Modular Post Power and Data Interfaces for Lower Cable Density
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular lamp posts face challenges in managing cabling complexity and providing adequate protection for functional units, particularly in outdoor locations, which complicates maintenance and installation.
Innovation Solution
A modular post design with a functional pole module featuring a housing with a power and data interface that allows for direct powering and data exchange between units, reducing cable density and enabling easier maintenance, while incorporating a rotatable and pivotable structure for optimal orientation of wireless communication means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional functionalities are integrated into modular lamp posts, then the versatility and functionality of the post is improved, but the cabling complexity and difficulty of maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power and data transmission into a single integrated interface. The power and data interface is configured to provide both electrical power and data communication through one connection point, eliminating the need for separate power and data cabling. This merging approach reduces cabling complexity while maintaining full functionality of multiple pole modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The support pole is designed as a universal infrastructure that houses multiple functional units (lighting, camera, wireless communication) with a single integrated connection system. The support pole structure and interfaces are designed to accommodate various functional modules, allowing one infrastructure to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate cabling for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If functional units are mounted on pole modules, then the versatility of the post is improved, but the protection against ingress for functional units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The functional units are nested within sealed housings that are integrated into the support pole structure. The housing of the first pole module is configured to receive the functional unit, creating a nested arrangement where the functional unit is protected within the sealed enclosure of the pole module, maintaining both functionality and protection against environmental ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the functional unit and the external environment. This housing structure provides a protected enclosure that isolates the functional unit from moisture, dust, and other environmental factors, while still allowing the unit to perform its intended functions through integrated interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If multiple cables are used for power and data connections, then the connectivity between pole modules is improved, but the ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power and data connections into a single integrated interface. The power and data interface is configured to provide both electrical power and data communication through one connection point, eliminating the need for separate power and data cabling. This reduces the number of cables from multiple to minimal, making maintenance easier while maintaining full connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary separate power and data cabling by integrating both functions into a single interface. This extraction of redundant cabling simplifies the maintenance process by reducing the number of components that need to be inspected, tested, and replaced, while maintaining all necessary connectivity functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular post comprising a plurality of pole modules arranged one above the other along a central axis, said pole modules comprising a functional pole module for receiving and/or transmitting signals; said functional pole module comprising: a housing comprising a lower, middle, and upper sections; a functional unit comprising a wireless communication means, and a power and data interface configured for being connected to a power source and to the wireless communication means, for powering the wireless communication means, for powering another functional unit of another functional pole module, and for transmitting and/or receiving data to/from the another functional unit; wherein the lower section comprises a coupling interface for coupling the functional pole module to another pole module located below along the central axis, and/or wherein the upper section comprises a coupling interface for coupling the functional pole module to another pole module located above along the central axis.