Rapid exchange system for testing wireless networks

One embodiment of the system provides for removably mounting a signal testing unit to a suitable vehicle surface, and optionally provides for an electrical connector to a power source, GPS antenna, and cellular antennas such that moving a signal testing unit from one vehicle to another can be accomplished more easily. The mounting system includes a signal testing unit with a lip extending from each of two opposing sides of the testing unit and a bracket defined by a panel that is intermediate two inwardly opening U-shaped channels. Each U-shaped channel is positioned to slidably receive one of the lips extending from the side of the testing unit. The channels can receive a connector plate that has a lip extending from each of two opposing sides of the plate and an electrical connector positioned on the plate to align and mate with an electrical connector on the testing unit.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Signal network operators frequently use signal testing units to measure and improve signal coverage, such as cellular coverage, in a geographical area. The signal testing units are positioned in the coverage area and collect geographical position data and various radio communication related parameters, such as signal strength. This information is analyzed to troubleshoot and improve the coverage of cellular networks. Currently, signal network operators drive the signal testing units around a geographical area to collect data. Typically, the signal testing unit is placed in a vehicle in an unsecured manner or is semi-permanently mounted to the vehicle. When the signal testing unit is unsecured, it can be easily transferred from one vehicle to another, but the signal testing unit can be easily damaged, stolen, or interfere with operation of the vehicle. If the signal testing unit is semi-permanently mounted to the vehicle, then the unit cannot be easily transferred, and time and special tools may be required to remove and install the unit.

Multiple vehicles may be used to collect data in various locations. One option is to install the signal testing unit in each vehicle, but such an approach can be costly. Further, when a signal testing unit is transferred to another vehicle, antenna and power connections may be required. The signal testing unit may require connection to a GPS antenna that is external to the testing unit for determining the unit's location as well as cellular antenna(s) for collecting and reporting the data. Additionally, connection to the vehicle's power system may be required. Completing these connections may further complicate transferring a signal testing unit from one vehicle to another if the installation is not compatible with the design of the signal testing unit.

Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus that provides easy removal of a signal testing unit from one vehicle and installation in another, so as to facilitate the use of signal testing units in different vehicles at different times, for monitoring a signal network, such as a cellular network.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of mounting devices disclosed below provide for a bracket on which to mount a signal testing unit, and optionally provide for a connector to a power source, GPS antenna, and cellular antennas such that moving a signal testing unit from one vehicle to another can be accomplished more easily. The bracket may provide secure (e.g., preventing unauthorized removal) or non-secure mounting of the signal testing unit. The bracket can be installed in or on a fleet of vehicles to facilitate the movement of the signal testing unit from one vehicle to another by providing the operator with a common bracket and optional electrical connection in one centralized area for secure installation and operation of the unit.

In one embodiment, the mounting assembly includes a signal testing unit with a lip extending from each of two opposing sides of the testing unit and a bracket defined by a panel that is intermediate two inwardly opening U-shaped channels. Each U-shaped channel is positioned to slidably receive one of the lips extending from the side of the testing unit. In a further embodiment, the channels also receive a connector plate that has a lip extending from each of two opposing sides of the plate and an electrical connector positioned on the plate to align and mate with an electrical connector on the testing unit. In an alternative embodiment, the connector plate may be integrated into the channels.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Generally the embodiments of mounting devices disclosed below provide for a bracket on which to mount a signal testing unit, and optionally provide for a connector to a power source, GPS antenna, and cellular antennas such that moving a signal testing unit from one vehicle to another can be accomplished more easily. The bracket may provide secure (e.g., preventing unauthorized removal) or non-secure mounting of the signal testing unit. The bracket can be installed in or on a fleet of vehicles to facilitate the movement of the signal testing unit from one vehicle to another by providing the operator with a common bracket and optional electrical connection in one centralized area for secure installation and operation of the unit.

FIG. 1depicts an embodiment of the system described above in which the signal testing unit20is mounted to a wall13inside the vehicle10. In other embodiments, the testing unit20can be mounted against any suitable surface, such as a bulkhead, shelf, roof, floor, or exterior surface of the vehicle, using a bracket. The vehicle10, which typically is a fleet vehicle, provides connections to a GPS antenna11a, cellular antennas11b,11c, and a power source14. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the signal testing unit20has separate connectors21that connect with the power source14, a GPS antenna11a, and cellular antennas11b,11c. In another embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1A, the signal testing unit20includes one connector22that provides a connection with the power source14, the GPS antenna11a, and the cellular antennas11b,11c. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the antennas may be internal to the signal testing unit20and no connection to an external antenna11a–cis required. Furthermore, the signal testing unit20may contain an internal energy source and not require connection to an external power source14.

FIG. 2shows one embodiment of a mounting assembly900that includes a signal testing unit90with a lip92attached to, or formed onto, each of two opposing side faces of the signal testing unit90. The mounting bracket902has a panel intermediate two inwardly opening U-shaped channels905. The channels905are positioned each to slidably receive one of the lips92of the testing unit90. The panel includes a fastener receiving portion901, and is attached to a suitable vehicle surface13by engaging a fastener into each fastener receiving portion901.

In one embodiment, the fastener receiving portion901is an aperture, and a bolt or screw is engaged through each aperture901and into the vehicle surface13to hold the bracket902in a substantially stable position relative to the vehicle surface13. Alternative embodiments of the mounting bracket902may utilize fasteners such as pins, straps, clamps, adhesives, welds, or other suitable fasteners known in the art that can be used to secure the bracket902to the vehicle surface13.

The mounting bracket902may be mounted, for example, under a shelf, in the orientation as shown, or it may be mounted, for example, on top of a shelf or other surface. Further, the bracket902may be mounted in a vertical orientation with sliding movement of the signal testing unit90in a side-to-side or up-and-down direction.

One of the lips92on the signal testing unit90defines an opening93that receives a locking mechanism, such as a padlock or locking cylinder. The U-shaped channel905that receives the lip with the opening93defines an opening903that receives a locking mechanism. The lips92of the signal testing unit90are slidably engaged into the channels905of the mounting bracket902until the opening93of the signal testing unit90is aligned with the opening903of the channel905. A locking mechanism is then engaged into the openings93,903to prevent unauthorized removal of the signal testing unit90. Other lock-providing mechanisms can be substituted for the openings93and903, such as a tab padlock and eye/hasp, locking cylinder, or other suitable locking mechanism known in the art.

FIG. 3depicts an alternative embodiment of the mounting assembly900in which the mounting assembly900further comprises a modular electrical connector plate906with lips907positioned along two opposing side faces of the connector plate906. The lips907are positioned such that they will be received into the channel905of the mounting bracket902. An electrical connector908is positioned on the face of the connector plate906so that when the plate906and the testing unit90are mounted within the channel905, the electrical connector908on the connector plate906is adjacent and mates with the connector91on the signal testing unit90.

The lips907on the connector plate906have an opening909, and the channels905on the mounting bracket902have an opening910that is positioned to align with the opening909of the lip907. A fastener is engaged into the openings909,910to prevent movement of the connector plate906relative to the mounting bracket902. As discussed previously, suitable fasteners include bolts, pins, straps, hook, and any other suitable fasteners known in the art. Alternative embodiments of fastening the connector plate906to the bracket902include using adhesives, hook/eye closures, and other fasteners known in the art. Although not shown, the connector plate906may be formed integrated with the mounting bracket902.

In all of the embodiments described above, those skilled in the art may choose an appropriate material for the described parts of the mounting brackets and signal testing units. Such materials may include plastics, metals, or other suitable materials. Similarly, the connectors shown may be selected to mate with power sources, antenna, etc., that are being used in the vehicle with the signal testing unit.