Inline Mast Adapter for Light Tower Ground-Level Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for indirect lighting on outdoor job sites require additional equipment and pose safety risks due to the need for ladders and lack of alignment between light sources and extendable tower masts, leading to instability and reduced light quality.
Innovation Solution
An inline mast adapter system that allows for the alignment and attachment of light fixtures at ground level, utilizing a pivot arm and gas springs to ensure proper alignment and stability, enabling the light tower to reach its full height while providing sufficient indirect lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a light source is attached to an extendable tower mast using conventional methods (ladder or height raising mechanism), then the light source can be installed at height, but additional equipment is required and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the light source attachment function into separate components: a ground-based attachment mechanism and a mast alignment system. The light source is attached at ground level through the adapter apparatus, which then aligns with the extendable tower mast, eliminating the need for ladders or height-raising mechanisms during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the ground level and the extendable tower mast. It provides a mounting interface at ground level that aligns with the mast's center of gravity, allowing the light source to be attached safely without requiring personnel to climb heights.
2Ease of operation
If a light source is attached without alignment with the extendable tower mast, then installation is easier, but the unit becomes unstable and cannot reach full height
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter apparatus is designed with specific geometric properties to ensure alignment. The mounting surface and attachment features are configured to match the mast's center of gravity location, ensuring that when the light source is attached at ground level, it aligns perfectly with the mast for optimal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter apparatus acts as an intermediary that transfers the alignment function from the mast to ground level. It incorporates alignment features that ensure the light source's center of gravity aligns with the mast's center of gravity, maintaining stability without requiring the light source to be mounted at height.
3Ease of operation
If the light source is not aligned with the extendable tower mast, then installation is simpler, but additional stress is placed on the mast parts causing faster failure
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter apparatus incorporates precisely engineered alignment features that ensure the light source attaches at the correct location relative to the mast's center of gravity. This local geometric precision ensures proper alignment, distributing forces evenly and preventing excessive stress on mast components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter apparatus pre-establishes the correct alignment geometry at ground level before the mast is extended. By configuring the attachment mechanism with the proper alignment features in advance, the system ensures that when the light source is attached, it is already positioned to minimize stress on the mast structure.
4Device complexity
If the light source is mounted at low height, then the attachment structure is simpler, but the light coverage area is reduced and light quality at the project area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the attachment dimension (ground level) from the illumination dimension (mast height). The light source attaches at ground level through the adapter, but when the mast is extended, the light source is elevated to the appropriate height for optimal illumination coverage and intensity at the project area.
5Illumination intensity
If the light source is mounted at high height, then the light coverage area increases, but the attachment structure becomes more complex and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter apparatus enables ground-level attachment (simple structure) while the mast extension provides the height dimension needed for optimal light coverage. This separation allows the attachment structure to remain simple while still achieving the illumination benefits of high mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the attachment function from the height-providing function. The adapter apparatus handles the simple ground-level attachment, while the extendable mast provides the height dimension, allowing the light source to achieve optimal coverage area without complex high-level attachment structures.
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 inline mast adapter system enhances safety by eliminating the need for ladders and ensures stable, high-quality indirect lighting by aligning the light source with the tower mast, allowing it to reach its full height and maintain stability, thus reducing equipment stress and improving work site illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a first gas spring, the first gas spring comprising, a first gas spring rod and a release handle, wherein the first gas spring rod is in gaseous communication with the first gas spring
Data Source
AI summary
An inline mast adapter configured for attaching a light fixture, where a light fixture is aligned (within 15.24 cm, as measured horizontally, from the center of the light fixture) with an extendable tower mast, when the extendable tower mast is in a vertical position. The inline mast adapter includes a pivot arm, such that a light fixture may be attached from ground level. The inline mast adapter further includes a first gas spring and a second gas spring configured for rotational movement for rotationally moving the pivot arm to a vertical position. Further, the inline mast adapter may be an after-market add on to the extendable tower mast, such that the inline mast adapter is a kit.