Socket-Mounted LED Anchor for Autonomous Location and Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio distance measurement technologies require extensive infrastructure for power and installation, limiting their deployment due to high labor costs, logistical burdens, and the need for manual configuration of anchor nodes, especially in vehicles and outdoor venues.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a low power distance measuring radio, an LED light source, and an electrical energy storage means, installed in existing light source sockets, which automatically determines its location by acting as a tag to learn from neighboring anchors and then configures as an anchor, using stored energy for operation and visual indicators for status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connection to electrical grid is added for power supply, then power availability is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the electrical grid infrastructure and relocates it to a portable battery unit. This allows the anchor node to operate independently without wired connections, eliminating the need for complex electrical installations while maintaining reliable power supply through removable battery packs that can be easily replaced or recharged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a battery as an intermediary power source between the electrical grid and the anchor node. This intermediary device provides the necessary electrical energy to the anchor node without requiring direct wired connection to the grid, thereby simplifying installation while ensuring continuous power availability through the battery's energy storage capability.
2Measurement precision
If manual programming of anchor location is performed, then location accuracy is improved, but installation labor cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the anchor node to automatically determine its own location through self-service mechanisms. The device uses its radio frequency signals to interact with the existing Wi-Fi infrastructure and mobile devices in the environment, automatically calculating its position based on signal triangulation or other location methods, thereby eliminating the need for manual programming while maintaining high location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the anchor node continuously receives location data from surrounding wireless infrastructure and mobile devices. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically verify and update the anchor's location information, ensuring accuracy without requiring manual intervention during installation or subsequent maintenance.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple anchors are deployed to extend coverage range, then measurement capability is improved, but power maintenance burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable or easily replaceable battery packs as the power source for each anchor node. These batteries are designed to be inexpensive and simple to replace, allowing multiple anchors to be deployed across large areas without creating a significant maintenance burden. When a battery is depleted, it can be quickly swapped out without requiring complex power infrastructure or specialized maintenance procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power supply function into independent, modular battery units for each anchor node. This segmentation allows each anchor to be powered independently, enabling easy deployment of multiple anchors across extended coverage areas. Each modular battery unit can be managed, replaced, or recharged separately, significantly reducing the overall power maintenance burden compared to a centralized power system.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided combining a low power light source, a distance measuring radio, an electrical storage and an adapter compatible with an existing socket for a light unit. The unique configuration of the assembly enables deployment of distance measuring radios in buildings, vehicles and outdoor venues without the need to install dedicated infrastructure such as electrical grid connections. A method is further disclosed of automatically determining the location of a newly installed assembly by first learning the locations of already installed neighboring assemblies, measuring the distances to such known assemblies, and using the measured distances to determine the location of the newly installed assembly.