Self-Righting Relay Device for Non-Line-of-Sight Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining communications between mobile platforms in non-line-of-sight conditions is challenging due to obstructions like buildings, trees, and hills, which negatively affect radio signals by reflection, distortion, and absorption.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, non-line-of-sight, high-bandwidth deployable relay device equipped with a self-righting mechanism, radio, processor, and extendable antenna, capable of operating as a node in a telecommunications network, and incorporating GPS and environmental sensors to maintain connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a relay device is deployed to maintain communication in non-line-of-sight conditions, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for self-righting mechanism and extendable antenna
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device is divided into functional modules: housing, self-righting mechanism, extendable antenna, radio, and processor. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability for non-line-of-sight communication
Solution Approach 2:
The self-righting mechanism automatically orients the device upright using spring-loaded arms and geometric constraints, and the extendable antenna automatically extends when needed. These self-service features improve communication reliability without requiring complex manual intervention systems
2Reliability
If the relay device includes a self-righting mechanism to ensure proper orientation, then operational reliability is improved, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-righting mechanism uses spring-loaded repositioning arms that act as mechanical counterweights to counteract gravity and automatically orient the housing in an upright position. This passive mechanical approach achieves reliable orientation without requiring heavy powered actuators or complex control systems
3Reliability
If the antenna is made extendable to maintain signal integrity in obstructed areas, then communication quality is improved, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is designed to extend from and retract into the housing, with the extended antenna positioned outside the housing volume and the retracted antenna nested within. This nesting approach allows the antenna to achieve sufficient length for signal integrity while minimizing the device's stored volume during transport
Data Source
AI summary
A relay apparatus comprising a housing having a bottom surface, a radio, and a processor, both mounted within the housing. A self-righting mechanism is mounted to the housing such that the self-righting mechanism is configured to reposition the housing from any initial position to an upright position so that the housing rests on the bottom surface. The radio is configured to relay RF signals and to operate as a node in an ad hoc telecommunications network. The processor is operatively coupled to the radio and the self-righting mechanism.