Illuminated Address Sign with Integrated Security and Solar Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional address signs have reduced visibility in the dark, posing risks during emergencies and delays for delivery services due to inadequate illumination of alphanumeric characters.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated address sign assembly with a frame that houses a translucent backlit address plaque, LED lighting for enhanced visibility, a control unit for automatic lighting control, GPS for navigation updates, and integrated security features like a camera and solar panel for extended battery life, along with remote control capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light bulb is mounted near the address plaque to illuminate it in the evening and night, then the address plaque is illuminated, but the visibility of the alphanumeric characters representing the address is not significantly enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by illuminating only the alphanumeric characters of the address plaque rather than the entire plaque. The LED light source is positioned to specifically highlight the numerical and alphabetic portions of the address, ensuring that the critical information (address numbers) is clearly visible while other parts of the plaque remain less illuminated. This selective illumination resolves the contradiction by enhancing character visibility without requiring full-plaque illumination.
2Device complexity
If conventional address signs are used without enhanced illumination, then the structure remains simple, but the address visibility in the dark is reduced posing risks during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing an automatic light-activated illumination system. The address sign transitions from a static, non-illuminated state during daytime to an automatically illuminated state when ambient light levels drop. The system uses light sensors or photoelectric cells to detect darkness and automatically activates LED illumination, ensuring the address remains visible during emergencies without requiring manual intervention or complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The address sign system performs self-service through automatic detection and activation of illumination. The built-in light sensors continuously monitor ambient light conditions and automatically trigger the LED lighting when darkness is detected, eliminating the need for external control or manual switching. This self-regulating mechanism ensures reliable address visibility during emergencies while maintaining simple system architecture.
3Use of energy by moving object
If address signs provide basic illumination, then energy consumption is low, but delivery companies experience delays in locating addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using LED light sources that can emit different colors or intensities to enhance address visibility. The LEDs are positioned to specifically illuminate the alphanumeric characters with high-contrast lighting, making the address numbers stand out clearly against the background. This optical enhancement allows delivery personnel to quickly locate and read addresses from greater distances or in poorer lighting conditions, reducing delivery delays while maintaining energy efficiency through the low-power LED technology.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides improved visibility of addresses, especially at night, enhances emergency signaling, reduces delivery delays, and offers economical manufacturing with enhanced readability and security features.
Implementation Method 1
The address plaque includes an opaque indicia superimposed on a surface of a translucent backlit panel... The address plaque can be illuminated by a light source... The address plaque under normal conditions can be illuminated by white light
Implementation Method 2
The light source can be, in one case, light emitting diode (LED) lights configured to produce at least two colors
Implementation Method 3
The inner surface of the opaque plaque can be provided with a layer of reflective material
Implementation Method 4
integrated security features like a camera and solar panel for extended battery life
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides an illuminated address sign that includes a frame with an open front side and an open rear side. The open front side interchangeably receives a first plaque, and the open rear side interchangeably receives a second plaque. Multiple first attachment points are configured on the open rear side of the frame. The multiple first attachment points connect with a bracket for mounting the illuminated address sign to a first surface. A control unit is connected to the frame and a light source. A light sensor is connected to the frame and the control unit.