Inductive Coupling for Removable Light Pole Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The economic lifetime of communication modules and sensors in intelligent light poles is significantly shorter than the LED lighting systems, leading to increased maintenance and replacement costs, as these modules require frequent physical access for servicing or upgrades, which is labor-intensive and costly.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power and communication interface using an electromagnetic interface that simplifies the replacement of lighting, communication, and sensor modules by employing an inductive coupling circuit with a primary winding on the light pole and a secondary winding on the removable modules, allowing for autonomous replacement, such as by robots, and enabling remote control through a wireless receiver and magnetic coupling circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication modules and sensors are frequently replaced in intelligent light poles, then the system remains up-to-date with current technology, but labor-intensive physical access and replacement costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the replacement task into a simple modular insertion/removal operation. Each communication module or sensor is housed in a self-contained removable unit that can be exchanged without complex disassembly, reducing the skill level and time required for replacement while maintaining upgrade flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable modules are designed to be easily handled and replaced without requiring specialized equipment or extensive technical expertise. The modular design with standardized interfaces enables even non-experts to perform replacements, significantly reducing labor costs while preserving the ability to upgrade technology.
2Reliability
If technicians manually service lighting fixtures at height above the road, then proper maintenance can be performed, but safety risks increase and street closure requirements reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the maintenance task into ground-level module replacement operations. By designing removable modules that can be exchanged at ground level or from safe positions on the pole, the system eliminates the need for technicians to work at hazardous heights, maintaining maintenance quality while improving safety and reducing street closure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical access systems (ladders, lifts, extended reach tools) with a simplified modular replacement system. The standardized interfaces and lightweight modules enable quick exchanges without requiring mechanical access equipment, thereby improving productivity and reducing the need for street closures while maintaining proper maintenance standards.
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
This solution reduces maintenance effort and cost by allowing for autonomous module replacement and remote control, decreasing downtime and enhancing safety, while providing a flexible hub for future sensors and communication technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The module-mounting part of the pole comprises at least one primary winding of an inductive coupling circuit, the primary winding being connected to a power supply via a switch. At least one of the modules comprises a secondary winding of the inductive coupling circuit
Implementation Method 2
the controller further comprises magnetic coupling circuitry arranged so as when fitted to the module-mounting part of the pole to form a magnetic coupling with the switch, and to thereby switch the switch on and off
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising a pole such as a light pole, and one or more removable modules adapted to be removably fitted to the pole. The apparatus further comprises, included in the lighting module or another of the modules, a controller comprising a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving on-off signals from a remote control system. An inductive coupling between a primary winding in the light pole and a secondary winding in the lighting module is used to transfer power from a power supply of the pole to at least one of the removable modules, in order to power an element of that module. Further, a magnetic coupling is used to enable the controller to control a switch in the pole in order to connect and disconnect the primary winding to and from the power supply.