Modular Sensor Platform for Streetlights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor deployments for streetlights are cumbersome and costly, requiring separate infrastructure and power, and struggle to integrate effectively with smart city systems, particularly with the growth of IoT technologies, necessitating an improved sensor platform for enhanced functionality and management.
Innovation Solution
A streetlight sensor platform with a modular design that allows tool-less coupling of sensor modules to a controller section, enabling easy installation and integration, utilizing a twist lock connection and inductive power interface for efficient communication and power supply, supporting various sensor types and technologies like radar, motion, and environmental sensors, and facilitating wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate infrastructure and power systems are used for sensor deployments, then sensor functionality can be provided, but installation becomes cumbersome and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor module with the streetlight controller into a single integrated unit. The sensor module couples directly to the controller section, sharing the same housing and power supply, eliminating the need for separate infrastructure and reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The streetlight controller is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional streetlight control and sensor data processing. The controller section can interface with various sensor types (motion, environmental, radar) and provide wireless communication capabilities, making the system versatile without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate infrastructure is used for sensor deployments, then sensor functionality can be provided, but deployment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module utilizes the existing streetlight power supply and housing, eliminating the need for separate power infrastructure and reducing material requirements. This integration significantly reduces deployment costs compared to separate sensor installations
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller can support multiple sensor types and smart city applications (motion detection, environmental monitoring, emergency vehicle detection) through a single platform, reducing the need for multiple separate systems and lowering overall deployment costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sensor integration is used, then basic functionality is provided, but integration with smart city systems becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The controller section includes wireless communication capabilities (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) and can interface with various sensor types, enabling easy integration with smart city systems. The module can provide data to multiple platforms and support various smart city applications through a single integrated interface
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with flexible, configurable sensor modules that can be easily added, removed, or upgraded. The controller can dynamically adapt to different sensor types and communication protocols, making integration with evolving smart city systems straightforward
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 modular sensor platform simplifies installation and enhances functionality by enabling intelligent lighting, event notifications, and smart city applications such as emergency vehicle alerts and traffic monitoring, reducing deployment costs and improving management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a twist lock connection and inductive power interface for efficient communication and power supply
Data Source
AI summary
A streetlight sensor platform comprising a sensor module which is coupled to a controller section having a lower portion for interfacing with a receptacle of a streetlight and an upper portion for receiving the sensor module. The sensor module is coupled to the controller section without the need for tools allowing easy installation and replacement. The sensor can be utilized for intelligent lighting and event notification such as public safety, emergency vehicle alerts, traffic monitoring, alerts and dynamic lighting applications.