LED Luminaire Aiming Bracket Retrofit for Uniform Field Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack a cost-effective and efficient method for retrofitting specialized lighting systems, such as those used in sports fields, ports, and airports, with LED lights, as they often result in photometric and physical interference, glare issues, and compromise the structural integrity of the existing infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first crossarm member, a first aiming bracket, and a first aiming plate is used to retrofit specialized lighting systems, allowing for LED installation without compromising the existing infrastructure, while addressing power disparities and ensuring proper aiming and glare control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If one-for-one replacement approach is used to retrofit specialized lighting systems, then installation cost is reduced and existing infrastructure is preserved, but lighting uniformity is compromised and dark spots appear at target area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic aiming brackets and adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the LED fixtures to be positioned and angled optimally, rather than being fixed in static one-for-one positions. This enables the lighting system to adapt to the specific geometry of the sports field or area being illuminated, ensuring uniform light distribution across the target area while retaining the cost benefits of using existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar mounting (fixed crossarm positions) to three-dimensional spatial adjustment by introducing adjustable arms, telescopic mechanisms, and multi-axis aiming capabilities. This allows fixtures to be positioned in optimal three-dimensional locations that account for height, angle, and horizontal positioning, thereby achieving uniform illumination across the illuminated area while still using the existing crossarm structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing crossarms are modified to accommodate retrofit fixtures, then fixture installation is enabled, but crossarm structural integrity is compromised and corrosion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting system into separate modular components: existing crossarms remain intact as structural supports, while new adjustable mounting brackets and arms are attached to them. This segmentation allows the retrofit fixtures to be installed without modifying the original crossarm structure, preserving its structural integrity and preventing corrosion pathways while still enabling flexible fixture installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary mounting components (adjustable brackets, telescopic arms, and coupling mechanisms) that act as mediators between the existing crossarm structure and the new LED fixtures. These intermediaries enable fixture installation and positioning without requiring direct attachment to or modification of the crossarms themselves, thereby protecting the crossarm structure from damage and corrosion.
3Device complexity
If LED fixtures are installed in fixed positions, then installation complexity is reduced, but aiming precision is compromised and glare issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed, static mounting positions with dynamic, adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow precise aiming of LED fixtures. The adjustable arms and multi-axis mounting brackets enable installers to fine-tune the position and angle of each fixture to eliminate glare and achieve optimal light distribution, while the modular design keeps installation complexity manageable through standardized components.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for retrofitting a HID lighting system includes using existing components of previously installed HID lighting systems such as its ballasts while replacing some capacitors to adjust the power supplied to a retrofit LED luminaire. Unused ballast drivers are removed, and a self-contained ballast driver assembly is mounted into the electronic control enclosure of the previously installed lighting system. Some of the retrofit LED luminaires include an uplighting lens, an optic, or a diffuser for providing uplight. An aiming bracket and an aiming plate allow for the horizontal aiming angle of a light luminaire to be set.