Wearable RF Node Antenna Layout for Concealed Source Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable communications systems with conspicuous antennas face challenges in environments where identification and location concealment are necessary, and are vulnerable to entanglement and damage in harsh conditions, leading to underutilization of communication links and limited coverage in mesh networks.
Innovation Solution
The development of wearable communications nodes (WCNs) with flexible, foldable antenna elements that minimize visual signature and maintain performance, integrated with a RF locating system using received signal strength indicator measurements for position determination, and designed for use in outdoor rugged environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional conspicuous antennas are used in wearable communications systems, then communication functionality is achieved, but visual signature is increased and location concealment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible antenna elements that can be integrated into wearable communications nodes. These flexible antennas maintain communication functionality while having a low visual profile when folded or conforming to the body, thus reducing the visual signature compared to conventional rigid conspicuous antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional extended linear antennas to folded or conformal antenna structures that utilize three-dimensional space differently. By folding the antenna elements or making them conform to body contours, the visual signature is reduced while maintaining the necessary communication functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid antennas are used in harsh environments, then structural stability is maintained, but vulnerability to entanglement and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible antenna elements that can bend and conform without breaking. This flexibility allows the antennas to withstand harsh environmental conditions, resist entanglement, and avoid damage from impacts or deformation forces that would affect rigid antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility to the antenna structure, allowing it to adapt its shape in response to environmental stresses. This dynamic capability enables the antenna to absorb shocks and resist entanglement while maintaining structural integrity, unlike static rigid antennas.
3Area of stationary object
If maximum number of wireless router hops are allowed in mesh networks, then coverage area is expanded, but latency and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical infrastructure expansion (adding more access points and routers) with a software-based location determination system. By using RF signal strength measurements and triangulation algorithms, the system achieves efficient network management and location tracking without requiring additional hardware nodes, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining coverage.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional communications systems are used where location concealment is necessary, then communication functionality is maintained, but location tracking capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary RF locating system that uses existing wearable communications nodes as sensors. The system determines location by measuring RF signal strength from third-party sources using the wearable nodes themselves, rather than requiring separate tracking hardware. This allows location tracking to be achieved through the communication infrastructure already in place, maintaining functionality while enabling location awareness.
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
The WCNs provide enhanced communication capabilities with reduced visual signature and increased durability, allowing for efficient utilization of communication links and improved coverage in mesh networks while maintaining performance and location tracking functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a RF signal that emanates from the RF source of interest
Implementation Method 2
capturing a RF signal that emanates from the RF source of interest
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a communications node that includes an interfacing plate assembly; an antenna assembly; a board mounting assembly; a housing; and an enclosure. The housing includes the antenna assembly and the board mounting assembly. The enclosure is a rigid, open ended, sleeve structure that selectively receives the housing and thereby encloses the antenna assembly and the board mounting assembly therein. An interfacing plate assembly is positioned at a second end. The interfacing plate includes an input device coupled to the control circuit that receives user operational input. The antenna assembly includes an antenna frame that includes the antenna elements and orients the antenna elements in each nodal cardinal direction. The board mounting assembly includes the communication device and the control circuit that are positioned proximate to a plate. The plate is coupled to the first end opposite the interfacing plate and thermally coupled to the control circuit.