Light Fixture Control Module Vertical Pole Mounting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a device to mount a light fixture control module to a vertical mounting base, as some light poles lack a convenient surface for supporting a control module.

Innovation Solution

A light fixture control module with a base that includes a wire channel and a bracket with an inner chamber, where sensors can be mounted to transmit control signals through the wire channel to operate the light fixture, allowing for mounting to a vertical pole and providing smart control options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a light fixture control module is mounted to a vertical mounting base, then the control module can be installed on light poles without horizontal sections, but the mounting structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting capabilityVSAvoidmounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control module is nested within a bracket assembly that includes a mounting bracket and a protective housing. The mounting bracket is inserted into the housing, creating a compact nested structure that simplifies the overall mounting configuration while maintaining adaptability to vertical poles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket is designed with universal mounting features that can accommodate different pole diameters and configurations. The bracket includes adjustable mounting arms and universal clamp mechanisms that can adapt to various vertical pole sizes without requiring custom mounting structures for each pole type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If sensor wires are routed through the control module, then control signals can be transmitted to operate the light fixture, but the wiring complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signal transmissionVSAvoidwiring configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A wire management channel is introduced as an intermediary structure within the bracket assembly. This channel provides a dedicated pathway for routing sensor wires from the sensor, through the bracket, and to the control module. The channel acts as a mediator that organizes and protects the wiring, reducing wiring complexity while ensuring proper signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wire routing path is merged with the structural components of the bracket assembly. The mounting bracket itself incorporates integrated wire channels and cable management features, combining the mechanical support function with the electrical routing function in a single integrated structure, thereby reducing overall wiring complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of repair

If the control module components are made removable and replaceable, then maintenance and upgrades are facilitated, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent replaceabilityVSAvoidassembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control module assembly is segmented into distinct modular components: the mounting bracket, the protective housing, the control module itself, and the sensor assembly. Each component can be independently removed and replaced. The segmentation is achieved through standardized connection interfaces and quick-release mounting mechanisms that simplify replacement while managing assembly complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4474696A1Light fixture control module
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 TE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS GMBH
  • EP4474696A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4474696A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4474696A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A light fixture control module (100) includes a base (110) including an inner end and an outer end. The inner end is mounted to a vertical mounting base (50) of a light fixture (10). The base (110) includes a wire channel. The light fixture control module (100) includes a bracket (150) coupled to the outer end of the base (110). The bracket (150) includes a shell that has an inner chamber (154). The light fixture control module (100) includes a sensor (200) mounted to the shell of the bracket. The sensor (200) has a sensor element and a sensor wire (220) transmitting a control signal from the sensor element. The sensor wire (220) is routed through the inner chamber (154) of the shell to the wire channel of the base. The sensor wire (220) is configured to be routed away from the base (110) to control operation of a light element of the light fixture.