Lighting Canister Stand Assembly for Transformer Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor lighting assemblies with transformers placed directly on wires suffer from wire damage and water retention due to the transformer covering the drain holes, and prior solutions like using bricks to lift the transformer obstruct the drainage further.
Innovation Solution
A lighting canister stand assembly that elevates the transformer above the canister drain pipe, using a canister rod and platform to allow water drainage while securing the transformer with a high friction surface to prevent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the transformer is placed directly on the bottom of the canister, then it is simple to install, but it damages the wires and causes water retention by covering the drain holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by elevating the transformer off the canister bottom using a support structure with legs. This dimensional change allows the transformer to be positioned above the drain holes while maintaining electrical connections, resolving the conflict between easy installation and preventing wire damage/water retention
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure with legs acts as an intermediary between the transformer and the canister bottom. This intermediary component prevents direct contact between the transformer and drain holes, eliminating wire damage and water retention issues while maintaining structural support
2Reliability
If bricks are stacked in the canister to lift the transformer, then the transformer is elevated above the bottom, but the bricks obstruct the draining holes
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using horizontal stacking (bricks), the patent uses vertical legs extending downward from the transformer to provide support. This dimensional approach allows elevation while maintaining clear drainage paths through the canister bottom
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the support function from the canister bottom surface and relocates it to dedicated support legs. This separation allows the canister bottom drain holes to remain unobstructed while the transformer is elevated to the appropriate height
3Reliability
If the transformer is elevated using a support structure, then drainage is improved, but the transformer may move or shift position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface properties to different parts of the support structure. The top surface has high friction characteristics to prevent transformer movement, while the legs maintain structural support. This local quality differentiation resolves the conflict between drainage elevation and position stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter of the support surface by applying a high friction coating or material. This parameter change increases the grip between the support structure and transformer, preventing movement while maintaining the elevated position for proper drainage
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
Prevents wire damage and water retention by ensuring proper drainage and secure transformer positioning, maintaining the functionality of the outdoor lighting system.
Implementation Method 1
In some embodiments, a high friction surface can be attached to a second side of the lighting canister platform. The high friction surface prevents the transformer from moving off of the lighting canister platform.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting canister stand assembly is configured to elevate a transformer above a canister drain pipe within a canister underground. The lighting canister stand assembly has a lighting canister stand, further including a lighting canister rod mechanically coupled to a first side of a lighting canister platform. The canister further comprising a canister bottom, immediately adjacent to the lighting canister rod, and a canister wall immediately adjacent to an edge of the lighting canister platform. The lighting canister platform is configured to elevate the transformer above the canister drain pipe in order to permit water to drain out of the canister and away from the transformer.