Sealed Communication Cart with Integrated Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aging infrastructure and environments such as healthcare and military settings face challenges in maintaining connectivity without fixed electricity sources, and there is a need for sanitization of communication equipment to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Innovation Solution
The development of communication cases and carts equipped with sealed compartments containing modems and WIFI transceivers for wireless connectivity, along with sanitization stations to sanitize user devices, allowing for secure and portable data connectivity while reducing exposure to biological materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed connectivity solutions are used, then connectivity is provided, but aging infrastructure and lack of fixed electricity sources make support difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed infrastructure connectivity to a mobile, dynamic connectivity solution. The communication cart with modem and WIFI transceiver can be moved to different locations and operates independently of fixed electricity sources, providing adaptable connectivity support in aging or temporary infrastructure environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication cart serves as an intermediary device between user devices and the network. It contains a modem that connects to cellular networks and a WIFI transceiver that provides local wireless access, mediating connectivity in environments where direct fixed infrastructure access is unavailable or unreliable.
2Ease of operation
If communication equipment is accessible, then user access is enabled, but sanitization becomes difficult due to infectious disease risks
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two parts: sealed communication equipment that remains protected and requires no user access, and user devices that users interact with. The sealed compartment containing the modem and WIFI transceiver prevents exposure to biological contaminants while still enabling user connectivity through wireless interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication components (modem, WIFI transceiver) are extracted from the user-accessible environment and placed inside a sealed compartment. This separates the sanitation-critical communication equipment from the user interface, allowing users to access communication services without exposing the sealed equipment to contaminants.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sealed compartments are used, then sanitization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the sealed compartment: housing the modem, WIFI transceiver, and providing biological containment. This consolidation achieves sanitization protection without proportionally increasing complexity, as the seal serves both structural and protective roles simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a communication case and a communication cart. A communication case may include at least: a case with a sealed compartment; a battery within the sealed compartment; a modem within the sealed compartment and powered by the battery; and a WIFI transceiver within the sealed compartment and powered by the battery. The modem and WIFI transceiver may connect external user devices to endpoints over available wireless communication channels. A communication cart may include: a communication compartment with at least a modem and a WIFI transceiver to connect external user devices to endpoints over available wireless communication channels; a sanitization station, wherein the sanitization station includes a sanitization system configured to sanitize a user device; and a set of wheels for maneuvering the communication cart.