Solar Decorative Light String with Integrated Collector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional decorative outdoor lights reliant on residential electrical current pose hazards such as electrical shorts, shocks, and tripping hazards due to exposed cords, and require cumbersome extension cords, while also risking fires and being inconvenient to install and store.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered decorative lighting system featuring a flexible light string with removable bulbs, interconnected to a solar collector that stores energy in a rechargeable battery for dusk and nighttime use, eliminating the need for extension cords and providing automatic on/off functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional decorative outdoor lights are powered from residential electrical current, then the lights can provide continuous illumination, but electrical hazards such as shorts, shocks, and fire risks increase due to exposed cords and extension cords
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the conventional electrical grid and relocates it to a portable solar-powered generator unit. This separates the lighting function from fixed electrical infrastructure, eliminating the need for exposed extension cords and receptacles that create electrical hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar-powered generator unit is self-contained with integrated solar panels that automatically recharge the battery during the day. The system serves itself by converting solar energy to electrical energy, eliminating dependence on external electrical infrastructure and reducing safety hazards.
2Ease of operation
If extension cords are used to power decorative lights from electrical outlets, then the lights can be powered, but the cords present tripping hazards and are vulnerable to damage from vehicles and lawn equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes extension cords from the system by extracting the power source from fixed electrical outlets and relocating it to a mobile solar generator. This eliminates the intermediate cords that create tripping hazards and vulnerability to damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source transitions from a fixed two-dimensional location (outlet on wall) to a mobile three-dimensional unit that can be positioned anywhere with sunlight exposure. This dimensional change eliminates the need for cords spanning across ground surfaces.
3Power
If decorative lights are powered from electrical outlets, then continuous power is available, but installation becomes cumbersome due to the need to locate and connect to electrical receptacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting system into independent modular units, each with its own power source. This allows each lighting string to be independently powered without requiring connection to centralized electrical infrastructure, simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar-powered generator unit serves multiple functions: it generates power via solar panels, stores energy in a battery, and provides electrical output to power lights. This multi-functional unit replaces the need for electrical outlets and extension cords.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If solar-powered decorative lights are used to eliminate electrical hazards, then safety is improved, but the system requires solar collectors and battery storage components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solar collector, battery storage, and power output functions into a single integrated generator unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar generator unit performs multiple functions: solar energy collection, electrical energy generation, battery storage, and power distribution. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise be separate components into one unified system.
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
The system reduces electrical hazards, saves installation effort, and allows for easier storage and use, while offering energy savings and versatility for various occasions, with automatic operation and reduced fire risks.
Implementation Method 1
interconnected to a solar collector that includes one or more solar cells or panels for collecting the radiant energy from the sun for conveyance and storage in a rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
storage in a rechargeable battery enclosed within the solar collector. The solar energy stored within the battery is discharged during dusk and nighttime hours
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor solar powered decorative lighting system includes a light string having a plurality of light bulbs evenly spaced along the length of the string and being electrically connected to a roof mounted solar collector having one or more solar panels or cells for collecting sunlight—radiant energy—from the sun and which is then conveyed to a rechargeable battery enclosed within the solar collector for discharge to provide the power to illuminate the light bulbs and thus create the decorative lighting effect with the solar collector including a switch to automatically turn the light bulbs on at dusk and to switch the light bulbs off at the following sunrise.