LED Retrofit Ballast Assembly for Uniform Sports Field Lighting
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack a cost-effective and efficient method for retrofitting specialized lighting systems, such as those used in sports fields, airports, and railroads, with LED lights, as they often result in photometric and physical interference, compromised lighting uniformity, and structural weaknesses due to one-for-one replacements.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained ballast drive assembly with a circuit board and enclosure, along with a method for assembling an enclosure around a heat sink, and a circuit for rectifying and supplying power to LED luminaires, which includes a rectifying subcircuit, open circuit protection, and power surge protection, while using existing components to minimize interference and structural impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If one-for-one replacement approach is used for specialized lighting systems, then installation cost is reduced and existing infrastructure is utilized, but lighting uniformity is compromised and photometric interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into modular LED fixture units that can be independently installed and adjusted. Each fixture contains its own driver and control circuitry, allowing for flexible configuration to achieve uniform lighting distribution across the sports field while using standardized components that reduce installation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal crossarm mounting to vertical pole mounting of LED fixtures. This dimensional change allows fixtures to be positioned at optimal heights and angles for achieving uniform lighting coverage without the photometric interference that occurs with traditional one-for-one replacements on existing crossarms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If one-for-one replacement approach is used for specialized lighting systems, then existing infrastructure is preserved, but structural weaknesses are introduced due to drilling new holes in crossarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-drilled mounting holes and attachment points in the LED fixture design, allowing for direct mounting to the pole or crossarm without requiring additional drilling. This preliminary preparation of mounting features preserves the existing crossarm structure by eliminating the need to create new holes that would compromise its integrity.
3Loss of energy
If LED lights with different power requirements are installed, then energy efficiency is improved, but power regulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal LED driver modules that can accommodate multiple LED types and power requirements through standardized control interfaces. The driver circuitry is designed to work with various LED configurations (different wattages, voltages, and current requirements) without requiring separate power regulation systems, thus maintaining energy efficiency while minimizing added complexity.
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 solution allows for seamless integration of LED lighting systems into existing infrastructure, maintaining lighting uniformity and structural integrity, while providing energy savings and customizable lighting solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A self-contained ballast drive assembly with a circuit board and enclosure, along with a method for assembling an enclosure around a heat sink, and a circuit for rectifying and supplying power to LED luminaires
Implementation Method 2
A self-contained ballast drive assembly with a circuit board and enclosure, along with a method for assembling an enclosure around a heat sink
Data Source
Figure 1
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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.