Resilient Communication Device Container for Coastal Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellular network infrastructure in coastal regions is vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and lacks redundancy, leading to potential network disruptions and failures, even with self-organizing network reconfiguration techniques.
Innovation Solution
A resilient container for electronic communications devices that can withstand extreme weather conditions, featuring a waterproof housing with convective cooling, multiple power sources, and the ability to reconfigure between wireless channels, allowing for continuous network operation and redundancy in case of infrastructure damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If base stations are deployed in coastal regions to extend network coverage, then network coverage area is improved, but vulnerability to extreme weather conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station system is divided into multiple independent container units, each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation allows the network to maintain functionality even when individual units are damaged by extreme weather, thus extending coverage while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed with reinforced structure, waterproof housing, and protective features before deployment to coastal regions. These preemptive protective measures cushion the equipment against extreme weather conditions such as salt spray, moisture, and high winds, reducing vulnerability before damage occurs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If self-organizing network reconfiguration techniques are implemented, then network adaptability is improved, but redundancy against infrastructure damage remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple independent container-based nodes distributed across the coverage area. Each node operates autonomously and can function independently if others are damaged, providing physical redundancy that complements software-based self-organizing network reconfiguration techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as transmission power, frequency channels, and routing paths based on detected infrastructure conditions. This allows the network to adapt to damage scenarios while maintaining service through alternative configurations and paths.
3Device complexity
If multiple electrical devices are housed in a single container, then device integration is improved, but heat dissipation becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates three-dimensional heat dissipation structures including vertical fins and internal air channels that move heat away from devices in multiple spatial dimensions. This allows efficient thermal management while maintaining high device integration density within the container.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the container are designed with specific thermal properties - high-heat devices are positioned near active cooling elements and heat sinks, while low-heat devices are placed in passive cooling zones. This localized thermal management optimizes heat dissipation for each device based on its specific requirements.
4Reliability
If waterproof housing with sealed recesses is used, then protection against water ingress is improved, but convective cooling is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof housing incorporates sealed membranes and gaskets that prevent water ingress while allowing controlled thermal exchange. These flexible sealing elements maintain the waterproof barrier while permitting heat transfer through the housing walls for passive cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing design includes three-dimensional heat sinks and internal air channels that provide alternative thermal pathways. Heat is dissipated through vertical and radial convection paths within the sealed container, eliminating the need for open surfaces that would compromise waterproofing.
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
The container ensures network resilience by maintaining communication integrity during severe weather events and infrastructure failures, enabling the routing of signals through alternative channels and reducing the risk of damage, thus enhancing overall network reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one heat sink has apertures formed therein to allow convective cooling of the at least one mounting plate
Implementation Method 2
at least one rubber or elastomer gasket is disposed in at least one of the recesses; a clamp means exerts a force to clamp the top and bottom plates to seal the housing therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A container for communication devices and communication systems used in cellular networks. There is a need for resilient systems that can withstand extreme weather events. Cellular network infrastructure located close to coastal regions is particularly prone to disruptive failures. A container for an electronic communications device is also provided including: a housing that surrounds at least one mounting plate on which electrical devices and electronic devices are supported. The housing is received around a top edge by a recess in a top plate and around a bottom edge by a recess in a bottom plate. The top and bottom plates are clamped to seal the housing. In some embodiments the housing is connected to a sea borne infrastructure such as buoy. Node frames enable a communications infrastructure that has no single point of failure.