Winding Photovoltaic Beacon for Tower Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beaconing systems for masts are difficult to implement due to the need for power cable passage before inserting the light unit, limiting their adaptability to various mast shapes and complicating the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A beaconing device with an integrated photovoltaic module that can be wound around the mast, combined with a light energy production unit featuring a storage member, charge regulation, and a light-emitting member, allowing for autonomous solar-powered operation and easy installation on masts of any shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mounting mechanism is provided to adapt to any type of mast, then the adaptability to various mast shapes is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for cable passage mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light unit housing and the mounting mechanism into a single integrated structure. The housing itself is designed with an adjustable clamping mechanism that directly mounts to the mast, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets or cable passage mechanisms. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability to various mast shapes and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate different mast shapes (circular, rectangular, irregular) through an adjustable clamping mechanism. The same housing serves both as the protective enclosure for the light unit and as the mounting interface with the mast, providing multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If power cables must pass through before inserting the light unit, then the electrical connection is ensured, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated installation procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-extending power cables that are already attached to the housing before installation. The cables extend from the housing and can be routed to power sources without requiring complex cable management during installation. This preliminary preparation of cable routing significantly simplifies the installation process while ensuring reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing design includes integrated cable entry points and routing channels that guide the power cables automatically during installation. The structure serves itself by providing built-in pathways for cable management, eliminating the need for external cable management systems or complex installation procedures. The cables simply follow the predetermined paths within the housing structure.
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 a simple, adaptable, and energy-efficient beaconing system that can be easily installed on masts of various shapes, ensuring continuous operation and reduced maintenance impact, with the photovoltaic module capturing light regardless of orientation and providing visible contrast in dark or poorly lit areas.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical energy production unit comprising at least one photovoltaic module adapted to be wound around at least part of the circumference of the mast
Implementation Method 2
a storage member for the electrical energy produced by the unit of electric energy production
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a beacon device (14) for installation on a tower (12), the device comprising: an electric-energy generation unit (16) including: at least one photovoltaic module (20) suitable for being wrapped around at least one portion of the circumference of the tower, and a light-energy production unit (18) configured such as to be attached to the tower, the light-energy production unit including: a housing (36) having a periphery, a member for storing the electric energy generated by the electric-energy generation unit, a member for regulating the charge of the storage member, and a light-emitting member powered by the storage member, the light-emitting member extending over the periphery of the housing.