Modular Small Cell Structure With Composite Housing for Fast 5G Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional construction materials and installation methods for small cell sites are costly and inefficient, hindering the deployment of 5G wireless networks, particularly in urban areas where aesthetics and stealthy integration are also concerns.
Innovation Solution
The use of lightweight, durable carbon fiber skeletons with formable foam and polyurethane materials for small cell installation structures that are modular, aesthetically adaptable, and designed to reduce material and labor costs, while ensuring reliable wireless signal transmission and easy deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional steel pole and tower solutions are used for small cell installation, then structural strength and stability are ensured, but installation cost and deployment time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The small cell structure is divided into modular components including a base module, pole module, and equipment module that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation enables faster deployment while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional steel materials to alternative materials such as aluminum alloys or composite materials for the pole structure. This parameter change reduces weight and simplifies installation procedures, thereby accelerating deployment while maintaining adequate mechanical strength for small cell applications.
2Reliability
If conventional steel pole solutions are used, then structural reliability is maintained, but aesthetic design choices are limited and visibility in the environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different modules of the small cell structure can have different aesthetic characteristics tailored to their specific functions and locations. The base module may be designed to blend with ground-level surroundings, while the pole module can be optimized for street-level visibility or camouflage, allowing each component to have optimized local aesthetics while maintaining overall structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material constructions that combine structural materials with aesthetic finishes. This allows the pole and housing components to achieve both mechanical reliability and aesthetic versatility, enabling designs that can blend into various environmental contexts while maintaining structural integrity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional construction materials and methods are used for small cell sites, then structural durability is ensured, but material and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components are pre-assembled and pre-tested in manufacturing facilities before being transported to installation sites. This preliminary action reduces on-site construction time and labor requirements, lowering installation costs while ensuring quality control and structural durability through standardized manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective materials and simplified construction methods for non-critical components where full durability is not required, allocating resources more efficiently. This approach reduces overall manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate durability for the intended service life of small cell installations.
Data Source
AI summary
In aspects of a small cell installation structure, a support structure provides stability and an attachable framework to mount wireless technology equipment. A formable aesthetic housing is formed around the support structure, and a hardened polymer coating over the formable aesthetic housing is adapted to a shape of the formable aesthetic housing and the support structure. The hardened polymer coating resists environmental conditions that may otherwise interfere with performance of the wireless technology equipment. Additionally, an antenna housing module encloses antennas of the wireless technology equipment, is integrated with the support structure, and is designed to pass millimeter wave (mmW) spectrum wireless signals.