Elastomeric Pedestal with Adjustable Height for Corrosion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power pedestals are prone to damage and electrical failure due to environmental conditions such as moisture and corrosion, and often have unsuitable designs that can lead to visibility and accessibility issues, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric electrical pedestal with a polyurethane base and housing, configured as a unitary hollow enclosure, providing a durable and corrosion-resistant solution with adjustable height and improved outlet positioning for enhanced visibility and user safety, incorporating features like warning indicia, safety switches, and surveillance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If power pedestals are made from traditional materials like aluminum, steel, or iron-based metals, then mechanical strength and structural integrity are improved, but susceptibility to corrosion and rust from environmental moisture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) as the pedestal material. This composite combines the mechanical strength of fiberglass with the corrosion resistance of plastic, eliminating the rust and corrosion issues associated with metal pedestals while maintaining structural integrity in outdoor environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metals to elastomeric composite materials. This parameter change transforms the pedestal's properties to simultaneously achieve high strength and excellent corrosion resistance, as the elastomeric material inherently resists moisture penetration and chemical degradation.
2Length of moving object
If power pedestals are designed with short height (about 30 cm) for parking lot applications, then space utilization is improved, but visibility to drivers and accessibility for users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pedestal height adjustable rather than fixed. The telescoping design allows the pedestal to be extended to a taller height when user accessibility and visibility are needed, and retracted to a shorter height when space utilization is the priority, thus dynamically adapting to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pedestal into multiple telescoping sections. This segmentation allows the pedestal to be extended or retracted in discrete segments, providing flexible height adjustment that can optimize both visibility/accessibility and space utilization depending on the situation.
3Length of moving object
If power pedestals are positioned low to the ground for space efficiency, then space utilization is improved, but susceptibility to damage from vehicle impact and snow coverage worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the pedestal to be dynamically adjusted in height. When not in use or during winter months, the pedestal can be retracted to a low position for space efficiency. When vehicle traffic increases or snowfall occurs, it can be extended to a higher position to avoid impact damage and snow coverage, thus dynamically preventing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by proactively extending the pedestal to a protected height before potential damage occurs. By anticipating vehicle impact or snow accumulation risks, the system positions the pedestal at a safer elevation in advance, preventing damage before it happens rather than reacting after damage occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to an electrical pedestal comprising an elastomeric base and housing which are configured as one piece to together define a unitary hollow enclosure for accommodating one or more electrical components.