Wearable Mesh Antenna Nodes for Low-Bulk Hazard Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable communication systems, such as hazmat suits and SCBA, restrict user mobility and dexterity due to the bulk of whip antennas and separate devices, leading to challenges in operating in hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
A self-organizing wearable communications node system using fully exfoliated graphene sheets in a three-dimensional percolated network within a polymer, forming omnidirectional or directional antenna elements integrated into apparel items, allowing for a flexible and efficient mesh network communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional whip antennas and separate communication devices are used in wearable systems, then communication functionality is achieved, but user mobility and dexterity are restricted due to bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna element and communication device into an integrated wearable communications node. The graphene-based antenna is integrated directly into the wearable device housing, eliminating separate antenna components and reducing overall system bulk while maintaining full communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin-film graphene material to create flexible antenna elements that can be integrated into wearable devices without adding significant bulk. The graphene-based antenna structure provides omnidirectional radiation patterns while maintaining a thin, flexible profile that does not restrict user mobility.
2Reliability
If omnidirectional communication is provided in challenging environments with obstacles, then signal quality is maintained, but RF interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs beamforming technology that dynamically adjusts the radiation pattern of the antenna array. Instead of uniform omnidirectional radiation, the system concentrates signal energy in specific directions toward intended receivers while creating nulls in other directions, thereby maintaining signal quality for target users while reducing RF interference to others.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable communications node implements dynamic beamforming that adapts radiation patterns in real-time based on network conditions and user positions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain reliable omnidirectional coverage when needed while selectively reducing interference in specific directions during other conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user mobility and dexterity by providing reliable, omnidirectional communication without RF interference, suitable for challenging environments with obstacles, while reducing bulk and maintaining signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna element includes a polymer and fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene. The fully exfoliated single sheets of graphene form a three-dimensional percolated network within the polymer and are separated on a nanoscale within the polymer.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV). In one embodiment, the AAV may include a communications device, antenna element, and battery. A control circuit can be coupled to the communications device and battery. The control circuit can establish a self-organizing LAN with computing devices that each connect directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically to the LAN. The antenna element can include a polymer and graphene sheets that forms a three-dimensional percolated network within the polymer. The graphene sheets can be separated on a nanoscale within the polymer. The AAV can fly autonomously or via a remote control. At least one of the computing devices can be a wearable communications node or handheld radio. The control circuit can be configured to identify a RF signal associated with a user and position the AAV relative to the user to maintain a predetermined SNR and/or Fresnel zone.