Solar-Powered Address Numbers with Integrated Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated address number systems fail to utilize solar energy for individual illumination, leading to difficulties in reading addresses at night, especially in emergency situations, and lack the ability for energy storage and efficient power management.
Innovation Solution
Individual address numbers equipped with solar panels, rechargeable batteries, light emitting diodes, and photo detectors that collect and store solar energy during the day for nighttime illumination, allowing for wireless control and easy mounting on buildings using nails, screws, or adhesive bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels and batteries are integrated into individual address numbers, then energy efficiency and nighttime illumination capability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The address numbering system is divided into individual modular units, each containing its own solar panel, battery, LED, and photo sensor. This segmentation allows each number to function independently with integrated energy storage and illumination capabilities, resolving the contradiction by making complexity manageable through modularity while achieving energy self-sufficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Each address number unit serves multiple functions: it displays the address number, collects solar energy during the day, stores energy in an integrated battery, detects ambient light levels via photo sensors, and illuminates automatically at night. This multi-functionality integrates energy management directly into the display element, improving energy efficiency without requiring separate centralized systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If individual address numbers are made separately mountable with integrated solar components, then ease of installation and replacement is improved, but manufacturing complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into individual address number units that can be manufactured separately and installed independently. Each unit contains all necessary components (solar panel, battery, LED, photo sensor) integrated within a single mountable element, allowing for simplified installation and replacement without affecting other address numbers.
Solution Approach 2:
Each address number unit is self-contained with its own power generation (solar panel), energy storage (battery), and illumination system. This self-service capability allows each unit to be installed independently without requiring connection to centralized wiring or power sources, greatly simplifying installation and maintenance while the modular design manages manufacturing complexity.
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
This solution enables energy-efficient illumination of address numbers using solar power, reducing electricity consumption and providing a reliable and easy-to-maintain solution for residential and commercial applications, particularly beneficial for first responders in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
solar panels... that collect and store solar energy during the day
Implementation Method 2
rechargeable batteries... that collect and store solar energy during the day
Implementation Method 3
light emitting diodes to illuminate each respective individual number
Implementation Method 4
photosensitive sensors in each individual number would be activated
Data Source
AI summary
Individual address numbers are provided which can be illuminated using solar energy to completely power the illumination at night would result in great savings in electricity to residential consumers and commercial establishments. The foregoing features are provided by equipping individual address numbers with the necessary elements and circuitry to gather and store solar energy for use in the evening to power light emitting diodes to illuminate each respective individual number. Additionally, wireless capability may be provided which allows the illumination of the individual address numbers to be turned on and off in the event illumination is needed prior to darkness.