Satellite Repeater Rack for Stacked Container Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems for refrigerated shipping containers on cargo ships, particularly on Lift-on/Lift-off (LoLo) vessels, face challenges due to obstructed line of sight with satellites due to stacked containers, leading to unreliable data communication and alert generation in case of malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A satellite repeater system with a rack of standard shipping container dimensions, equipped with a first antenna for satellite communication and a second antenna for data transmission to remote electronic components, providing a reliable data communication path through a satellite repeater platform that can be positioned on top of stacked containers, ensuring clear line of sight and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If shipping containers are stacked on top of each other to form high walls on LoLo ships, then cargo capacity and storage efficiency are improved, but the line of sight for satellite communication is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
A satellite repeater system is introduced as an intermediary component mounted on the stacked containers. The repeater includes a satellite antenna that receives signals from satellites and a local antenna that distributes signals to power packs within the container stack. This mediator enables communication penetration through the obstructed steel canyon environment without changing the container stacking arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system transitions from direct line-of-sight three-dimensional satellite communication to a multi-dimensional approach where signals are received from above (satellite antenna on top of stack) and distributed downward through vertical and horizontal pathways to multiple power packs at different levels, enabling communication in the obstructed canyon environment.
2Productivity
If power packs are placed directly on the deck surrounded by stacked containers, then space utilization is improved, but communication systems cannot access satellites due to steel canyon obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite repeater acts as a mediator positioned on top of the container stack, receiving satellite signals and redistributing them to power packs located in the obstructed areas below. This allows power packs to remain in their space-efficient positions while maintaining communication capability through the repeater's elevated position.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into separate functional components: a satellite antenna for receiving signals, a repeater unit for signal processing, and local antennas for distribution to individual power packs. This segmentation allows the communication function to be distributed throughout the container stack, enabling each power pack to maintain independent communication capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If communication antennas are positioned within the container stack, then integration with cargo operations is improved, but direct line of sight with satellites is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses vertical dimensionality by mounting the satellite antenna on top of the container stack to achieve satellite visibility, while local antennas are positioned at various levels within the stack for integration with cargo operations. This multi-level vertical arrangement maintains both satellite access and cargo operation integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The repeater system serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the satellite antenna positioned for optimal visibility and the local antennas integrated with cargo operations. The repeater receives signals from the satellite antenna and distributes them to local antennas throughout the container stack, enabling both functions to coexist.
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 satellite repeater system enables reliable data communication between shipping containers and satellites, even in obstructed environments, allowing for timely alerts and monitoring of operational parameters, enhancing the reliability of refrigerated shipping container management.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna located on the rack, the first antenna being configured to send and receive data from a communication satellite
Implementation Method 2
a second antenna located on the rack, the second antenna being configured to send and receive data from one or more electronic components located on the ship or barge remotely from the second antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A satellite repeater system for a ship or barge includes a rack having dimensions that are substantially equal to a standard shipping container; and a satellite communication system located on the rack. The satellite communication system includes a first antenna located on the rack, the first antenna being configured to send and receive data from a communication satellite; and a second antenna located on the rack, the second antenna being configured to send and receive data from one or more electronic components located on the ship or barge remotely from the second antenna.