Modular Outdoor Lighting With Detachable Energy Modules

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional outdoor lighting systems, such as bollard lights, pose installation challenges due to the need for manual mowing around them and are vulnerable to moisture, leading to potential short circuits and reduced usability.

Innovation Solution

A modular energy supply system with detachable and electrically decoupled energy consumption modules, incorporating inductive or optoelectronic data transmission, and enhanced anchoring mechanisms, allowing for easy removal, moisture protection, and versatile data transmission capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional outdoor lighting systems are installed in the ground, then lighting function is provided, but manual mowing around them is required and post-processing is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidtime for post-processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into two separate modules: an energy supply module embedded in the ground and an energy consumption module (lighting element) that can be detached. This segmentation allows the lighting module to be removed completely, eliminating the need for post-processing and manual mowing around fixed installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, permanently fixed lighting installation to a dynamic, removable configuration. The energy consumption module can be easily detached and removed, allowing the surface to return to its original state without requiring manual intervention or post-processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If outdoor lighting systems are installed in the ground, then lighting function is provided, but they are vulnerable to moisture and splash water causing short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical reliabilityVSAvoidmoisture exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the electrical components into distinct modules with detachable connections, the system minimizes the exposure of electrical contacts to moisture. The energy supply module can be sealed in the ground while the energy consumption module is removed when not in use, reducing opportunities for water ingress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable connection interface acts as an intermediary that can be completely disconnected, preventing moisture from bridging electrical contacts. When disconnected, there is no electrical pathway for moisture to cause short circuits, effectively using the connection state itself as protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed outdoor lighting systems are installed, then lighting function is provided, but removal disrupts the surface and requires restoration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of installationVSAvoidease of surface restoration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the removable lighting function from the permanent ground embedding. Only the compact energy supply module remains in the ground, creating a minimal opening that does not disrupt the surface. The larger energy consumption module is completely removed, leaving no restoration work required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting function (energy consumption module) is completely extracted from the ground installation and removed entirely. Only the essential energy supply component remains embedded, minimizing surface disruption and eliminating the need for restoration work while maintaining installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables efficient removal of lighting modules without disrupting the surface, protects against moisture, and allows for various applications including data transmission and energy generation, enhancing usability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

both the energy supply module and the energy consumption module being equipped with at least one electrical winding of a transformer for inductive data transmission between the energy supply module and the energy consumption module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an opto-electronic component with a light-emitting component in the energy supply module and a light-receiving component in the energy consumption module being arranged for data transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP1885956B1Lighting for outdoor spaces with an energy supply system
Publication Date: 2014.10.15 STUMPFL REINHOLD
  • EP1885956B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1885956B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an energy supply system (1) comprising at least one energy supply module (2), which is or can be connected to an energy source (10) and at least one consumer module (3). The consumer module (3) is or can be connected to the energy supply module (2) so that it can be detached or electrically decoupled from the latter. The energy supply module (3) is configured with a housing (7) for underground installation.