Train Tunnel Light Unit with Integrated Battery Backup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting systems in underground train tunnels face issues with power consumption, fixed configurations, maintenance challenges, and remote battery backup systems, which are inefficient and require frequent bulb replacements.

Innovation Solution

A modular light unit with an integrated battery backup system and a mounting bracket that allows for quick and easy installation and removal, featuring a self-test system, removable lateral shades, and a compact design suitable for existing tunnel dimensions, including a spacer for vibration damping and stainless steel brackets to prevent corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If 20 Watt incandescent light bulbs are used with remote battery backup systems, then lighting coverage is provided, but power consumption is high and maintenance is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the light engine and battery backup system into a single integrated housing, eliminating the need for separate remote battery systems. This merger reduces overall power consumption by optimizing the electrical system and makes maintenance easier by allowing the entire assembly to be replaced as one unit rather than servicing separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated light unit is designed as a complete replaceable module that can be quickly swapped out when needed. This approach treats the entire lighting assembly as a disposable-like unit, where rather than maintaining individual components, the whole unit is replaced, significantly reducing maintenance complexity and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Illumination intensity

If light bulbs are enclosed within solid shades to direct light downwardly, then light direction is controlled, but the configuration is fixed and adaptability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight direction controlVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs adjustable shades that can be rotated and positioned at different angles rather than being fixed in place. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the light direction to be changed as needed while maintaining effective downward lighting, providing both direction control and configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting assembly is divided into separable components including the light engine, shades, and housing. This segmentation allows individual components to be adjusted, removed, or replaced independently, enabling flexible reconfiguration while maintaining proper light direction control through the adjustable shade components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If battery backup systems are remotely located, then system separation is achieved, but installation and replacement time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem separationVSAvoidinstallation and replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the battery backup system directly into the light engine housing, creating a single unified assembly. This merger eliminates the time required to install and replace separate remote battery systems, as the entire battery and lighting assembly is replaced as one unit, significantly reducing maintenance time while maintaining proper system organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If incandescent light bulbs are used, then simple lighting is provided, but electrical efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting simplicityVSAvoidelectrical efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from incandescent bulb technology to LED light engine technology, representing a fundamental parameter change in the light source. This change dramatically improves electrical efficiency while maintaining lighting simplicity through the use of modern LED components that provide the same lighting function with much lower energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient, easy-to-maintain lighting with reduced power consumption, uniform illumination, and reduced installation time, allowing for retrofitting in existing tunnels while ensuring reliability and safety with automatic fault detection and battery management.

Implementation Method 1

The spacer can also function as a vibration damper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11293607B2Lighting system for a public transportation train facility

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 AUTRONIC PLASTICS INC

AI summary

A light unit used in train tunnels is readily mountable and removable from a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket allows the battery backup system and light engine to be gravity mounted in manner that allows for quick and easy mounting and removal while also resisting vibrations and wind. A quick disconnect fitting can be used with the power cord to allow the units to be removed and replaced as needed. The light unit integrates the light engine with a battery backup system so that the entire light and battery unit is removed and replaced when necessary.