Integrated Power and Communication Node for Remote Field Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field deployed systems often lack access to electrical power and communication infrastructure, necessitating a solution for providing reliable power and communication functionality in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A node that integrates power distribution and communication technologies, receiving power from an external source and distributing it to components, while using various communication technologies to enable remote control and data gathering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a node integrates power distribution and communication technologies to provide reliable power and communication to field deployed systems, then the reliability and functionality in remote locations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power distribution functionality and communication functionality into a single integrated node system. The node includes a power distributor for receiving and distributing electrical power, communication interfaces for wireless and wired communication, and a controller for coordinating both functions, thereby providing comprehensive support in remote locations through one unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The node is designed as a multi-functional system that simultaneously performs power distribution, wireless communication, wired communication, and data processing. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple separate systems, improving reliability in remote deployments while managing complexity through integrated architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the node provides flexible power distribution to multiple components with different power requirements, then the adaptability is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distributor provides different power outputs tailored to specific components' requirements. The system can deliver high power to motors, low power to sensors, and variable power to different loads simultaneously, with each component receiving precisely the power quality it needs through dedicated output channels controlled by the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The node incorporates dynamic power management capability where the controller can adjust power distribution in real-time based on component needs. The system responds to changing power requirements of connected components, enabling flexible adaptation to different operational scenarios while maintaining centralized control.
3Reliability
If the node uses multiple communication technologies (cellular, satellite, radio) to enable remote communication, then the communication reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The node serves as an intermediary communication hub in remote locations. It receives data from field deployed systems and can transmit it through multiple communication pathways (wireless interfaces including cellular, satellite, or radio, and wired Ethernet). This multi-interface approach provides redundant communication routes, ensuring reliable data exchange even when one communication method is unavailable.
Data Source
AI summary
A node for providing electrical power and one or more communication links to a field deployed system is disclosed. The node may comprise a power distributor configured to receive electrical power from an external power source and controllably distribute the electrical power to the field deployed system, an interface comprising a plurality of data ports configured to be connected to data lines of a corresponding plurality of components of the field deployed system, a plurality of communication links configured to transmit or receive data associated with the plurality of components of the field deployed system, and a router configured to route communication messages between the plurality of data ports and the plurality of communication links. The node may further comprise one or more processors configured to control the power distributor, the plurality of data ports, the plurality of communication links, and the router.