Wireless Sensor Coupling for Outdoor Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of non-lighting related devices into outdoor lighting systems, such as cameras for traffic and weather monitoring, compromises the structural integrity and creates challenges with power and data connections, necessitating a more adaptable solution for wireless connections.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system that wirelessly connects to outdoor lighting systems using inductive coupling or direct coupling, allowing sensors to receive both data and power without direct electrical contact, utilizing a wireless power source and data source, and includes features like magnetic connectors, microcontrollers, and energy harvesting for autonomous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If non-lighting related devices (e.g., cameras) are mounted to poles and mast arms to collect traffic and weather information, then monitoring capabilities are improved, but the structural integrity of the outdoor lighting system is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilitiesVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/wired connections with wireless communication technology. Sensors connect to the outdoor lighting system via wireless data transmission, eliminating the need for physical mounting modifications to poles and mast arms. This substitution maintains structural integrity while enabling monitoring capabilities through wireless sensor networks that communicate with the lighting control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If electrical wiring is created to connect power and data between devices and the pole/lighting device, then power and data transmission are enabled, but the structural integrity and installation complexity are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower and data connectionVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates electrical wiring for power and data transmission by implementing wireless power transfer and wireless communication. Power is transmitted inductively through electromagnetic fields between transmitting and receiving coils, while data is transmitted via wireless protocols. This approach simplifies installation by removing the need for complex electrical wiring work while maintaining reliable power and data connectivity between sensors and the lighting system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless communication protocols and inductive power transfer as intermediary mechanisms between power sources and sensors. These intermediaries enable energy and data transmission through the environment (air space) without direct physical contact, replacing traditional electrical conductors and simplifying the connection infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If sensors are physically connected with electrical wiring to the lighting fixture, then power and data transmission are reliable, but the adaptability and ease of installation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower and data transmission reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical electrical connections with wireless transmission systems. Inductive power transfer through electromagnetic coupling provides reliable power delivery without physical contact, while wireless communication protocols ensure dependable data transmission. This approach maintains transmission reliability through established wireless standards while dramatically improving installation flexibility, allowing sensors to be positioned anywhere within wireless range without drilling, wiring, or structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 secure, adaptable, and efficient wireless data and power transmission to sensors, enhancing monitoring capabilities and maintaining the structural integrity of outdoor lighting systems while allowing for additional functionalities like environmental and traffic monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor system includes at least one sensor mounted to a respective inductive coupled latch disposed on the lighting fixture, and configured to wirelessly receive data and power from the outdoor lighting system, by wireless power transfer operation of the respective inductive coupled latch.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10104746B2Wireless connection of sensors to outdoor lighting system

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 UBICQUIA IQ LLC

AI summary

Provided is a sensor system for an outdoor lighting system including at least one sensor physically connected with an external connector of a lighting fixture of the outdoor lighting system. The sensor performs sensing and wireless data and power connection, via a wireless power source and a wireless data source, with the outdoor lighting system.