Drone-Mounted Lighting Controller Replacement Without Bucket Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing outdoor lighting systems require the use of bucket trucks for installing and replacing lighting controllers and ambient light sensors, leading to increased maintenance costs and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a base portion, a telescopic stick portion, an extension stick portion, and a drone-type device that travels over the lighting fixture to perform installation or replacement, powered by the base portion and controlled remotely, allowing for efficient access and operation without the need for bucket trucks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bucket truck is used to install and replace lighting controllers and sensors, then the installation and replacement tasks can be performed, but the maintenance costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic mounting device with a robotic arm serves as an intermediary between the bucket truck and the lighting controller/sensor. The magnetic device attaches to the top of the lighting fixture and provides a stable platform for the robotic arm to perform installation and replacement tasks, eliminating the need for workers to manually handle components at height while reducing the complexity of bucket truck operations
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic mounting device with integrated robotic arm enables the lighting fixture itself to serve as the mounting structure for the installation tool. The magnetic attachment to the fixture's metal housing allows the system to self-position and self-stabilize without requiring additional external support structures or complex rigging equipment
2Ease of operation
If a bucket truck is used to install and replace lighting controllers and sensors, then the installation and replacement tasks can be performed, but the maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic mounting device with robotic arm acts as a cost-effective intermediary that replaces expensive bucket truck rentals and operations. The device can be transported on a standard vehicle and deployed independently, eliminating the need for specialized heavy equipment and reducing maintenance costs while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of bucket trucks is replaced with an automated robotic system mounted on a magnetic base. The robotic arm performs the installation and replacement tasks automatically, reducing labor costs and equipment rental fees while maintaining the ability to perform high-altitude maintenance tasks
3Productivity
If workers manually access lighting fixtures at height, then installation and replacement can be performed, but safety risks and operational challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm with magnetic mounting device serves as a safe intermediary that performs all high-altitude operations remotely. The device attaches magnetically to the lighting fixture and allows workers to control installation and replacement from ground level, completely eliminating the safety risks associated with workers accessing fixtures at height while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic mounting device with robotic arm enables the lighting fixture to serve as its own work platform. The magnetic attachment provides stable positioning at height without requiring workers to climb or use external scaffolding, allowing the system to self-position and self-stabilize while performing maintenance tasks safely from a distance
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method and an apparatus for installing and replacing a lighting controller of an outdoor lighting fixture that includes a base portion supplying power, a telescopic stick portion attached to the base portion at a first end thereof,an extension stick portion attached to a second end of the telescopic stick portion, and a drone-type device attached to the extension stick portion at an end opposite telescopic stick portion. The drone-type device receives power from the base portion through the telescopic stick portion and travels over and land at a top surface of the outdoor lighting fixture and perform installation or replacement of the lighting controller.