Long Range Mesh Network Smart Radio Frequency Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional communication systems in manufacturing and construction facilities often lack efficient risk management and real-time monitoring capabilities, leading to inadequate communication and safety issues for frontline workers, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A long-range transmission mesh network using smart radios that operate on industrial, scientific, and medical radio bands, employing downsampled audio transmissions and upsampled data transmission via higher frequency bands, with features like geofencing, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tag logs, and machine learning for analytics, enabling real-time monitoring and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional communication systems are used in manufacturing and construction facilities, then device simplicity is maintained, but communication reliability and real-time monitoring capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the facility into multiple geofenced zones with specific communication parameters. Each zone can be independently configured with appropriate radio frequencies, power levels, and access controls, allowing reliable communication in each segment while managing overall system complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart radio devices serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide voice communication, data transmission, location tracking, emergency alerting, and geofence monitoring. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single unified platform, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Length of stationary object
If short-range wireless communication systems are used, then power consumption is reduced, but communication range and coverage area are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic transmission bursts rather than continuous transmission. Devices transmit data in scheduled intervals and enter low-power states between transmissions, maintaining communication coverage across the facility while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous short-range communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediate relay nodes (smart radios positioned throughout the facility) that act as mediators to extend communication range. These intermediaries receive and forward messages, enabling long-range communication without requiring each device to transmit at high power continuously, thus extending coverage while managing power consumption.
3Loss of information
If real-time monitoring and communication capabilities are implemented, then safety and visibility are improved, but system complexity and device requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The smart radio devices automatically perform location tracking, geofence detection, and data transmission without requiring manual intervention. The system self-configures communication parameters and automatically alerts personnel when workers enter or exit designated zones, providing comprehensive information visibility while keeping individual device operations simple and automatic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where smart radios monitor worker locations, transmission quality, and system status, then automatically adjust communication parameters and alert relevant personnel. This automated feedback mechanism provides real-time information visibility without requiring complex manual monitoring systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are carried by frontline workers, then functionality is enhanced, but ease of operation and worker convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple previously separate functions (voice radio, data terminal, location tracker, emergency alert device) into a single smart radio unit. This consolidation provides enhanced functionality while improving worker convenience by reducing the number of devices they must carry and manage, directly addressing the contradiction between versatility and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for a long range transmission mesh network. Wireless devices operate as nodes on a mesh network. The wireless devices are configured to receive a downsampled transmission, process header information from the transmission, and broadcast the transmission to other nodes on the mesh network. Based on the approximate range of nearby nodes on the mesh network, the wireless devices automatically shift frequency bands. The wireless devices are configured to include a second transceiver specific to operating on the mesh network. In some examples, the second transceiver includes a long range (LoRa) chip set for operating in the 900 MHz band for the mesh network. In some examples, the second transceiver includes a new radio (NR+) chip set for operating in the digital enhanced cordless telephony (DECT) 1.9 GHz band.