Patent Application
20250185137
The present invention generally relates to a lighting device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a road lighting device to ensure optimal illumination and safety.
Roadway lighting devices are essential for ensuring optimal illumination and safety on public roads; however, designing effective systems presents several challenges.
Traditional public lighting technologies rely heavily on elevated streetlight poles to provide illumination. While these systems are widely used, they face critical issues that limit their effectiveness and efficiency.
One major challenge is balancing cost efficiency with the need for reliable and safe illumination. Elevated streetlights are regulated to avoid dazzling drivers, which often results in limited light intensity and suboptimal road illumination. Additionally, obstructions such as trees, signage, or other roadside structures can block light, creating dark spots and uneven illumination. Poor lighting uniformity not only reduces visibility but also increases the risk of accidents, especially in areas with high traffic or complex road layouts.
Another significant issue is the safety hazard posed by the streetlight poles themselves. Vehicle collisions with streetlight poles are a common occurrence, leading to potential injuries, property damage, and costly repairs. Furthermore, the financial burden associated with these systems is substantial, encompassing the purchase, installation, maintenance, and eventual removal of the poles. These cost implications make traditional roadway lighting systems less feasible for certain regions or applications.
In addition to these challenges, roadway lighting systems must comply with strict industry standards and regulations, which govern parameters such as brightness, glare control, and uniformity. Meeting these requirements while maintaining cost-effectiveness is a persistent challenge for designers and manufacturers. Environmental concerns further complicate the design process, as there is increasing demand for solutions that minimize light pollution and reduce energy consumption, contributing to more sustainable infrastructure.
Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop improved roadway lighting devices that address these issues. Such devices must overcome the limitations of traditional elevated lighting systems by providing enhanced illumination, minimizing glare, improving uniformity, and eliminating dark spots caused by obstructions. They must also mitigate safety risks associated with light poles, reduce costs, and comply with regulatory standards, all while minimizing environmental impact. Solving these challenges will lead to safer, more efficient, and sustainable roadway lighting solutions. The present invention is intended to solve the problems associated with conventional devices and methods and provide improvements on these devices.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.
The present invention relates to a lighting device for roadway illumination, designed to enhance visibility and safety while addressing operational reliability, maintenance efficiency, and compliance with industry standards.
The device of the present invention comprises a projector LED lighting assembly housed within a housing, the housing including a slot configured to direct light emitted by the projector LED lighting assembly for low-profile or ground-level illumination of roadways.
In one embodiment, the lighting device is equipped with a failure detection system operatively connected to the projector LED lighting assembly. The failure detection system is configured to monitor the operational status of the lighting assembly and detect malfunctions.
In one embodiment, an artificial intelligence (AI) module is integrated with the failure detection system and is configured to analyze real-time operating data in comparison with stored historical data to identify operational issues. The AI module is further configured to autonomously execute software-based repairs for software-related malfunctions and to generate notifications alerting users when physical components require replacement.
The device further includes electrical wiring and cables to provide power and communication connectivity between the projector LED lighting assembly, the failure detection system, and the AI module. A controller can be electrically connected to the projector LED lighting assembly and configured to regulate the power supply and manage the operation of the lighting assembly. Additionally, in one embodiment, a maintenance and monitoring system is operatively connected to the failure detection system and the AI module, enabling real-time performance tracking and operational status reporting.
The disclosed lighting device is specifically designed to provide efficient, uniform, and glare-free illumination while minimizing maintenance requirements and operational downtime. By integrating advanced failure detection and AI-driven diagnostics, the invention addresses critical challenges in roadway lighting systems, ensuring enhanced safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is it to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing herefrom, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim limitation found herein and/or issuing herefrom that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein-as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term-differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.
Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”
The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims found herein and/or issuing herefrom. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subject matter disclosed under the header. The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in the context of systems, apparatuses, and devices for roadway illumination using low-profile lighting devices, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context. For example, the disclosed lighting device and system may be adapted for use in other applications, such as pedestrian pathways, parking lots, or industrial facilities, where low-profile or ground-level lighting is advantageous.
As shown in
The present invention is modular and adaptable, allowing for variations in design, materials, and configurations to meet diverse roadway lighting requirements.
Additionally, the lighting device 100 may incorporate innovative features such as a novel lighting angle, protective housing 10, and advanced control mechanisms, making it a superior alternative to traditional elevated streetlight systems.
The lighting assembly 30 of the present invention can be a projector LED lighting assembly that serves as the primary source of illumination. It utilizes high-efficiency LED lights, which are known for their long operational life, low energy consumption, and superior brightness. The assembly 30 is designed to emit focused and directional light, ensuring optimal illumination of road surfaces while minimizing light pollution. The light source is capable of projecting a high-intensity beam at an adjustable angle between 1° and 20°, ensuring precise and uniform illumination of road surfaces.
In preferred embodiment, the lighting assembly 30 is mounted at a height of 10-30 cm above ground level, providing a low-profile design that enhances visibility without dazzling drivers.
In one embodiment, the LED lighting assembly 30 is electrically connected to the transformer or controller 60, which regulates the power supply and manages the intensity and timing of the light. The failure detection system 50 (described below) may be configured to monitor the operational status of the LED assembly 30, while sensors and timers 12 provide input to adjust the lighting based on environmental conditions.
In one embodiment, the LED assembly 30 is mounted on a base structure (housing 10), which allows for precise positioning and adjustment of the light beam angle.
The housing of the LED assembly 30 or the housing 10 of the device, that includes the LED assembly 30, can be constructed from materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, or high-strength polymers, providing durability and resistance to environmental factors like moisture, dust, and impact.
The shape of the housing 10 of the present invention may vary, including circular, rectangular, elliptical, or dome-like designs, depending on the specific lighting requirements. A dome-like shape, as illustrated in
In preferred embodiment, the housing 10, as shown in
The type of LED lights used can also vary, such as warm white, cool white, or RGB LEDs, to suit different applications. The angle of the light beam can be adjusted using an angular slot 20 integrated into the dome-shaped housing 10.
In preferred embodiment, the dome-shaped housing 10 includes at least one slot 20, the slot 20 being tilted at an angle relative to a horizontal reference plane of the housing 10. This slot 20 is specifically configured to direct light emitted by the projector LED lighting assembly 30 at an angular direction, allowing the emitted light to form an angle approximately 1 to 20 degrees downward relative to the horizontal plane. This design ensures precise control over the direction of the light beam, enabling both narrow and wide beam configurations depending on the application.
In one embodiment, the slot 20 is positioned on the upper portion of the dome-like housing 10, approximately halfway between the apex of the dome 10 and its base. The slot 20 can be oriented at a downward angle relative to the tangent of the dome's curved surface at its location.
The slot 20 can be proportionally small compared to the overall size of the dome housing 10, ensuring minimal disruption to the structural integrity of the housing 10 while maintaining its functionality.
In some embodiments, the slot's placement can be strategically located within the upper hemisphere of the dome 10.
Thus, in one embodiment, as shown in
As an optional feature, the housing 10 can accommodate multiple lights 30. The present invention may include any number of lights 30 and is designed with advanced insulating materials, such as high-performance polymers and resistant alloys, ensuring an operating range of −40° F. to 140° F. (−40° C. to 60° C.). This design guarantees optimal functionality in extreme climates and extends the device's lifespan.
When two lights are installed, they can be positioned such that each light is directed in an angular direction, with one light angled to the left and the other angled to the right. This configuration provides enhanced coverage and flexibility, making the lighting assembly 30 suitable for applications requiring illumination over a broader area or in multiple directions simultaneously.
The failure detection system 50 of the present invention can be integrated into the lighting device 100 to ensure reliability and uninterrupted operation. It continuously monitors the status of the LED assembly 30 and detects malfunctions, such as a burned-out bulb or electrical fault. Upon detecting a failure, the system 50 generates an alert, which can be transmitted to maintenance personnel via a wired or wireless communication interface 80 or a user device 81 that can be a mobile phone or a computing device.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the failure detection system 50 can be directly connected to the LED assembly 30 and the controller 60. It works in conjunction with the maintenance and monitoring system 70 to provide real-time diagnostics and alerts. This integration ensures that any issues with the lighting device are promptly identified and addressed, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.
The failure detection system 50 may include different types of sensors 12, such as current sensors, voltage sensors, or thermal sensors, to monitor various aspects of the LED assembly's performance. The system's housing 10 can be made from weatherproof materials like polycarbonate or stainless steel to protect it from environmental damage. The communication interface 80 may include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular connectivity, depending on the application. The communication interface 80 may include or communicatively connected to a user interface, including a mobile application or a web-based dashboard.
The electrical wiring and cables 12 provide power and communication connectivity between the components of the lighting device 100. These cables are insulated with materials such as PVC, rubber, or cross-linked polyethylene to ensure durability and protection against environmental factors.
The cables 12 connect the LED assembly 30, transformer/controller 60, sensors 12, and failure detection system 50, ensuring seamless power and data transmission. They are routed through protective conduits or channels within the base structure (housing 10) of the device to prevent damage from external factors. The cables 12 may also link the lighting device 100 to the main power source, enabling consistent operation. The cables 12 may vary in size, insulation material, and shielding, depending on the power requirements and environmental conditions. For example, in some embodiments, armored cables may be used in high-traffic areas to provide additional protection. The routing of the cables 12 can also vary, with options for underground installation or integration within poles or handles to suit specific applications.
The transformers or controllers 60 regulate the power supply 75 and manage the operation of the lighting device 100. In one embodiment, transformers/controllers 60 step down the voltage from the main power source to a level suitable (110V) for the LED assembly 30, while controllers 60 manage the intensity, timing, and adaptive functionality of the lights 30.
In one embodiment, the transformer 60 can be connected to the main power source (power supply 75) and the LED assembly 30, ensuring a stable and consistent power supply. The controller 60 is linked to the sensors and timers 12, and failure detection system 50, enabling centralized control of the lighting device 100. The controller 60 may process input from the sensors 12 and adjusts the lighting parameters accordingly, such as dimming the lights during low-traffic periods or increasing brightness in response to motion detection.
In some embodiments, the transformer and controller 60 can be housed in a single weatherproof enclosure or installed as separate units. The enclosure may be made from materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, or reinforced plastic to provide protection against environmental factors. The controller 60 may include programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or microcontroller-based systems, depending on the complexity of the application. Variations in functionality may include manual, semi-automated, or fully automated control systems.
The sensors and timers 12 enable intelligent lighting management by detecting environmental conditions and controlling the operation of the lights 30. Sensors 12, such as photocells or motion detectors, detect ambient light levels or movement, while timers are programmed to activate or deactivate the lights at specific times.
In one embodiment, the sensors 12 can be connected to the controller 60, providing input signals that influence the operation of the LED assembly 30. For example, a photocell may signal the controller to turn on the lights at dusk and turn them off at dawn. Motion detectors (sensors 12) can trigger the lights to increase brightness when movement is detected. Timers work in conjunction with the sensors 12 to ensure the lights 30 operate only when needed, reducing energy consumption.
The sensors 12 may vary in type and sensitivity, depending on the application. For example, infrared motion detectors may be used in areas with high pedestrian traffic, while ultrasonic sensors may be preferred for detecting vehicles. The sensor may have housings that can be made from materials such as polycarbonate or stainless steel to provide durability and weather resistance. The timers 12 may include mechanical, digital, or programmable options, allowing for flexibility in scheduling.
The maintenance and monitoring system 70 provides remote access to real-time data on the performance and status of the lighting device 100. This system 70 may include communication modules, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular interfaces, that transmit data to a central monitoring station.
In preferred embodiment, the maintenance and monitoring system 70 is connected to the failure detection system 50, sensors 12, and controller 60, enabling comprehensive monitoring of the lighting device 100. It collects data on energy usage, operational status, and potential issues, allowing for proactive maintenance and optimization of the lighting infrastructure.
The communication modules may vary in type and range, depending on the application. For example, long-range cellular modules may be used for remote installations, while short-range Wi-Fi modules may be suitable for urban environments.
The present invention offers several key advantages that address critical challenges in roadway lighting systems. One of the primary benefits is enhanced safety. The low-profile design ensures that the light source remains shielded from direct view, effectively eliminating glare for drivers. This feature significantly improves visibility without causing discomfort or distraction, making roadways safer for both drivers and pedestrians. Additionally, the ground-level placement of the lighting device 100 reduces the risk of vehicle collisions with elevated light poles, which are a common hazard in traditional lighting systems. Another advantage of the present invention is its cost efficiency. The modular and scalable design minimizes expenses associated with installation, maintenance, and repairs. By eliminating the need for elevated poles and simplifying the overall structure, the lighting device 100 of the present invention reduces material and labor costs. This makes it a highly economical solution for roadway lighting, particularly in areas where budget constraints are a concern.
The present invention also provides exceptional durability and reliability. The hermetically sealed housing 10 protects the internal components from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and impact, ensuring long-term performance. This robust design reduces the need for frequent maintenance, making the system highly efficient and dependable for extended use. These combined advantages make the invention a superior alternative to traditional roadway lighting systems.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63606518 | Dec 2023 | US |
