Portable Solar Path Light Base with Tapered Shim Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar pathway lighting systems are not portable and require a stake for installation, which limits their use to specific locations and can be unstable due to flimsy mounting systems.
Innovation Solution
A portable solar light system with a heavy base and shim system that secures a support pole, allowing the light to be positioned on various surfaces without a stake, using shims and adhesive for stability and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stake mounting system is used for solar pathway lights, then the lights can be securely mounted in ground locations, but the system becomes non-portable and limited to specific installation locations
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a removable collar that mounts to the light post, a separate base with weight, and shims. This segmentation allows the system to be assembled and disassembled easily, enabling both stable mounting when installed and portability when moved to different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static stake-based approach to a dynamic, adjustable system using shims and a collar. The shims can be adjusted to fit different surface conditions, and the entire assembly can be quickly installed or removed, providing adaptability to different locations while maintaining stability during use.
2Reliability
If a stake is driven into the ground for mounting, then the light post can be secured, but the installation becomes crooked or flimsy when the stake does not go in straight
Solution Approach 1:
The collar acts as an intermediary component between the light post and the base. It provides a standardized mounting interface that ensures proper alignment regardless of ground conditions. The shims serve as additional intermediaries that can be adjusted to compensate for uneven surfaces, ensuring the light post remains vertically aligned and properly positioned.
3Reliability
If adhesive and concrete fixtures are used for paved surface mounting, then the light can be secured, but the installation becomes permanent and difficult to relocate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses preliminary mechanical securing through the collar and shim assembly before final positioning. The collar tightens around the light post and the shims are adjusted to fit snugly against the base, creating a stable connection without permanent adhesives. This preliminary mechanical fixation allows the light to be securely mounted yet easily relocated by simply removing the collar and base assembly.
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
Enables the solar pathway lights to be moved and positioned easily, providing stable and secure lighting on different surfaces, including indoors and outdoors, without the need for a stake, enhancing their usability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a solar cell situated at the top of a support pole... solar cells can be mounted on the exterior surface, preferably the top, to collect, transform and transfer energy
Implementation Method 2
An adhesive may be used to connect the shims to one another, to the pole, and/or to the cavity of the base
Data Source
AI summary
A portable path light system including a stabilizing base collar to provide downward pressure and torsional stabilization. The collar is affixed to the poll by one or more, preferably tapered wedging shims. Shims may include flanges to provide for mating with the collar and/or support of the system. Nesting shims can help size, fit, and further support the system. Shims may be rotated to provide a more complete mating with collar.