Light Fixture Antenna Powering for Train Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing public transportation facilities face challenges in providing reliable power and communication links for sensors and antennas in light fixtures, especially during power outages, and in efficiently reporting battery test results and environmental data to remote locations.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a light fixture with a sensor port for powering sensors and a communications link, along with a power supply and battery backup system that powers an ultra-wideband antenna, enabling data transmission and location marker provision to trains, using low-voltage direct current electrical power and an M12 power connector, and incorporating a self-reporting battery test system with wireless communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery backup systems are installed in light fixtures for public transportation facilities, then reliability of power supply during outages is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery backup system, sensor port, communication devices, and antenna into an integrated light fixture assembly. This merging of previously separate components into a single unified fixture reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliability during power outages.
Solution Approach 2:
The light fixture is designed to perform multiple functions: providing illumination, supplying power to sensors and antennas through the sensor port, enabling communication via integrated communication devices, and offering battery backup. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Productivity
If sensors and antennas are integrated into light fixtures with power and communication capabilities, then productivity of data collection and reporting is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensors, antennas, communication devices, and power supply components into the light fixture structure. This consolidation allows simultaneous power delivery and data communication through the same fixture without requiring separate infrastructure, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The light fixture serves as a multi-functional hub providing illumination, electrical power to external devices via the sensor port, data communication capabilities, and environmental sensing. This universal platform approach improves productivity by eliminating the need for multiple separate systems while the integrated architecture manages complexity through shared infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are combined in light fixtures including power supply, battery backup, sensors, and communication devices, then adaptability of the system is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is designed as a universal platform that can adapt to various functions: powering different types of sensors (temperature, humidity, motion), supporting multiple communication protocols, and providing power to various antenna types including ultra-wideband antennas. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability while the integrated design manages complexity through a unified architectural framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic capabilities through the sensor port that can accommodate different sensor types and configurations, and communication devices that can operate with various protocols. The battery backup system dynamically switches between power sources, and the ultra-wideband antenna can be activated or deactivated based on operational needs, providing adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled dynamic behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture for a public transportation train system powers an antenna used for train signaling. The antenna can provide to the train a location marker associated with the location of the antenna. The antenna can provide to the train other data communicated to the light fixture through the light fixture communication system.