Rotating Rooftop Mounting for Wireless LOS Re-Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face interruptions due to loss of line-of-sight (LOS) conditions caused by factors like vegetation growth or new constructions, leading to network failures and the need for costly and labor-intensive field technician interventions to re-align wireless communication nodes.
Innovation Solution
A non-penetrative mounting apparatus for wireless communication nodes using a distributed weight system with support struts to secure nodes on rooftops, ensuring improved LOS conditions, and a mechanical mounting apparatus capable of rotating radio modules to adjust beam directions in response to command signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If penetrative mounting is used to secure wireless communication nodes on rooftops, then mounting stability is improved, but rooftop surface integrity deteriorates and structural damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting apparatus that distributes the mounting load across multiple rooftop features (ridge, hips, valleys, slopes) without penetrating the roof surface. This intermediary structure achieves stable mounting while protecting the rooftop integrity by using clamps, brackets, and adaptive mounting elements that attach to existing roof features rather than penetrating the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus is divided into multiple segmented components including separate mounting elements for different rooftop features (ridge clamps, hip clamps, valley clamps, slope mounts), allowing the system to adapt to various roof configurations without requiring penetrative installation at each location.
2Reliability
If field technicians are dispatched to re-align wireless communication nodes, then LOS conditions can be restored, but time consumption and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable mounting elements that allow wireless communication nodes to be re-positioned and re-aligned without requiring technician dispatch. The dynamic mounting system includes adjustable brackets, movable clamps, and reconfigurable support structures that enable field adjustments to maintain LOS conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus includes self-adjusting features and automated alignment capabilities that allow the wireless communication system to self-correct LOS issues without external technician intervention, reducing both time loss and labor costs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If distributed weight system with support struts is used for non-penetrative mounting, then rooftop surface protection is improved, but mounting apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex distributed weight system is broken down into standardized, modular mounting components (clamps, brackets, struts, connectors) that can be independently selected and assembled based on specific rooftop configurations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining protection benefits.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical mounting apparatus with rotation capability is used, then beam direction adjustment flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic rotation and adjustment mechanisms into the mounting apparatus that enable beam direction flexibility. These include motorized or manually adjustable rotary joints, gimbal mounts, and reconfigurable support structures that allow the wireless communication nodes to be oriented in multiple directions while maintaining a relatively simple overall mounting structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication node of a wireless communication system may include a wireless communication module that is configured to communicate with a satellite (e.g., a low earth orbit satellite) and a mounting unit for mounting the wireless communication module at a ground-based installation site, where the mounting unit is configured to mechanically rotate the wireless communication module in response to receiving a command signal. Further, in at least some implementations, the wireless communication module may have electronic beamsteering capability.