Augmented Sensing Tower Light Assembly for Environmental Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tower light assemblies lack comprehensive environmental monitoring capabilities, relying solely on equipment status data and failing to provide early detection of potentially detrimental environmental parameters, which can lead to equipment malfunctions and product damage.
Innovation Solution
An augmented sensing tower light assembly (ASTLA) with an onboard sensor and programmable controller that monitors environmental parameters beyond the equipment, providing supplemental sensing capabilities, modular design for custom applications, and networking for remote data transmission and alerting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional tower light assemblies are used to monitor equipment status, then the basic equipment monitoring function is provided, but environmental parameter detection capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, pressure) with the traditional tower light assembly, merging multiple monitoring functions into a single integrated device. This allows environmental parameter detection to be added without requiring separate standalone sensor systems, thereby improving measurement capability while controlling structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower light assembly is transformed from a single-function equipment status indicator to a multi-functional monitoring system that simultaneously displays equipment status and environmental conditions. The controller processes both equipment data and environmental sensor data, enabling the same device to perform multiple monitoring tasks.
2Reliability
If onboard sensors are added to detect environmental parameters, then early detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The environmental sensors continuously monitor conditions and detect potential problems before they affect equipment operation. By detecting environmental parameter changes in advance, the system can alert operators to take preventive actions, improving reliability through early warning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback from both equipment status signals and environmental sensors, processing this combined information to determine appropriate tower light responses. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt its monitoring and alerting behavior based on real-time conditions from multiple sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular design with sensor modules is implemented, then adaptability for custom applications is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tower light assembly is divided into modular components including sensor modules, controller modules, and indicator modules. Each sensor module can be independently configured for specific environmental parameters, allowing the system to be customized for different applications by selecting and combining appropriate modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture allows the system configuration to be dynamically adjusted based on application requirements. Users can add, remove, or reconfigure sensor modules to match specific monitoring needs, making the system adaptable to various custom applications while maintaining a standardized base platform.
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 ASTLA offers early detection of unfavorable environmental conditions, reducing equipment downtime and product waste by illuminating indicators and alerting users through visual and audio patterns, and allowing for remote monitoring and settings adjustments, enhancing the monitoring space around equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter configured to provide a visual alert in response to the environmental parameter data
Implementation Method 2
an audio emitter configured to provide an audible alert in response to the environmental parameter data
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a tower light assembly having an output indicator responsive to an onboard sensor in accordance with a predetermined environmental parameter threshold. In an illustrative example, an augmented sensing tower light assembly (ASTLA) may include a light tower assembly having a controller configured to receive status data from monitored equipment. The controller may further receive environmental data from the onboard sensor. In response to the received status data and the received environmental data, the controller may actuate the output indicator in accordance with one or more predetermined criteria. Advantageously, the ASTLA may provide supplemental low-cost sensing capability.