Rotating Light Tower Assembly with Linear Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light towers require repositioning of the base or rotating the entire structure to illuminate different locations, which is structurally limiting and inefficient, especially when trying to illuminate adjacent areas without significant movement.
Innovation Solution
A light tower assembly with a primary boom, a rotatively mounted light array boom, and a linear actuator assembly that allows the light array to be rotated around an axis without repositioning the base, using a power assembly to operate the linear actuator for directional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the light tower base is repositioned to illuminate different locations, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the time and operational efficiency deteriorate due to the need to lower, move, and re-erect the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The light tower is divided into a stationary base and a rotatable light array boom assembly. The light array boom can be independently rotated around a vertical axis to illuminate different directions without moving the base, separating the illumination function from the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light array boom is made dynamically rotatable through a mounting assembly with rotational degrees of freedom, controlled by linear actuators that convert linear motion into rotational movement, allowing the system to adapt its illumination direction without repositioning the entire structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire light tower structure is rotated to illuminate different locations, then the illumination direction is improved, but the structural complexity and operational difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation function is segmented from the entire light tower structure and applied only to the light array boom. This localized rotation reduces the complexity of the overall structure while achieving the same illumination direction change capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting assembly acts as an intermediary between the stationary primary boom and the rotatable light array boom, providing rotational capability through intermediate components such as rotational joints and actuator mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If linear actuators are used to rotate the light array boom, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional actuator assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
Manual or mechanical rotation systems are replaced with linear actuator assemblies that provide automated, controlled rotation. The linear actuators convert electrical control signals into precise rotational movements of the light array boom.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuator assembly serves multiple functions: it provides rotational movement, maintains structural support, and enables controlled positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
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 efficient rotation of the light array between positions without repositioning the base, allowing for flexible illumination of adjacent areas without the need to lower, move, and re-erect the light tower, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing structural limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a linear actuator assembly connected to the primary boom and the light array boom being configured to rotate the light array boom in one direction when the linear actuator extends and configured to rotate the light array boom in an opposite direction when the linear actuator assembly retracts
Data Source
AI summary
A light tower assembly configured to rotate a light section from a first to a second position. In various embodiments, the light tower assembly comprises (a) a primary boom extending vertically from a base, (b) a light array boom supporting a light section on a frame rotatively mounted to the primary boom wherein the light array boom rotates around an axis of rotation, (c) a mounting assembly rotatively mounting the light array boom to the primary boom, and (d) a linear actuator assembly connected to the primary boom and the light array boom being configured to rotate the light array boom in one direction when the linear actuator extends and configured to rotate the light array boom in an opposite direction when the linear actuator assembly retracts.