Backup Lighting System with Dedicated Optics for HID Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional outdoor light fixtures using high intensity discharge (HID) lamps experience prolonged cool-down periods after use, leading to unsafe conditions during power interruptions, as they require time to cool before reactivation, and existing backup systems like Quartz Restrike Systems provide inadequate illumination due to optimized optics for HID lamps rather than the backup source.
Innovation Solution
A secondary lighting system with a light source and lens, mounted on the primary light fixture's support structure, equipped with a controller that activates upon power restoration, potentially using a secondary power source for immediate and adequate illumination during outages, and featuring a design that optimizes light distribution closer to the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Quartz Restrike System is used to provide backup lighting during power interruptions, then immediate light is provided upon power restoration, but the illumination intensity is insufficient due to optimized optics for HID lamps rather than the quartz light source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a dedicated optical system specifically designed for the backup light source rather than using optics optimized for the primary HID lamp. The backup fixture includes its own reflector and lens configured to maximize light output for the backup bulb type, ensuring high illumination intensity where needed most during power interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is segmented into separate primary and backup fixtures with independent optical systems. Rather than relying on the primary fixture's optics to serve both functions, the patent creates a distinct backup fixture with its own optimized optics, allowing each system to be independently tuned for its specific light source.
2Ease of manufacture
If the backup lighting system is mounted at the same height as the primary light fixture, then it utilizes the existing mounting structure, but the light does not reach the ground effectively due to the height and mounting position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the backup fixture in a different spatial dimension relative to the primary fixture - specifically mounting it on the support structure pole rather than at the fixture housing level. This dimensional change in mounting location allows the backup light to be positioned closer to the ground while still utilizing the existing support structure, dramatically improving ground illumination effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If a single light fixture serves both primary and backup lighting functions, then device complexity is reduced, but the optical system cannot be optimized for both light sources simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting system into separate primary and backup fixture components, each with dedicated optical systems. This segmentation allows each optical assembly to be independently optimized for its specific light source type, ensuring maximum illumination efficiency for both the HID primary lamp and the backup bulb without compromise.
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 secondary lighting system provides immediate and effective illumination during power outages, ensuring safety by utilizing a high-intensity light source with tailored optics, mounted closer to the ground, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional backup systems.
Implementation Method 1
A housing retains the light source and the lens
Implementation Method 2
a lens with optical properties
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this invention provide a secondary, or back-up, lighting system for light fixtures having a primary light source. The back-up lighting system is configured to mount onto a support structure of the light fixture. The back-up lighting system includes a light source and a lens with optical properties. A housing retains the light source and lens. The back-up lighting system may include a controller that monitors the main power source for the primary light source of the light fixture. The controller activates the light source of the back-up lighting system upon detecting power restoration after a power loss. In some embodiments of this invention, the back-up lighting system includes a secondary power source that powers the back-up lighting system during a loss of power.