Modular Host-Client Connector for Utility Pole Device Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of new devices in urban environments, such as lighting or sensor devices, on existing utility poles is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly, often requiring significant disruption and complex makeshift solutions due to the poles not being designed for additional devices, leading to high costs and limited investment in new devices.
Innovation Solution
A device installation system comprising a host connector with a controller, power subsystem, and communication subsystem, along with a client connector that includes a latch and power subsystem, allowing for wireless charging and secure mounting of client devices on utility poles, facilitated by a mast and hub device, which can be deployed using drones for efficient installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional installation methods are used to mount devices on utility poles, then device reliability is improved through secure mounting, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The installation system is divided into separate modular components: a host interface mounted on the utility pole and a client interface attached to the device. This segmentation allows the host interface to be pre-installed on infrastructure, while client interfaces can be independently deployed without requiring complex installation procedures, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining secure mounting through the latch and lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The host interface is pre-installed on the utility pole infrastructure before the actual device deployment. This preliminary action includes pre-positioning the mounting structure and power subsystem, so that when a client interface needs to be installed, only the simple attachment process is required, significantly reducing the overall installation time while ensuring reliable mounting through the pre-configured lock and latch system.
2Reliability
If traditional installation methods are used, then device reliability is improved, but installation costs and complexity increase due to required disruption of street life
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the installation system into host and client interfaces, the complexity is distributed: the host interface handles the complex integration with utility pole infrastructure once, while the client interface requires only simple attachment. This reduces the complexity of individual installations while maintaining reliability through the secure latch and lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The client interface is designed to be self-contained with integrated power and communication subsystems, allowing devices to be deployed independently without requiring complex installation procedures, street life disruption, or specialized installation teams. The simple attachment process to the host interface enables rapid deployment while maintaining secure mounting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If utility poles are modified to support additional devices, then device connectivity is improved, but the poles experience increased wear and structural stress
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the load-bearing function from the connectivity function. The host interface is a separate mounting structure attached to the utility pole that concentrates the mechanical load on a localized attachment point, rather than requiring modification of the pole itself. This allows multiple devices to be connected through the host interface while the pole's structural integrity remains unaffected by the added connectivity infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The host interface acts as an intermediary between the utility pole and the client devices. It provides the necessary mounting, power, and communication interfaces without requiring direct modification of the pole structure. This intermediary structure enables device connectivity while protecting the pole from the mechanical and electrical stresses of device attachment and removal.
4Reliability
If high-priced reliable devices are invested in, then device reliability is improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a reusable host interface and interchangeable client interfaces, the cost structure changes: the expensive, reliable host interface is installed once on the utility pole, while simpler, less expensive client interfaces can be easily replaced or upgraded. This segmentation reduces the cost of installation and maintenance for individual devices while maintaining the reliability of the overall system through the robust host interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The host interface with its power and communication subsystems is pre-installed on the utility pole before device deployment. This preliminary action eliminates the need for expensive in-site electrical work and complex installation procedures for each device, reducing installation and maintenance costs while maintaining device reliability through the pre-configured reliable connection interface.
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 system reduces installation time and costs by enabling quick and secure mounting of devices on existing infrastructure, allowing for ubiquitous connectivity in outdoor environments with reduced logistical efforts and increased efficiency in deploying and maintaining devices.
Implementation Method 1
the wireless power transceiver includes an inductive coil assembly, a radio frequency tank circuit, and a tank switching circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Device installation systems, methods, and media for providing ubiquitous connectivity in outdoor environments are provided. In some embodiments, a device installation system comprises: a host connector that includes a controller, a host power subsystem, a host communication subsystem, and a lock; and a client connector that is connected to a client device and that is connected to the host connector, wherein the client connector includes a client power subsystem, a client communication subsystem, and a latch; wherein the host power subsystem is connected to a power source, the client power subsystem is charged by the host power subsystem of the host connector, and the client power subsystem transmits power to the client device; wherein the controller is configured to transmit a locking instruction to the lock that causes the lock of the host connector to actuate with the latch of the client connector; and wherein the client communication subsystem is configured to communicate with the client device such that data from the client device can be communicated over a communications network.