Solar-Powered Railing Lighting with Integrated Battery and Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional railing lighting systems require a power source, which may not be available during emergencies or in remote outdoor locations, making them unreliable and costly to implement.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained lighted railing assembly with an integrated solar panel to charge a battery, allowing the lighting device to operate independently of external power sources, including a controller to manage power switching and illumination based on ambient light or power outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional railing lighting systems are used, then lighting can be provided when external power is available, but the system becomes unreliable during emergencies or power outages and cannot be installed in remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources (battery and solar panel) into a single railing lighting system. The battery provides immediate power while the solar panel recharges it, creating a self-sufficient system that operates independently of external power infrastructure, thereby improving both reliability and installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a solar panel to automatically recharge the battery during daylight hours, enabling the lighting to sustain itself without external power intervention. This self-service capability ensures continuous operation during emergencies and allows installation in remote locations without access to electrical infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If battery-powered lighting is used to enable operation without external power, then installation flexibility improves, but device complexity increases due to additional power management components
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel serves multiple functions: it charges the battery during daylight hours and provides a visual indicator when fully charged. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate indicator components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that automatically manages power switching between the battery and solar panel, handles charging cycles, and controls LED operation. This automated control simplifies the user interface while managing the complexity of power source coordination internally.
3Reliability
If the solar panel is integrated into the railing member, then the system becomes self-contained and reliable, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The railing system is divided into modular components: the railing member with integrated solar panel, the battery assembly, the LED lighting elements, and the controller. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested separately, then assembled into a complete system, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining self-containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery and electronic components are nested within the railing member structure or mounted in integrated housings. This nesting approach consolidates multiple components into a compact arrangement, simplifying assembly and reducing the number of separate manufacturing steps required.
4Loss of information
If the solar panel provides visual indication of charge status, then user awareness improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel itself serves as the visual indicator by displaying its charge status through its appearance (e.g., transparency changes or color variations). This eliminates the need for separate LED indicator circuits and control logic, reducing device complexity while maintaining complete charge status information for the user.
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 reliable and cost-effective lighting in areas without access to external power, providing safety and aesthetic illumination during emergencies and normal conditions.
Implementation Method 1
At least one solar panel is integrated into the railing member and is electrically coupled to charge the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted railing assembly with at least one railing member includes an inner cavity, a battery disposed within the inner cavity and a lighting device powered by the battery. A solar panel is integrated into the railing member and is electrically coupled to charge the battery. A controller is configured to control charging of the battery and activation of the lighting device in response to a signal provided by an ambient light sensor.