Concealed Antenna Lighting Pole for Urban Aesthetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communications antennas mounted on buildings or poles are visually unappealing and contribute to visual pollution in urban areas, as they are typically not concealed and detract from the aesthetic appearance of streetscapes.
Innovation Solution
A concealed communications antenna and lighting feature unit that includes a mount with a radome and a lighting feature cover, where solid state lighting elements are integrated to direct light between the radome and the lighting feature cover, providing a visually improved appearance without affecting the antenna's performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If communications antenna are mounted on poles or building facades, then communication coverage is provided, but visual pollution and aesthetic degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is nested within the pole structure itself. The pole contains an internal cavity or channel that houses the antenna elements, allowing the antenna to be concealed within the pole rather than mounted externally. This nesting approach eliminates visual pollution while preserving communication functionality, as the antenna operates from within the pole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole structure acts as a enclosing shell that conceals the antenna. The shell is designed to be transparent or semi-transparent in specific regions to allow radio frequency signals to pass through while maintaining aesthetic appearance. This flexible shell approach enables the antenna to be hidden within the pole while still providing effective communication coverage.
2Shape
If antenna is concealed within pole structure, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into modular components that can be independently installed within the pole structure. The antenna elements, mounting brackets, and electrical connections are divided into separate modules that can be assembled in stages during pole construction or retrofitted without requiring complete pole replacement. This segmentation reduces installation complexity while maintaining the concealed aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna mounting structure is pre-prepared within the pole during manufacturing or initial construction. Internal channels, mounting flanges, and electrical conduits are incorporated into the pole structure before the antenna is installed. This preliminary action simplifies subsequent antenna installation, as the pole is already prepared to receive and support the antenna components without requiring complex field modifications.
3Reliability
If antenna elements are exposed, then signal transmission is optimized, but visual pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pole structure serves as a shell that selectively transmits radio frequency signals while concealing the antenna. The shell material is chosen to be electromagnetically transparent or is designed with RF-transparent windows that allow signal transmission without visual exposure of the antenna elements. This approach maintains optimized signal transmission while eliminating visual pollution from exposed antenna structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole structure acts as an intermediary between the antenna and the external environment. It provides a protective and aesthetic enclosure for the antenna while incorporating RF-transparent regions that mediate signal transmission. The intermediary pole structure thus reconciles the conflicting requirements of signal optimization and visual concealment by selectively transmitting electromagnetic waves while blocking visual perception of the antenna.
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 effectively conceals the antenna, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of urban environments while serving as a functional lighting feature, thus addressing the visual pollution issue without compromising the antenna's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of solid state lighting elements mounted to or adjacent to the base intermediate the inner and outer side walls, the lighting elements adapted to direct light away from the base
Implementation Method 2
the lighting feature cover is formed from a transparent or semi-transparent material allowing light from the solid state lighting elements to diffuse therethrough
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A concealed communication antenna and lighting feature comprises a mount having base configured to be mounted to a structure and having a circumferentially disposed side wall adjacent the circumference of the base. The outer side wall defining a seat extending a radial distance from the outer side wall to the edge of the base circumference, and an inner wall disposed concentrically within the outer side wall. A plurality of solid state lighting elements adapted to direct light away from the base. A communications antenna is mounted to the inner side wall and a radome is disposed about the antenna and extends above the inner side wall. The radome is closed at an upper end and a lighting feature lens mounted to the outer wall. The lighting feature lens being closed at a top end such that the solid state lighting elements direct light intermediate the radome and the lighting feature lens.