How do you call for help after a natural disaster when cell towers are destroyed?
In collaboration with
Cell towers as aid
Cell towers are easily destroyed during natural disasters. Without them, calls and texts in the area either congest slowly through the ones still working, or dont work at all.
First 24 hours
The first 24 hours are the most deadly. International aid is still arriving on site while locals begin with relief efforts. Without a means of communication, this is hard.
Food, Water, & communication
International aid brings relief efforts like food, water, shelter, and even mobile cell towers to reestablish communications in the area.
connected by cables
While cell signals are similar to wi-fi, cables spanning across land and sea help us communicate. When these are severed, communications stop until fixed.
Communications first
It takes around 2-3 days to restore communications after a disaster now. If you could restore communications within a few hours of the natural disaster, countless of lives could saved.
Disaster response cell tower
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stationary
A stationary tower would be subject to all aspects of natural disasters and would need to be built extremely durable.
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deployable
Deployable cell towers have the perks of being stored during the disaster and deployed afterwards.
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Right-Side-up
Various shapes were ideated and prototyped to see which would roll and stay upright.
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tortoise inspired
I looked at tortoises, as their shell has naturally evolved to allow itself to roll right side up.
POUNCE
Planetary Communications Capsule
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15km range
The mast extends up to 3500mm to broadcast a 15km range signal. It can be retracted incase of after effects or to be moved
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External access panel
An exterior panel allows access for electricity, cellular landlines, and a gas valve to control the mast.
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Multi-purpose latches
Latches on the side of POUNCE let it be fastened to plane or truck beds, or to attach a parachute to airdrop it.
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Daisychain Capsules
Multiple capsules can be deployed in the same area to broaden the coverage, or increase cellular traffic.
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Tamper-free bolts
Special bolts ensure that only the right people with the right tools have access to the internal components.
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Extremely Durable
Most of the body is made with galvanized steel to endure natural disasters and make sure it gets the job done.
