Pole Lowering Mechanism With Angled Arm For Heavy Luminaires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms, such as the Swivelpole™, are not suitable for light poles exceeding 4 meters in height due to the high moment generated by heavy luminaires, making it difficult to safely and easily lower or maintain these structures.
Innovation Solution
A pole lowering mechanism comprising a base and an arm with specific angular orientations, allowing the arm to rotate about an operating axis and engage with the base, enabling the pole to be raised or lowered while incorporating rotation limiting means to prevent excessive twisting of cables and allowing for easy access and secure locking of the luminaire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a Swivelpole mechanism is used for high light poles, then light changing and repair becomes safer and easier, but the mechanism becomes unsuitable due to high moment generated by heavy luminaires
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a base portion that remains stationary on the pole, and an arm portion that rotates independently. This segmentation allows the arm to bear and rotate the heavy luminaire weight without requiring the entire base structure to support the high moment, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new rotational dimension by allowing the arm to rotate about an operating axis that is oriented at a characteristic angle (90°-135°) to the pole's longitudinal axis. This dimensional change enables the mechanism to handle heavy luminaires on high poles by distributing moments across different axes, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-axis swiveling.
2Ease of operation
If the arm rotates freely about the operating axis, then easy access to luminaire is achieved, but excessive twisting of cables may occur
Solution Approach 1:
A cable management intermediary component is introduced between the rotating arm and the fixed base. This intermediary allows controlled rotation while preventing excessive cable twisting, enabling easy luminaire access without damaging the cables that supply power and control signals to the luminaire.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism incorporates preliminary cable routing and tensioning arrangements that pre-position cables to accommodate the range of motion. By preparing the cable path in advance and providing sufficient slack and proper routing, the system enables full rotation for luminaire access while preventing harmful excessive twisting during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for lowering a pole, such as a light pole, is disclosed. The mechanism includes a base arranged to rotate about a vertical axis of a pole portion, and an engaging portion arranged to rotate about an operating axis. The operating axis is in the order of 115° relative to the vertical axis. A pole member is fixed to an arm of the engaging portion.