece of equipment and the operational information about the rechargeable lithium-ion battery cells to a mesh network, and is configured to communicate over at least two frequencies.