Modular Auxiliary Lighting System with Asymmetrical Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports field and stadium lighting systems are inefficient and ineffective in emergency power outages, requiring large, expensive, and noisy generators for auxiliary lighting.
Innovation Solution
A modular auxiliary lighting system connected to the field lighting system, which includes a circuit to detect voltage drops, a master controller to switch from AC to battery power, and a battery providing 12-14 volts to power emergency lighting for 20 minutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If generators are used to provide auxiliary lighting during power outages, then emergency lighting can be provided, but the system becomes large, expensive, and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the auxiliary lighting system with the existing field lighting system by integrating battery packs into the lighting poles and using the same control infrastructure. This merging eliminates the need for separate generator systems while maintaining emergency lighting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automatic voltage detection and controller-activated switching between AC and battery power without requiring external generators or manual intervention. The lighting system serves itself by detecting power failures and autonomously switching to battery power.
2Reliability
If generators are used for auxiliary lighting, then emergency power can be provided, but the system requires a lot of space and is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The battery packs are nested within the existing lighting pole structures, utilizing the vertical space already allocated for lighting equipment. This nesting approach eliminates the need for separate generator spaces while providing emergency power capability.
3Reliability
If traditional emergency lighting systems are used, then lighting can be provided during outages, but the system is slow to switch on
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring voltage levels and pre-charging battery packs during normal operation. When a power failure occurs, the controller has already detected the voltage drop and can immediately activate battery power without delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time voltage monitoring feedback to detect power failures and automatically trigger the switching mechanism. This closed-loop feedback ensures immediate response to power outages by continuously checking power status and activating emergency lighting without delay.
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 system provides immediate and efficient auxiliary lighting during power outages, reducing the need for generators and enhancing safety by allowing patrons to exit safely within 20 minutes.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage monitor detects a voltage drop threshold
Implementation Method 2
The battery provides 12-14 volts and has a storage capacity to power the auxiliary emergency lighting for 20 minutes
Implementation Method 3
the housing containing an illumination source therein extending along the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system, having a lighting module; an auxiliary lighting module connected to a pole, the auxiliary lighting module having a coupler; a housing extending along a longitudinal axis and having an elongated opening, the housing containing an illumination source therein extending along the longitudinal axis; a battery; and a controller stack connected to the lighting module and the auxiliary lighting module by wiring. The controller stack has an alternating current power supply and a switching circuit having a voltage monitor connecting the alternating current power.