Wireless Driver Module for Modular Outdoor Light Fixture Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor light fixtures, such as street lights, have limited flexibility for upgrading or replacing components like communications modules and sensors after installation, leading to increased costs and reduced functionality over time, especially with advancements in technology.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a driver module with wireless power and communication capabilities, allowing for the easy addition or replacement of light source, communications, and sensor modules, enabling flexible upgrades and extensions without requiring immediate installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication facilities are integrated into light fixtures to enable remote control, then flexibility for changing control features is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the light fixture into separate functional modules: a driver module with power supply and a replaceable communication module. This segmentation allows the communication functionality to be added or upgraded independently without replacing the entire fixture, reducing overall system cost while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver module is designed with universal power output capabilities that can support multiple types of communication modules (RFID, cellular, wireless communication modules). This multi-functionality allows a single driver module to work with various communication technologies, providing flexibility without requiring separate systems for each communication type.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If LED light sources are used with increased longevity, then operational lifespan is improved, but the ability to upgrade components over time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture is segmented into a permanent driver module and replaceable functional modules (communication modules, sensor modules). This allows the LED light source to remain in place for its full lifespan while individual functional modules can be upgraded independently when technology advances, resolving the contradiction between longevity and upgradability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic replaceability of communication and sensor modules while the LED light source remains static. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to technological changes in communication and sensing without replacing the long-lived LED components, maintaining both lifespan and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If modular system with wireless power transfer is implemented, then ease of module replacement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical electrical connections with wireless power transfer using electromagnetic induction. The driver module wirelessly transmits power to communication and sensor modules, eliminating the need for physical electrical contacts. This substitution simplifies module replacement operations while the wireless power technology manages the complexity internally.
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 modular system enables cost-effective and flexible upgrades of outdoor light fixtures, allowing for the integration of new technologies and components over time, reducing operational costs and enhancing control features, while maintaining the longevity of LED light sources.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transmitter circuit arranged for transferring power wirelessly to the further module
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a driver module for use in a light fixture, especially an outdoor light fixture. The driver module is arranged for wirelessly powering a further module and for transmitting data from and/or to this further module. The further module can be a sensor module or a communications module. This allows for easy replacement of modules in light fixtures, late stage configuration of light fixtures and for upgradeability of light fixtures.