RF Transceiver Mounting Plate for Lighting Fixture Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of radio transceiver hardware with outdoor lighting fixtures poses cosmetic and maintenance challenges due to the variety of hardware components and complex mounting options, making it difficult to achieve a uniform and aesthetically pleasing solution while ensuring efficient data-handling capabilities for telecommunications infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a mounting plate sized and shaped to fit into the access door of a lighting fixture's outer housing, allowing for the easy retrofitting of a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, which can be thermally coupled with the lighting fixture and powered by the same source, eliminating the need for additional power connections and reducing installation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hardware components (clamps, wires, cables, boxes) are added to integrate transceiver equipment with lighting fixtures, then the functionality and data-handling capabilities are improved, but the cosmetic appearance deteriorates and the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate hardware components (clamps, wires, cables, boxes) into a single integrated mounting plate that provides both mechanical support and electrical connectivity. This merging reduces the number of discrete parts while maintaining all necessary functions, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a mechanical mounting surface for the transceiver, provides electrical power through integrated power contacts, and offers structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate clamps, power supplies, and cable management components, resolving the contradiction between functionality and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various mounting options and hardware components are used to integrate transceiver equipment, then the adaptability to different fixtures is improved, but the ease of maintenance and servicing deteriorates due to the variety of components
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is designed as a universal component that can be adapted to different lighting fixture types while maintaining a consistent interface for the transceiver equipment. This standardization means that maintenance personnel only need to learn one mounting system rather than multiple different hardware configurations, significantly improving ease of maintenance while preserving adaptability through universal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into modular components where the mounting plate is a self-contained unit that can be independently installed, removed, or replaced. This segmentation allows for easy maintenance of the transceiver equipment without requiring disassembly of the entire lighting fixture, making the system both adaptable and easy to service.
3Strength
If traditional mounting methods with multiple components are used, then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the cosmetic appearance and uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate merges multiple structural support functions into a single sleek component that replaces the traditional assembly of visible clamps, wires, and boxes. This integrated design maintains all necessary structural strength while presenting a clean, uniform appearance that does not detract from the cosmetic appearance of the lighting fixture.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is designed with localized structural features (such as reinforced mounting areas and strategic support points) that provide maximum structural strength only where needed, while maintaining a smooth, uniform appearance in visible areas. This allows the structure to be strong without compromising cosmetic appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
A roadway fixture system includes a lighting fixture having an outer housing that holds one or more light devices. The outer housing includes an access door through which an interior of the lighting fixture is accessible. The system also includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to send and receive cellular communications. The RF transceiver includes a mounting plate that is sized and shaped to fit into a space occupied by the access door of the outer housing of the lighting fixture so that the RF transceiver is mounted to the lighting fixture.