Tool-Free Socket and Plug for Street Light Poles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for installing and maintaining street light lamp heads on poles require skilled electricians and various tools, making the process time-consuming and hazardous, especially when working at elevated heights.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect device comprising a plug and socket system that allows for tool-free mechanical and electrical connections, enabling rapid installation, removal, and reorientation of lamp heads, with a central releasable latching mechanism and optional gear alignment for radial orientation, facilitating safe and efficient operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hand-wiring and mechanical connection methods are used, then reliable electrical and mechanical connections are achieved, but installation time increases and technician safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical connection and mechanical support functions into a single integrated connector assembly. The electrical contacts are embedded within the mechanical connector body, allowing both electrical wiring and mechanical mounting to be accomplished through one connection operation, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separable male and female portions that can be independently handled and connected. This segmentation allows for quick plug-and-play installation without requiring complex wiring procedures, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable electrical contact through the modular design
2Strength
If traditional installation methods with multiple tools and hardware are used, then secure mechanical support is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple fastening functions into a single component. The mechanical connector body incorporates both mounting ears for pole attachment and electrical contact elements, eliminating the need for separate tools and hardware while maintaining secure mechanical support through the unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The connector features self-aligning and self-latching mechanisms that automatically ensure proper engagement and secure mounting. The design includes built-in alignment features and automatic locking mechanisms that eliminate the need for precise manual positioning and multiple adjustment steps, greatly simplifying the installation process while ensuring strong mechanical support
3Length of stationary object
If working at elevated heights on poles is required, then proper installation position is achieved, but safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The separable connector design allows technicians to assemble components on the ground before mounting, reducing the need to work at height. The modular nature enables pre-assembly and testing at ground level, then simple attachment to the pole, minimizing exposure to hazardous elevated work conditions while achieving proper installation position
4Reliability
If specialized hardware and tools are required, then secure connection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector combines electrical contacts, mechanical fastening elements, and alignment features into a single integrated component. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate hardware pieces and tools, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure electrical and mechanical connections through the unified design
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 swift and safe swapping of lamp heads without exposing technicians to traffic hazards, reducing installation time and minimizing traffic disruptions, while allowing for easy integration of sensors and smart devices for environmental monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a spherical bearing positioned within the at least one transverse bore
Data Source
AI summary
A street light has a pole of at least 6 feet in length, and has an electrical socket attached to an end of the pole. The socket includes a body having an interior, and a cover positioned on the body to cover the interior of the body. The cover has a ring-shaped openings providing passage into the interior of the body. Resiliently mounted electrical contactors are each positioned in the interior of the body and adjacent to one of the ring-shaped openings in the cover. A central bore extends through the body, and a ledge is positioned at the end of the bore to extend radially outward. The socket is connectable to a mating plug to mechanically and electrically connect a street light or other device to the pole. The street light can include sensors that are connectable using a similar socket and plug.