Solar-Powered Parking Block with Integrated LED Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outdoor parking lots face challenges with inadequate lighting, particularly due to the high cost and environmental concerns of AC power distribution, and existing solar-powered systems are limited by installation costs, maintenance issues, and vulnerability to vandalism and storm damage.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered parking space barrier block equipped with a photovoltaic lighting assembly, using low DC voltage LEDs and a high-capacity rechargeable storage capacitor module, integrated within a durable thermoplastic housing, which automatically switches on at sunset and off at sunrise, providing marker and hazard warning lights without the need for external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If AC power distribution is used for outdoor lighting, then lighting can be provided, but installation cost and environmental impact increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system serves itself by converting solar energy directly at the lighting location through photovoltaic cells, eliminating the need for external AC power distribution infrastructure. The system is self-contained with integrated power generation, storage, and lighting components that operate independently without requiring connection to utility power lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical AC power distribution system with a photovoltaic system that directly converts solar energy to electrical energy at the point of use. This substitution eliminates the need for power lines, transformers, and other AC distribution infrastructure while providing continuous lighting operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If tower-mounted solar panels are used, then independent power source is provided, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar power system into individual modular units distributed throughout the parking lot, with each lighting assembly containing its own photovoltaic cells, battery, and lighting components. This segmentation eliminates the need for centralized tower installations and allows for simpler, more distributed deployment that reduces both installation and maintenance complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated lighting assembly: photovoltaic power generation, battery energy storage, control circuitry, and LED lighting are all merged into one compact unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate tower-mounted panels and reduces overall system complexity and cost.
3Shape
If conventional parking blocks are used, then vehicle alignment is maintained, but visibility at night is insufficient causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the parking block structural function with the lighting function by integrating LED light sources and photovoltaic cells directly into the parking block assembly. This combination maintains the vehicle alignment capability while providing active illumination to enhance nighttime visibility and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses LED technology which can emit different colors and intensities of light to enhance visibility. The LED sources provide bright, focused illumination that contrasts with the dark parking lot environment, making the parking blocks clearly visible at night while maintaining their structural function.
4Use of energy by moving object
If solar panel installations are placed in parking lots, then renewable energy is provided, but encroachment on parking spaces occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the parking block structural element with the photovoltaic power generation element, creating a hybrid component that serves both functions simultaneously. The solar cells are integrated into the top surface of the parking block, allowing energy generation without occupying additional parking space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional parking block that simultaneously provides vehicle stopping function, nighttime illumination, and renewable energy generation. This universal design allows a single structure to fulfill multiple purposes, eliminating the need for separate solar panel installations that would encroach on parking spaces.
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 solution provides reliable, cost-effective, and maintenance-free lighting that is resistant to vandalism and storm damage, eliminating the need for AC power distribution and reducing installation costs, while ensuring safe visibility in parking lots, even in remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
solar energy is converted to electrical current by an array of photovoltaic cells
Implementation Method 2
The storage battery can subsequently provide electrical current for a lighting unit at night or at day during periods of low intensity ambient light
Implementation Method 3
Illumination is provided by low DC voltage light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
AI summary
A solar-powered parking space barrier block is configured as a one-piece molded housing of a high strength, transparent plastic material in which a photovoltaic solar panel and a DC energy storage module are inclosed. A pair of white light LED lamps provide end panel marker illumination, two yellow light LED lamps provide hazard warning illumination and a rechargeable supercapacitor storage module provides operating power. A power control circuit enables use of the solar panel as a photosensor to automatically energize the LED lamps when ambient skylight falls below a predetermined safe visibility level, and removes operating power from the LED lamps when ambient skylight rises above a predetermined safe visibility level.