Modular Smart Tower with Segmented Kiosk and Elevated Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interactive kiosks and smart city solutions are limited in their ability to enhance cellular coverage and wireless access due to height constraints, requiring costly replacements and overhauls of existing infrastructure, and fail to integrate multiple functionalities such as cellular, Wi-Fi, and smart city applications effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular smart tower that combines cellular edge network connectivity, sensors, Wi-Fi access, and interactive kiosk functions, allowing for modular design and configuration to accommodate various cellular technologies and equipment, with adjustable height and footprint, and the ability to integrate multiple carriers and services within a single structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If interactive kiosks are placed at street level, then connectivity and interactivity are improved, but cellular coverage is minimized due to height constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional components: a street-level interactive kiosk providing user interface and connectivity functions, and a separate elevated antenna structure providing cellular coverage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
A pole or mast structure serves as an intermediary element, connecting the street-level kiosk to elevated antenna mounting positions. This intermediary enables the kiosk to benefit from both ground-level accessibility and height-based signal propagation.
2Power
If RF power is increased to improve cellular coverage, then signal strength is improved, but radiation exposure to humans increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is positioned in the vertical dimension at elevated height, separating the radiation source from the human population plane. This spatial separation allows for higher RF power transmission while reducing ground-level radiation exposure through inverse-square law attenuation.
3Reliability
If older street lights are retrofitted or new poles are installed to improve cellular coverage, then connectivity is improved, but cost and implementation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pole structure is designed as a multi-functional platform that simultaneously supports street lighting, interactive kiosks, cellular antennas, and other smart city infrastructure. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single structure, reducing implementation complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple infrastructure functions (lighting, communication, computing, cellular coverage) are merged into a single integrated smart tower structure, eliminating the need for separate installations and reducing overall system complexity.
4Device complexity
If interactive kiosks are designed for singular purposes, then functionality is simplified, but the need for multiple separate systems increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The interactive kiosk system is designed with universal interfaces and modular architecture that accommodate multiple functions including public information display, commercial advertising, civic engagement, and cellular communication control, all within a single integrated platform.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tower comprising multifunction smart node and interactive kiosk for use with a modular, multipurpose tower, to be used in smart city applications, citywide Wi-Fi deployments, video surveillance applications, environmental sensors and other communication venues (wired or wireless) involving wireless network deployments of various wireless technologies. The tower includes modular compartments that can be configured for multiple applications and a central support pole.