Telecom Battery Handling via Segmentation and Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and maintenance of batteries at cell sites are labor-intensive and time-consuming due to their weight and the high theft rates, while there is a need for efficient recycling and monitoring of batteries to comply with environmental regulations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving de-celling batteries into individual modules for easier handling and transportation, using a battery installation apparatus with omnidirectional wheels and security screws for theft deterrence, and implementing a tracking system for recycling, including mobile devices and cloud-based tracking for compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries are transported as complete modules, then battery integrity is maintained, but handling difficulty and labor requirements increase due to severe weight
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into individual cell segments that can be handled separately. Each cell weighs significantly less than a complete battery module, enabling easier manual handling and transportation while maintaining battery functionality through proper reassembly at the installation site
2Reliability
If batteries are transported as complete modules, then battery functionality is preserved, but transportation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the battery into individual cells, the patent enables parallel transportation of multiple cells simultaneously, reducing total transportation time compared to moving heavy complete modules sequentially. The cells are designed to be reassembled on-site into functional battery configurations
Solution Approach 2:
Battery cells are pre-prepared and staged at a staging location before final installation. This preliminary preparation allows for efficient on-site assembly and reduces the time batteries are out of service during replacement operations
3Reliability
If complete battery modules are used, then battery performance is optimized, but theft vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation as a security measure by dividing complete battery modules into individual cells for transportation and installation. This reduces theft vulnerability because individual cells are less attractive targets and more difficult to steal undetected compared to high-value complete battery modules
Solution Approach 2:
A tracking system serves as an intermediary mechanism that monitors battery cells from the staging location through installation at the cell site. This tracking infrastructure enables verification of cell installation and provides security oversight that reduces theft opportunities
4Ease of operation
If de-celling and reassembling process is implemented, then handling ease improves, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces installation complexity by performing preliminary preparation of battery cells at a staging location before on-site installation. Cells are inspected, prepared, and staged in advance, so that the actual on-site installation involves simpler tasks of placing pre-prepared cells into the battery rack rather than complex de-celling and reassembling procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A method of handling and removing batteries from a telecommunications site includes identifying one or more batteries for removal, each of the one or more batteries having a hazardous condition associated therewith; individually wrapping each of the one or more batteries and placing each wrapped battery in a container or in a location in a container; tracking the container or the location in the container to the associated wrapped battery; removing the container from the telecommunications site to a storage facility; storing the container in the storage facility separate from other batteries; provide the container to a recycling facility; and verifying proper disposal of the one or more batteries based on the tracking from the telecommunications site to the storage facility and to the recycling facility.