Portable Wireless Node with Energy Harvesting for Rapid Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communications nodes are not portable enough and require extensive assembly and power sources, making them difficult to deploy in remote or inaccessible locations for missions such as military, search and rescue, or firefighting.

Innovation Solution

A portable wireless communications node comprising a portable platform, an energy harvesting system, and a wireless communications system that includes a transceiver and antennas, allowing for self-sustaining communication networks that can be easily transported and set up by personnel, using energy harvesting to power the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If current wireless communications nodes are used, then communication functionality is provided, but portability is insufficient and extensive assembly is required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidassembly requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple components (transceiver, antennas, mounting structure, power system) into an integrated portable wireless communications node that functions as a single deployable unit, eliminating the need for extensive assembly of separate equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The portable platform is designed to provide multiple functions including communication, power management, and mounting capabilities in a single device, reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled

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

2Reliability

If current wireless communications nodes are used, then communication functionality is provided, but power sources are complex and difficult to deploy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower source complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates an energy harvesting device that automatically captures and stores energy from the environment, eliminating the need for manual generator operation or complex power source management by personnel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The energy harvesting device pre-charges the battery system before communication operations are needed, ensuring power availability without requiring complex real-time power management during deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If portable wireless communications node is deployed, then rapid deployment by single operator is enabled, but energy supply for continuous operation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidoperation duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The energy harvesting device continuously captures energy from the environment and stores it in the battery system, ensuring continuous power supply for extended operation without requiring manual intervention or replacement of power sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables reliable and efficient communication networks in areas without existing infrastructure, allowing for rapid deployment and operation by a single operator, reducing the need for vehicles and generators.

Implementation Method 1

an energy harvester connected to the portable platform. The energy harvester is configured to charge the battery system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy harvesting: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9253816B1Self-contained area network system
Publication Date: 2016.02.02 THE BOEING CO
  • US9253816B1 patent drawing
  • US9253816B1 patent drawing
  • US9253816B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for routing information. A wireless network is established using a portable wireless communications node comprising a portable platform, an energy harvesting system connected to the portable platform, and a wireless communications system connected to the portable platform. The wireless communications system is configured to transfer information using radio frequency signals.