Illuminated Address Assembly with Wireless Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing address devices for buildings lack the ability to communicate wirelessly with delivery drivers and global positioning systems, making it difficult for delivery drivers to identify the correct building for delivery, especially at night or in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
An address device with a housing attachable to a building's exterior wall, featuring a light emitter and a communication unit that integrates with a global positioning system and personal electronic devices. The device turns on the light emitter when a delivery driver approaches within a trigger distance, illuminating the building's address for clear identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a motion sensor is used to turn on the illuminated address sign when a person approaches, then the address visibility is improved, but the device cannot communicate wirelessly with delivery drivers or global positioning systems
Solution Approach 1:
The address device is transformed into a multi-functional system that simultaneously provides illumination, wireless communication with delivery drivers, GPS integration for location tracking, and motion detection. The housing integrates multiple components including a light emitter, communication unit, GPS receiver, and motion sensor to serve diverse functions from a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate functions (illumination, communication, GPS, motion sensing) into a single integrated address device. The communication unit with transceiver is merged with the light emitter and GPS receiver within the same housing, allowing coordinated operation of all functions through a unified system.
2Loss of information
If the light emitter is turned on continuously to ensure address visibility, then the address is always visible, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitter operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when the motion sensor detects movement or when the GPS system determines a delivery driver is approaching the building. This on-demand illumination maintains address visibility while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor provides feedback about nearby movement to the control system, which then activates the light emitter only when needed. The GPS system also provides feedback about delivery driver proximity, triggering illumination only during relevant delivery operations, thereby optimizing energy usage based on real-time conditions.
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 device enhances the visibility of the building's address to delivery drivers, improving delivery accuracy and efficiency by ensuring the correct building is identified, even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the wireless communication capabilities streamline the delivery process.
Implementation Method 1
A light emitter is integrated into the housing to emit light outwardly from the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated address assembly includes a housing that is attachable to an exterior wall of a building such that the housing is visible to an individual approaching the building. A light emitter is integrated into the housing to emit light outwardly from the housing. A communication unit is integrated into the housing and the communication unit receives a delivery command from a personal electronic device. The light emitter is turned on when the delivery driver passes within a trigger distance of the building to facilitate the delivery driver to visually identify the building as the destination for the delivery. A placard is insertable into the opening in the housing with indicia that is illuminated by the light emitter to facilitate the delivery driver approaching the building to read the address of the building.