Radio-Transparent Floor Panels for Accessible Wireless AP Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Venues like stadiums and theaters face challenges with fixed and inaccessible wireless networking components, making it difficult to maintain, repair, or upgrade wireless access points and telecommunications infrastructure, leading to poor coverage and the inability to conveniently provide electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A flooring system comprising radio wave transparent panels with integrated storage areas below the surface, allowing for easy access and distribution of wireless networking components, including wireless access points and cables, while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If wireless access points and telecommunications infrastructure are integrated in the structure of the venue, then structural stability is improved, but accessibility for maintenance and relocation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flooring system is divided into modular panels that can be individually removed or accessed. Each panel is a separate component that can be taken out to reach the storage area below, allowing maintenance personnel to access wireless networking components without disturbing the entire floor structure. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining overall structural stability while enabling localized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage area for wireless networking components is nested within the floor structure, specifically in the space between the panel and the support structure below. This nested configuration allows components to be housed within the existing structural framework, maintaining structural integrity while providing accessible storage through panel removal.
2Stability of the object's composition
If wireless access points are fixed in position, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability for relocation and updates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed infrastructure to a dynamic configuration where panels can be removed and components can be relocated. The removable panel design enables the wireless networking components to be moved to different locations within the venue as needed, providing adaptability for technology updates and reconfiguration while maintaining structural stability through the permanent support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flooring system is pre-configured with storage areas and cable routing pathways during installation. Cable conduits and storage spaces are built into the structure beforehand, allowing components to be easily installed, removed, and relocated without requiring complex construction work. This preliminary preparation enables rapid adaptation and relocation of wireless access points.
3Reliability
If panels are made transparent to radio waves, then wireless signal transmission is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are constructed from composite materials that combine structural strength with radio wave transparency. Specifically, the panels use non-metallic materials such as wood, wood composites, or plastic composites that inherently allow radio frequency signals to pass through while providing the necessary mechanical strength to support floor loads. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by selecting materials that satisfy both structural and electromagnetic requirements.
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 flexible placement and maintenance of wireless networking components, improves wireless coverage, and simplifies the installation of electrical connections without visible cables, enhancing user experience and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first panel comprises a material that is transparent to radio waves
Data Source
AI summary
A system for distributing wireless networking components in a venue. The system includes panels that define a floor surface. The panels each have a planar configuration with an upper surface opposite a lower surface. The panels include a material that is transparent to radio waves, and the panels define a storage space below the panels and the storage space may be used to store and distribute wireless networking component.