Wireless Adapter for Street Light Network Control Upgrade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Upgrading street light luminaires to support advanced network control capabilities, such as 5-pin or 7-pin interfaces, often requires replacing the entire luminaire, which is costly and impractical, especially for decorative or historical fixtures, due to the need for new driver electronics and wiring.
Innovation Solution
A wireless adapter system that replaces the standard 3-pin receptacle with a 5-pin or 7-pin interface, using a wireless interface circuit to communicate control and status data between the luminaire and control nodes, allowing for the integration of advanced control capabilities without replacing the existing luminaire electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire luminaire is replaced to support advanced network control capabilities, then network control capability is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: the existing luminaire (with its driver electronics and 3-pin receptacle) and the new wireless control node. The wireless control node contains the advanced network control capabilities and communicates wirelessly with the luminaire, eliminating the need to replace the entire luminaire while still achieving advanced control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless control node serves multiple functions: it provides advanced network control capabilities, maintains compatibility with existing 3-pin receptacles, and enables communication with smart appliances and remote management systems. This multi-functional device resolves the contradiction by adding versatility without requiring complete system replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire luminaire is replaced to support advanced network control capabilities, then network control capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control functionality into a separate wireless control node, the system allows upgrading only the control component rather than replacing the entire luminaire. This significantly reduces cost while maintaining the ability to implement advanced network control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless control node acts as an intermediary between the existing luminaire and the advanced network control system. It bridges the gap between legacy 3-pin receptacles and modern networked control requirements, enabling cost-effective upgrading without direct replacement of expensive luminaire components.
3Ease of manufacture
If wireless communication is implemented, then ease of installation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex physical wiring connections with wireless communication. Instead of installing additional control wiring between the control node and luminaire, the system uses wireless signals to transmit control commands and status data, significantly simplifying installation while managing complexity through standardized wireless protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods which leverage the wireless communication capability present in wireless-enabled luminaires where the lamps include a short-range wireless transceiver and can be controlled by a smart appliance. The wireless capability of a luminaire may be paired with a compatible wireless interface system (e.g., adapter system) that allows for control of the luminaire via plug-in or hard-wired photocontrols and wireless network lamp control nodes. An adapter system may be provided that replaces a standard wired receptacle of a luminaire. The adapter system may include a wired interface to the luminaire which provides power to the wireless adapter system. The wireless adapter system may include a receptacle interface that receives a plug of a control node, such as photocontrol or a networked control node. The wireless adapter system may also include a wireless interface circuit that communicates control, status or other data between the connected control device and the luminaire.