Street Lamp Edge Computing Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing edge computing facilities lack suitable installation options with adequate density and distribution for certain application areas, such as road and outdoor lighting, due to high costs and complexities in obtaining permissions for installation on existing infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

Integrating core components of an edge computing device into street lamps, which are strategically located along traffic routes, allowing for decentralized data processing and utilizing existing infrastructure for power and data networking, with antennas designed to cover 360° angles and protected from environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If edge computing facilities are installed on existing infrastructure such as masts, façades, or roofs using clamps and holders, then the facilities can be deployed in various locations, but the installation costs increase and permission negotiations become complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the edge computing device housing with the street light structure itself, integrating the EC facility into an existing infrastructure element rather than attaching it separately. This merging eliminates the need for additional clamps, holders, and permission negotiations for separate installation structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The street light structure is designed to serve multiple functions: providing illumination and housing edge computing devices. This multi-functionality allows the same infrastructure to support both lighting and computing functions, reducing overall installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If edge computing facilities are installed in buildings or on building façades, then adequate computing power and data processing capability can be achieved, but obtaining installation permissions and paying access or usage rights becomes necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The street light structure serves itself by housing the edge computing device within its own housing, eliminating the need to access building interiors or negotiate with building owners. The infrastructure provides its own space for computing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The street light acts as an intermediary structure between the ground and building façades, providing an alternative location that is accessible and does not require building permissions. It mediates the need for elevated positioning without building access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If antennas are installed to cover all spatial angles around the street light, then complete 360° signal coverage is achieved, but the housing structure may block electromagnetic radiation

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure is designed with locally transparent regions at specific positions to allow electromagnetic radiation to pass through. These localized transparent areas are strategically placed to enable 360° antenna coverage while maintaining structural integrity and lighting functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If the equipment housing is made opaque for protection, then environmental protection is improved, but antenna signal transmission is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure transitions from being completely opaque to having locally transparent regions. These transparent areas are strategically positioned to allow electromagnetic radiation to pass through while the rest of the housing maintains its protective opaque function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure uses composite construction with regions of different transparency properties. The housing combines opaque protective materials with transparent electromagnetic radiation-permeable materials in specific configurations to achieve both protection and signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 provides a cost-effective and efficient means to deploy edge computing facilities, reducing latency and data transfer requirements, while minimizing interference with existing infrastructure and enhancing data processing capabilities for applications like autonomous driving and traffic management.

Implementation Method 1

the outer wall is transparent to electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3972138A1Street lamp with edge computing device

Publication Date: 2022.03.23

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AI summary

The invention relates to a street light comprising: a lighting mast, a lighting head comprising a light source of the street light, core components, at least one interface and at least one antenna of an edge computing device, and an equipment set which is installed on the lighting mast and/or on the lighting head, wherein the equipment set comprises an equipment compartment in which at least one antenna of the edge computing device is arranged.