Modular IoT Assembly for UAV-Based Remote Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In remote locations, accessing data and performing maintenance on IoT devices is challenging due to the lack of long-range communication infrastructure, making it difficult for humans to service devices that require frequent data access and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular device assemblies that can be serviced by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are programmed to autonomously connect to the devices, download data securely, and replace or update components, utilizing a modular design with communication ports and contact points to facilitate physical and electronic connections for maintenance and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices are deployed in remote locations to monitor and collect data, then the ability to gather data in inaccessible areas is improved, but the ability to access data and perform maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The modular device assembly enables self-service through automated UAV servicing. The system includes automated components such as the servicing robot that can autonomously navigate to devices, identify modules requiring maintenance, and perform replacement operations without human intervention, allowing remote devices to service themselves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary servicing system consisting of modular device assemblies and UAV-based servicing robots. This intermediary layer bridges the gap between remote deployed devices and human operators, enabling maintenance operations through automated robotic systems that can access and service devices in locations inaccessible to humans
2Loss of information
If long-range communication infrastructure is installed in remote locations, then data access capability is improved, but the complexity and cost of infrastructure deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the deployed sensor devices and consolidates it into centralized data collection points. The sensor modules can operate independently in remote locations without requiring local communication infrastructure, as data is transferred through physical module replacement rather than wireless transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces electronic communication infrastructure with a mechanical data transfer system. Instead of installing communication towers and wireless networks in remote areas, the patent uses physical module replacement as the data transfer mechanism, where serviced modules are physically transported to data collection points
3Productivity
If modular device assemblies are designed for UAV servicing, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into standardized modular sensor assemblies that can be independently serviced and replaced. Each module contains complete functional units (sensors, processing, power) that can be handled as discrete components, enabling efficient automated servicing while the modularity itself simplifies the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The modular device assembly employs universal interfaces and standardized mounting mechanisms that work across different sensor types and locations. The same servicing robot and module design can service multiple different sensor devices, reducing the complexity of location-specific customizations and enabling standardized maintenance procedures
Data Source
AI summary
Particular embodiments described herein provide for modular device assemblies and methods for enabling maintenance and servicing, particularly by an unmanned aerial vehicle. A device assembly comprises a plurality of modules, each module having control circuitry, a communications port and contact points to couple the modules. When the modules are coupled, the communications ports are connected to create a bus for communications between the modules. The modular device structure where modules are removable and replaceable allows for an unmanned aerial vehicle to perform maintenance on the device.