Portable Network Gateway for Construction Site Location Tracking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Construction jobsites lack a reliable and easily deployable network infrastructure for implementing wireless location systems, due to the absence of durable network components and the inability to set up a temporary network effectively.

Innovation Solution

A computer data network system is designed for construction jobsites, featuring a local server connected to the internet via various connections, with network access transceivers that use wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and UWB, and are housed in rugged, easily transportable and deployable units, powered by both AC and power tool battery packs, enabling reliable communication and location tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If traditional location systems are implemented in construction jobsites, then location tracking capability is improved, but the system reliability deteriorates due to lack of network infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation tracking capabilityVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a portable network gateway as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between wireless location tags and the central server. This gateway can be temporarily deployed at construction sites without requiring permanent network infrastructure, enabling location tracking while maintaining system reliability through its ability to store and forward data when connected to networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If permanent network infrastructure is installed, then network reliability is improved, but the ease of deployment deteriorates due to installation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoidease of deployment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic, portable network gateways that can be easily deployed and relocated rather than fixed permanent infrastructure. These gateways adapt to temporary construction site conditions, providing reliable network connectivity where needed without requiring complex installation, and can be quickly moved as construction progresses to different locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If temporary network components are used, then ease of deployment is improved, but the device durability deteriorates in harsh construction environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of deploymentVSAvoiddevice durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies that portable network gateways and other equipment should be constructed with rugged, composite materials suitable for harsh construction environments. These components combine durability with portability, featuring protective enclosures and robust designs that withstand dust, moisture, and physical impacts while remaining easy to deploy and relocate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If AC power is required for continuous operation, then power stability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates when AC power is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to power sources
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs portable network gateways and other system components with universal power适应能力, supporting multiple power sources including AC power, DC power, and battery power. This multi-functionality ensures continuous operation regardless of available power sources, allowing the system to adapt to various construction site conditions where AC power may not be readily available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240272265A1Construction jobsite computer data network and location system
Publication Date: 2024.08.15 BLACK & DECKER CORP
  • US20240272265A1 patent drawing
  • US20240272265A1 patent drawing
  • US20240272265A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A jobsite computer network has a local server connectable to a remote server via the internet, a network access transceiver connected to the local server, and a wireless device in wireless communication with the network access transceiver. The network access transceiver receives a message from the wireless device and sends a message to the local server. The local server utilizes information from the message to determine the location of the wireless device. The network access transceiver and/or the wireless device generate data which is sent to the remote server.