Obstruction Lighting Power Line Control System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional obstruction lighting systems require manual interaction by technicians to set operating parameters and modes, which is hazardous and time-consuming due to their elevated locations, posing risks and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

An obstruction lighting and power line control system that uses a power line cable to transmit power and control signals to light sources, allowing remote control of operating parameters and modes through a system controller and power supply, eliminating the need for direct manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If technicians manually set operating parameters and modes by physically interacting with obstruction lights, then the lights can be controlled, but technicians are exposed to hazardous conditions and it is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual control of obstruction lightsVSAvoidhazardous conditions for technicians

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A control system with a controller and communication interface is introduced as an intermediary between the technician and the obstruction light. The technician can set operating parameters and modes remotely through the control system, which transmits control signals to the obstruction light via communication protocols, eliminating the need for physical interaction with the light at hazardous locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical interaction system is replaced with an electronic control system. Instead of physically accessing and manually adjusting the obstruction light, technicians use electronic control interfaces that send digital control signals through communication protocols to adjust operating parameters and modes remotely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If technicians manually access obstruction lights at elevated locations, then parameters can be set, but it is difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of setting parametersVSAvoidtime to access and configure lights

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control system serves as a mediator that enables rapid remote configuration of obstruction lights. Technicians can set operating parameters and modes through electronic interfaces without the time-consuming process of physically accessing elevated locations, significantly reducing configuration time and improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system allows technicians to pre-configure operating parameters and modes before deployment or during maintenance periods. The system can store multiple parameter sets and switch between them, allowing for quick reconfiguration without requiring physical access to the light each time parameters need to be changed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Illumination intensity

If obstruction lights are placed at elevated locations for optimal coverage, then 360-degree coverage is achieved, but technician access becomes hazardous and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage area of obstruction lightsVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system acts as an intermediary that enables full operational control of obstruction lights at elevated locations without requiring technician access. The communication interface allows technicians to configure, monitor, and control light operations from ground level, maintaining optimal 360-degree coverage while eliminating accessibility hazards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The obstruction light system incorporates self-diagnostic and self-configuration capabilities through the control system. The light can automatically adjust operating parameters and detect faults, reducing the need for technician intervention and maintenance access to elevated locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9942969B1Obstructions lighting system and process having operating modes

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 SPX CORP

AI summary

The disclosure is directed to an obstruction lighting and power line control system. The system includes at least one light source, at least one controller coupled to and configured to control the at least one light source, a power line cable providing power to the at least one light source, and a power supply coupled to the power line cable and configured to provide power to the at least one light source over the power line cable. The disclosure further includes a system controller configured to control the power supply to provide power over the power line cable to the at least one light source and the at least one controller that indicates at least one of the following: operating parameters and operating modes.