FastCap Wireless Control Interface for Luminaire Certification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The outdoor lighting industry lacks standardized control devices with consistent dimensional and electrical characteristics, necessitating re-certification and safety testing for each luminaire integration, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A cap-based system that allows control devices to be physically independent from luminaires, featuring a FastCap design that attaches to the light pole with a connector or wirelessly, enabling easy access and integration of control devices, antennas, and accessories without requiring direct luminaire connection, thus eliminating the need for re-certification testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control devices are integrated within luminaires, then control functionality is achieved, but re-certification testing and safety approval are required for each integration
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the control device from the luminaire, placing the controller in an external FastCap attached to the light pole rather than integrated within the luminaire. This segmentation allows the control device to be independently certified while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The FastCap serves as an intermediary component between the light pole and the luminaire, housing the control device externally. This intermediary approach enables control functionality without requiring direct integration into the luminaire, thereby avoiding re-certification requirements.
2Ease of operation
If control devices are physically attached to luminaires through external sockets, then control access is improved, but testing and approval requirements still apply
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is extracted from the luminaire entirely and placed in an external FastCap. This extraction eliminates the need for external sockets on the luminaire while maintaining easy access to control functionality through the separately mounted FastCap.
3Device complexity
If control devices are integrated within luminaires, then compact design is achieved, but service providers must open luminaire seals for access
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the lighting system into separate functional components: the luminaire for light production and the FastCap for control functionality. This segmentation allows service providers to access control devices without opening luminaire seals, improving ease of repair while maintaining a simple overall structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If standardized control devices are used across different luminaires, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but compatibility with various luminaire types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The FastCap is designed as a universal mounting interface that can accommodate various control devices and attach to different light pole types. This universal design enables standardized control device production while maintaining compatibility across different luminaire and pole configurations through the standardized FastCap interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Control devices for controlling, switching or otherwise manipulating power and/or other operations of luminaires and/or other devices connected thereto via power, data or other connectors or interfaces are contemplated. The control devices may be included as part of a cap to facilitate a fast connection or a fast installation in a manner sufficient to be characterized as a FastCap™.