Roadside Lighting Connector With ANSI Power and Data Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aerial lighting fixtures lack an efficient and standardized connector system for both power supply and high-speed data transmission, leading to compatibility issues and limited functionality in modern lighting control systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of an enhanced interface (EI) connector system that integrates a primary connector compliant with standards like ANSI C136 and a secondary connector for high-speed data communication, enabling simultaneous power supply and data transmission between a controller and a roadside aerial lighting fixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional single connector is used for power supply, then power transmission is achieved, but high-speed data transmission capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a primary power connector and a secondary data connector into a single integrated connector assembly. The primary connector handles power transmission according to ANSI C136 standards, while the secondary connector enables high-speed data transmission, allowing both functions to coexist in one unified structure rather than requiring separate connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated connector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both power supply connection and high-speed data transmission capability. This multi-functional design allows the same connector assembly to handle different types of signals (power and data) through its multiple contact elements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated connectors.
2Reliability
If a standards-compliant connector is used, then compatibility is improved, but high-speed data transmission is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional sections: a primary connector portion with contacts arranged according to ANSI C136 standards for reliable power connection, and a secondary connector portion with additional contacts specifically configured for high-speed data transmission. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate connectors are used for power and data, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate power and data connectors into a single integrated connector assembly that houses both the primary power contacts and secondary data contacts in one unified structure. This integration reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining full functional capability for both power transmission and high-speed data communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to couple a controller to a roadside aerial lighting fixture includes a primary male connector integrated with the controller and a primary female connector integrated with the roadside aerial lighting fixture. The primary male and female connectors are compliant with a roadway area lighting standard promoted by a standards body. The primary male connector protrudes from a first substantially planar surface of the controller. The primary female connector is recessed within a second substantially planar surface of the roadside aerial lighting fixture. A controller-side data connector protrudes from the first substantially planar surface or a third surface substantially parallel to the first substantially planar surface. A fixture-side data connector is recessed within the second substantially planar surface or recessed within a fourth surface substantially parallel to the second substantially planar surface. When the controller is rotatably coupled to the roadside aerial lighting fixture, the primary male connector is electrically coupled to the primary female connector, and the controller-side data connector is communicatively coupled to the fixture-side data connector.