Obstruction Light Wireless Status Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for inspecting obstruction lights require technicians to physically climb to the top of facilities, making the process time-consuming, inefficient, and dangerous, especially due to regulatory requirements for periodic inspections.
Innovation Solution
An obstruction light system equipped with sensors (ambient light, voltage, current, and temperature sensors) and a microprocessor that transmits status information wirelessly via a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing technicians to inspect and monitor the lights remotely using devices like smartphones or laptops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If technicians physically climb to the top of facilities to inspect obstruction lights, then they can directly observe and test the lights, but the inspection process becomes time-consuming, inefficient, and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically climbing to the obstruction light with an electronic/digital system. Sensors mounted on the obstruction light transmit operational data (voltage, current, temperature, operational status) wirelessly to remote devices, allowing technicians to inspect lights from ground level without physical ascent, thereby reducing inspection time while maintaining accuracy through digital measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of sensors, a microprocessor, and wireless communication components. These intermediaries collect and transmit obstruction light status information between the light itself and the technician's remote device, eliminating the need for direct physical contact and enabling efficient remote monitoring while preserving inspection accuracy.
2Reliability
If technicians physically access obstruction lights for inspection, then they can perform hands-on testing, but the process becomes dangerous and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes physical hands-on testing with electronic sensor measurements. Sensors continuously monitor voltage, current, temperature, and operational status, transmitting this data wirelessly to technicians. This eliminates the need for technicians to physically access high-voltage equipment or climb to dangerous heights, improving safety while maintaining inspection reliability through accurate electronic measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstruction light system performs self-diagnosis and self-reporting through integrated sensors that automatically monitor its own operational parameters. The microprocessor processes sensor data and wirelessly transmits status information, enabling the system to provide its own inspection data without requiring physical intervention, thereby enhancing both safety and reliability.
3Reliability
If periodic inspections are conducted manually at high locations, then regulatory requirements are met, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual periodic inspection with an automated electronic monitoring system. Sensors continuously or periodically capture operational data, and wireless transmission delivers this information to technicians who can review it remotely. This maintains compliance assurance through accurate regulatory-parameter monitoring while dramatically improving inspection efficiency by eliminating repeated physical climbs and manual testing procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An obstruction light system includes a light and lens configured to output light. The system further includes a plurality of sensors associated with the light, a processor configured to receive outputs from the plurality of sensors and determine a status of the light based on the output from the plurality of sensors, and a wireless transmitter configured to transmit the status from the processor.