Wireless Communications Unit With Selective Battery Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication systems, such as UHF and VHF radios, are limited by line of sight and distance attenuation in underground environments, requiring high power for effective ground penetration, and existing wireless mesh networks face challenges in reliability and redundancy, especially in hazardous conditions like underground mines.
Innovation Solution
A portable wireless communications unit with a mechanism for selective disconnection and removal of power source modules, featuring a rotatable wheel for ejection and re-engagement of battery modules, ensuring continuous operation and compliance with fire and explosion protection standards, along with dedicated power routing and tagging functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional UHF and VHF radios are used for underground communications, then line of sight communication is achieved, but distance attenuation and penetration capability are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mesh network topology where the communication system is segmented into multiple relay nodes distributed throughout the underground environment. Each node acts as an independent segment that forwards data packets, enabling communication over extended distances without requiring direct line of sight between endpoint devices. This segmentation overcomes the attenuation problem by breaking the communication path into multiple shorter hops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate relay nodes that act as mediators to forward communications between distant points. These intermediary nodes receive, process, and retransmit data packets, effectively extending the communication range beyond the limitations of direct UHF/VHF radio propagation. The intermediary nodes compensate for signal attenuation by regenerating and retransmitting signals.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If extremely high powers are used to achieve ground penetration by electromagnetic waves, then penetration capability is improved, but energy consumption and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using extremely high power for direct long-range transmission, the patent segments the transmission path into multiple low-power hops through distributed relay nodes. Each node transmits at relatively low power over short distances, collectively achieving deep underground penetration without requiring any single node to consume excessive energy. This approach dramatically reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining penetration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh network nodes are designed to autonomously manage their own power consumption by dynamically selecting optimal transmission paths and adjusting transmission power based on local conditions. Each node serves itself by making intelligent routing decisions that minimize energy expenditure while maintaining communication reliability, eliminating the need for centrally-controlled high-power transmission.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a single power source module is used in the wireless communications unit, then device simplicity is maintained, but operational duration and redundancy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power source system into multiple independent modular battery units that can be individually managed and replaced. Each power module is a self-contained segment with its own power management circuitry, allowing the system to maintain operation while individual modules are swapped out. This modular segmentation enables extended operational duration through module replacement without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates preliminary action by pre-charging spare power modules offline before they are needed. When a primary power module is depleted, pre-charged replacement modules are already available for immediate swapping, ensuring continuous operation without interruption. This preliminary preparation of backup power sources extends operational duration while maintaining simple swap-based module replacement procedures.
4Productivity
If power source modules cannot be selectively removed, then connection simplicity is maintained, but maintenance and battery replacement efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic retention mechanism that can selectively engage or disengage individual power modules based on operational needs. The mechanism transitions between different states: fully engaged to secure multiple modules, and selectively disengaged to enable removal of specific modules while retaining others. This dynamic capability enables efficient maintenance operations without requiring complete system disassembly or complex manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism incorporates self-service features through automatic detection and engagement systems that identify which power modules are installed and securely retain them. The system automatically manages the retention state of individual modules, reducing the need for manual intervention during installation and removal operations. This self-managing approach improves replacement efficiency while keeping the retention mechanism relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communications unit is provided, such as a portable unit to serve as an access point and/or a repeater node in a wireless meshing network, including at least two removable power source modules engageable with and electrically connectable to the unit to provide electrical power thereto, and a mechanism to allow selective disconnection and removal of one power source module from the unit while maintaining connection and retention to the unit of another power source module. The mechanism comprises a rotatable wheel having a radially projecting portion (such as a cam lobe). When the wheel is rotated the projecting portion bears against a part of the first power source module to push it into an ejected position while electrically disconnecting it from the unit, to allow removal and recharge/replacement.