Small Cell 3D Site Vetting for Fewer Tower Climbs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for telecommunications site planning and maintenance, particularly for small cells, are hazardous and costly due to the need for frequent tower climbs, leading to service disruptions and inefficiencies in design and installation processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and satellite data capture for 3D modeling and augmented reality systems to coordinate, prepare, and implement small cell installations without physical testing, reducing the need for tower climbs and enhancing data accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tower climb methods are used for small cell installation and maintenance, then workers can directly access and perform tasks on cell towers, but the process becomes hazardous and costly with frequent service disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual 3D copy of the cell tower structure using photogrammetry and point cloud technology. This digital replica allows workers to plan, simulate, and verify installation procedures remotely before any physical tower climb, eliminating the need for repeated climbs while maintaining service continuity and worker safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tower climb system with an aerial robotic system equipped with manipulators. The robot can autonomously navigate the tower structure, position equipment, and perform installation tasks remotely, substituting dangerous human climbing with automated aerial operations that maintain service reliability.
2Productivity
If multiple tower climbs are performed for installation and maintenance tasks, then workers can complete necessary work, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating a comprehensive 3D digital model of the tower and simulating installation procedures before any physical work begins. This pre-planning phase identifies optimal access points, sequences tasks efficiently, and prepares all necessary equipment, allowing workers to complete installation in a single efficient climb rather than multiple repeated climbs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through autonomous aerial robots that can perform inspection, measurement, and even installation tasks without human intervention. The system uses onboard sensors to automatically map the tower, track progress, and execute pre-programmed installation sequences, dramatically reducing the time and number of climbs required.
3Manufacturing precision
If physical testing and on-site verification are conducted for small cell implementation, then installation accuracy can be confirmed, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the virtual 3D model as a digital twin for verification. After installation, the system captures actual tower geometry and compares it against the planned configuration in the digital model, automatically verifying installation accuracy without requiring complex physical testing procedures or multiple on-site visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where sensors on the tower and aerial robots capture real-time data during installation. This data is immediately processed and compared against the 3D model to verify positioning accuracy, providing instant feedback that allows for immediate corrections without repeating entire installation sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing and vetting a small cell for implementation is disclosed herein. The method includes assessing the small cell and a location for the small cell for one or more of compliance with leasing, zoning, and permitting prior to initiating construction planning; obtaining data from the location utilizing one or more data capture techniques and utilizing the data for generating a model based thereon; identifying construction obstacles and flaws utilizing the model; re-designing the small cell based on the construction obstacles and flaws; and developing a project plan for the small cell.