High-Intensity Telescoping Light Tower With Wind-Sensing Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile lighting systems with long booms face challenges in compact storage, stability against high winds, and precise vertical alignment, especially when extending to heights of 80′ and 100′, requiring improved structural design and safety features.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping light tower with multiple nested boom sections and safety features such as wind sensors, automatic retraction systems, and locking mechanisms to ensure stability and safety during operation and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the boom is extended to heights of 80′ and 100′ to light a larger area, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the stability against high winds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescoping boom structure where multiple boom sections are nested within each other. The inner boom sections are housed inside outer boom sections, allowing the boom to extend to great heights (80-100 feet) for wide lighting coverage while retracting to a compact size for stable, wind-resistant storage and transport.
2Area of stationary object
If the boom is extended to heights of 80′ and 100′ to light a larger area, then the lighting coverage is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping boom uses nested sections that slide within each other, controlled by a winch system. This nested configuration allows the boom to achieve extended heights for broad lighting coverage while maintaining a compact, manageable structure during retraction, thereby reducing overall structural complexity compared to a permanently extended rigid boom.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom transitions from a static, fixed-length structure to a dynamic, adjustable-length structure. The winch system enables the boom to extend and retract as needed, providing lighting coverage area adjustment while maintaining structural simplicity through controlled movement rather than complex permanent extensions.
3Ease of operation
If the boom is kept in a horizontal position during transport for compact storage, then the transportability is improved, but the time required to set up and raise the boom increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is pre-configured in a horizontal position with nested sections during transport. This preliminary positioning allows for compact storage and easy mobility. When deployment is needed, the winch system quickly raises the boom to the vertical operating position, minimizing setup time while maintaining transportability.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile lighting device is disclosed with extendable boom sections. The boom sections are stored in a horizontal position and then pivot to a vertical position before being extended upward. A light section is positioned at the uppermost end of the last extendable boom section. A variety of safety features are also disclosed.