Smart Pole Power System Integrating Network Switches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional street light poles are cluttered with multiple power supply components and equipment, leading to aesthetic issues and the need for improved waterproofing, especially with the increasing demand for AC-to-DC power supplies for devices like network cameras and WiFi access points.

Innovation Solution

A smart pole power system that integrates a distribution board, AC power devices, a network switch, and power splitters to reduce the number of power supply components and installation space, using AC power sources to provide multiple voltages and power wired network devices directly through network switches, with optional power splitters for non-network devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple AC-to-DC power supply components are attached to street light poles, then various network devices can be powered, but the appearance becomes messy and aesthetics are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidaesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate power supply components into a single integrated power supply unit that can provide multiple AC voltages simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the number of external components needed while maintaining the ability to power various network devices, thereby improving aesthetics without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated power supply unit is designed to provide multiple AC voltages (e.g., 110V, 220V, 380V) from a single device, making it universally compatible with different network devices that require different power levels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple dedicated power supplies while maintaining full power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power supply components are installed on street light poles, then various devices can be powered, but the installation space and wiring layout space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power supply functions into a single integrated unit that occupies minimal space on the street light pole. This consolidation dramatically reduces both the installation space required and the wiring layout complexity compared to installing multiple separate power supply components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated power supply unit internally segments different voltage outputs (110V, 220V, 380V) as separate functional modules, allowing each voltage type to be independently accessed while maintaining a compact external form factor. This internal segmentation enables device compatibility without increasing external dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If power supplies are hung outside the pole, then installation is simple, but waterproofing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidwaterproofing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the power supply unit directly into the street light pole structure, creating a unified assembly that is inherently protected by the pole's existing enclosure and sealing. This integration maintains installation simplicity while dramatically improving waterproofing reliability compared to externally mounted power supplies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20230078547A1Smart pole power system
Publication Date: 2023.03.16 PEGATRON
  • US20230078547A1 patent drawing
  • US20230078547A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A smart pole power system including a distribution board, multiple alternating current (AC) power devices, a power splitter, and at least one wired network device is provided. The distribution board is coupled to an AC power source to provide multiple AC voltages. The AC power devices are coupled to the distribution board and receive the AC voltages. The AC power devices include a network switch. The network switch receives one of the AC voltages to provide at least one network power supply signal. The power splitter is coupled to the network switch. The power splitter receives one of the network power supply signals and separates a supply voltage signal from the received network power supply signal. The at least one wired network device includes a non-network power supply device. The non-network power supply device is powered by the supply voltage upon reception of the supply voltage.