Modular Bollard Luminaire Louver with Integrated Microwave Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bollard luminaires are inefficient in energy use, as they maintain high illumination levels for extended periods even when no one is present, and existing sensor systems require an unobstructed view, compromising aesthetics and requiring external placement, while also not utilizing advanced LED technology efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A modular louver assembly with integrated LEDs and a microwave sensor within the luminaire housing that adjusts illumination levels based on occupancy detection, using a heat sink and printed circuit boards for thermal management, allowing for easy replacement of lighting modules and maintaining aesthetic integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If sensors are placed outside the bollard to sense occupants, then occupancy detection is enabled, but the aesthetic quality of the bollard is compromised and the sensor is vulnerable to vandalism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupancy detection capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is nested within the hollow interior area of the bollard housing, allowing occupancy detection functionality to be integrated inside the aesthetic structure rather than mounted externally. This resolves the contradiction by hiding the sensor within the existing form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow interior area of the bollard serves multiple functions: it provides structural housing for the sensor and electronics, maintains the aesthetic exterior form, and enables occupancy detection. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same space serve both aesthetic and functional purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If high level illumination is maintained for extended periods, then adequate lighting is provided, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting adequacyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination level dynamically adjusts based on occupancy detection. When occupants are detected, the system provides high level illumination; when no occupants are present, it transitions to low level illumination. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by matching lighting intensity to actual need.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system operates in periodic cycles of high and low illumination levels based on sensor-triggered events. Rather than continuous high illumination, the system alternates between high intensity (when needed) and low intensity (when not needed), resolving the contradiction through time-based modulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If LED banks are integrated into the bollard structure, then energy efficiency is improved, but replacement of depleted LEDs requires replacing the entire bollard assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidLED replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The LED lighting system is segmented into separate replaceable modules that can be independently removed and replaced. The hollow interior area allows access to these modular LED banks, enabling replacement of only the depleted lighting components rather than the entire bollard assembly. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the replaceable LED modules from the permanent bollard structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular LED banks are designed to be easily discarded when depleted and replaced with new modules. The hollow interior housing facilitates this by providing access points and mounting structures that allow quick removal of old LED banks and installation of new ones, resolving the contradiction by enabling component-level replacement rather than whole-system replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 provides energy-efficient demand-response illumination, extending LED longevity, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal by integrating sensors within the bollard, while allowing for modular upgrades to newer lighting technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a heat sink disposed within the opening of the louver and adjacent the lower surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of LEDs disposed about the heat sink on a lower surface of the louver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

a microwave sensor within the luminaire housing that adjusts illumination levels based on occupancy detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave detection: Microwave Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS7972036B1Modular bollard luminaire louver

Publication Date: 2011.07.05 SIGNIFY NORTH AMERICA CORP

AI summary

A modular louver assembly for a bollard luminaire comprises a louver having an upper surface, a lower surface and an opening, a heat sink disposed within the opening of the louver and adjacent the lower surface, a plurality of LEDs disposed about the heat sink on a lower surface of the louver, and, a lens disposed beneath the heat sink.