Cast Concrete In-Ground Lighting Fixture Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-ground drive over lighting fixtures are expensive due to high metal costs and complex installation, and are limited to straight line or single can designs, making curved or custom fixtures impractical.
Innovation Solution
A cast concrete durable light fixture design that allows for simpler installation and reduced material costs, using precast interlocking sections from concrete or polymer concrete mixtures to create curved and shaped configurations, combined with long flexible LED strips for energy-efficient and low-maintenance lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal bodies (stainless steel or aluminum) are used for drive over lighting fixtures, then structural strength and corrosion resistance are improved, but material cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting fixture is divided into separate modular components: a pre-cast concrete body section, a separate lighting assembly, and a lens assembly. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts and easier on-site installation, reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the interlocking design of the modular sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction combining pre-cast concrete for the body with separate lighting and lens assemblies. This composite approach leverages the strength and durability of concrete while allowing independent optimization of the lighting components, reducing material costs compared to monolithic metal construction and simplifying installation through modular assembly.
2Device complexity
If pre-cast concrete sections are used instead of metal bodies, then material cost and corrosion resistance are improved, but structural strength for heavy traffic may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite construction combining pre-cast concrete for the body with separate lighting and lens assemblies. This composite approach leverages the strength and durability of concrete while allowing independent optimization of the lighting components, reducing material costs compared to monolithic metal construction and simplifying installation through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The concrete body sections are pre-cast with integrated features such as recesses for receiving lighting assemblies, drainage holes, and alignment elements before installation. This preliminary preparation ensures proper structural strength and alignment during installation, eliminating the need for complex on-site construction while maintaining the durability required for heavy traffic applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If curved or custom shaped fixtures are manufactured, then design versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting fixture is divided into separate modular components: a pre-cast concrete body section, a separate lighting assembly, and a lens assembly. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts and easier on-site installation, reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the interlocking design of the modular sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses standardized pre-cast concrete body sections with consistent dimensions and interlocking features, while allowing versatility through different lens options, lighting assembly configurations, and arrangement patterns. This standardization of key parameters (body geometry, connection interfaces) maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling design flexibility through component variation and configuration.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, corrosion-resistant, and versatile in-ground lighting system capable of supporting heavy traffic, enabling flexible designs and reducing installation complexity while maintaining durability and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention optimizes the advantages of light emitting diode (LED) lights for in-ground lighting architectural products
Data Source
AI summary
A cast concrete durable light fixture design and assembly that will allow in-ground lighting features for roadways, pathways and architectural features providing a simple installation for a drive over in-grade or in-ground lighting fixture. The cast concrete design enables curves and shapes to be manufactured as easily as straight or linear configurations.