Portable Toolbox Network Placement for Construction Site Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active construction sites face communication inefficiencies due to lack of installed power and connectivity, and traditional security methods are inadequate for ensuring secure access to valuable resources, especially in dynamic environments where cellular signals are limited and perimeter fences provide limited security.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-equipped system that deploys a network of wireless-equipped toolboxes to establish a portable, self-powered communication and monitoring network, using processors to determine optimal toolbox placement for coverage and security, with sensors and communication capabilities to maintain communication and security across the site, even in areas with limited cellular signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional communication methods (shouting, radios) are used on construction sites, then communication between proximate workers is effective, but communication efficiency between remote locations and central office decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the construction site into multiple coverage zones, each served by a portable base unit with cellular modem. These distributed base units segment the communication infrastructure, allowing workers in remote areas to connect to the central office through their local base unit, thereby maintaining communication efficiency across dispersed locations without requiring a single centralized tower.
2Productivity
If cellular phones are used to improve communication on construction sites, then some communication issues are solved, but communication is limited based on worker location and signal reception
Solution Approach 1:
Portable base units serve as intermediary devices between workers' cellular phones and the central office. These base units are positioned in locations with reliable cellular signal reception and create local wireless networks (WLANs) that extend coverage to areas with poor or no cellular signal, acting as mediators that relay communications between the central office and workers in remote zones.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional security methods (gated access, perimeter fence) are used, then basic site security is achieved, but security for valuable resources scattered throughout the site is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The security system is segmented into multiple portable monitoring units distributed throughout the construction site. Each unit independently monitors its local zone for unauthorized access and suspicious activities. This distributed segmentation allows comprehensive security coverage of scattered valuable resources without requiring a single expensive perimeter fence, as each resource area has its own dedicated monitoring point.
4Reliability
If additional fences or security personnel are deployed to secure specific areas, then security for high-priority zones is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable base units serve multiple functions: they provide cellular signal boosting, create local wireless networks for communication, and simultaneously act as security monitoring stations. This multi-functionality allows the same deployed infrastructure to address both communication and security needs, eliminating the requirement for separate security systems and reducing overall complexity and cost.
5Adaptability or versatility
If perimeter fences are moved to adapt to changing site priorities, then security coverage is maintained, but the cost and time required for relocation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security system is made dynamic through portable, movable base units that can be easily repositioned as construction priorities change. Unlike fixed perimeter fences, these wireless monitoring units can be quickly relocated to new areas without infrastructure installation, allowing the security coverage to dynamically adapt to changing site conditions and priorities with minimal time and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle receives designation of a coverage area for deployment of a portable network comprised of a plurality of wireless-equipped toolboxes and determines a plurality of toolboxes available for use in the network based on indications to the vehicle from a plurality of toolboxes that they are usable in the network. The vehicle determines a placement of the available toolboxes within the coverage area to achieve a wireless network having at least one box location capable of reaching a location designated as a vehicle parking location with wireless communication, the location determined by the vehicle based at least in part on the ability of the vehicle to reach the location and a known cellular signal available at the location. The vehicle provides guidance for deployment of individual toolboxes of the plurality of toolboxes at deployment locations according to the determined placement.