WO2018211156A2

WO2018211156A2 - Wireless beacon

Info

Publication number: WO2018211156A2
Application number: PCT/ES2018/000046
Authority: WO
Inventors: Santos Francisco Laserna Larburu
Original assignee: Santos Francisco Laserna Larburu
Priority date: 2017-04-03
Filing date: 2018-04-03
Publication date: 2018-11-22
Also published as: ES1189308Y; ES1189308U; WO2018211156A3

Abstract

The wireless beacon of the present invention has the following elements: a fastening base (3) generally embedded in the pavement, normally cup-shaped or pot-shaped, designed to accommodate and fasten the wireless lighting element (4); a wireless lighting element (4) with a shell, shell which is in turn attached to the fastening base (3) by mechanical means; an electronic device, hereinafter "wireless power supply" (5), in turn accommodated inside the fastening base (3) and connected by connection wires (2) to the isolating electric transformer (6) available in a conventional airport facility. In the upper part of the device is accommodated the induction coil (7) or primary coil required to wirelessly transfer current by electromagnetic induction. This wireless power supply (5) is mounted inside a shell designed to fit perfectly inside the fastening base (3), in such a way as to keep the wireless lighting element (4) always at a preset distance from the induction coil (7) arranged in the upper part of the shell, the shell being in addition completely impregnated with a solidified bicomponent resin, which is a polyester, polyurethane, epoxy or similar resin, in order to isolate the device completely from water or any other substance. The inventive component of the present invention derives not only from the possibility of wirelessly supplying power to the lighting element, but also from the utilization of the entire wiring infrastructure available in an airport facility. Thus, the power cable coming from the transformer is used to supply the wireless power supply (5) located inside the fastening base (3), rather than the lighting element. Said power supply then supplies the wireless lighting element (4) wirelessly, that is to say without requiring connection wires. Thus, if a snow removal vehicle were to separate the lighting element from the fastening base, no electrical cable would be affected.

Description

WIRELESS BEAM

DESCRIPTION

The object of the present invention is a beacon, such as those found on airport runways, which uses light elements powered wirelessly, whose main feature is that said light elements do not carry voltage connection wiring, since the current that feeds the aforementioned luminous elements is generated due to the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction produced by a Wireless power supply, this source that is inside a housing or clamping base conveniently embedded in the pavement.

Previous definitions

We define below, for a better understanding, the relevant terms that will be used frequently in this document:

Runway: Paved section of an airport, a road, or any terrain where there may be a transit of airplanes, pedestrians or vehicles, and therefore may require adequate signaling or lighting systems.

Luminous element: Lamp, bulb, spotlight, lamppost or any type of luminous device powered by electric current. There are light elements not powered by electric current, such as those reflective, phosphorescent or candles, but in the object of this invention the light element to be used will be powered by electric current. The luminous element includes its protection and insulation housing.

Wireless luminous element: Lamp, bulb, spotlight, lamppost or any type of luminous device powered wirelessly by the electric current induced in a secondary coil and therefore does not need a drop, power cables, or electrical connectors in its surface.

Bidirectional wireless luminous element: Lamp, bulb, spotlight, lamppost or any type of bidirectional luminous device powered wirelessly by the electric current induced in two independent secondary coils and that does not require a socket, power cables, or electrical connectors in its surface Field of application of the invention

The field of application of the present invention is within the technical sector of the electric lighting industry, and more specifically within the industry dedicated to the manufacture of airport beacon systems.

State of the art

The lighting and light signaling systems with power supply that we find in the different types of roads, such as those of airports, are designed to be connected to "power sockets with two live poles in tension".

The case of airports is special due to the "serial" configuration of the signaling beacon power system, in clear contrast to the "parallel ^* power" used in most lighting installations.

The series supply provides an identical current intensity for all beacons, so that the luminous intensity of the luminaires is consequently also constant. However, this configuration causes the power supply of these beacons to increase their voltage proportionally to the number of beacons installed, being able to reach values close to 5000 volts, which generates important electrical safety problems in the wiring used.

However, this need for wiring of the beacons generates not only important inconveniences related to both the safety against electrical accident, but also related to the complexity of a wiring installation to the multiple luminous elements that can be incorporated on the tracks.

On the other hand, by accident, an airplane or any other vehicle that travels the runway may crash and start from its position a beacon located on the pavement, leaving open the possibility that the power cables cause an additional electrical accident, such as a electrocution or spark that in turn can cause a fire or explosion in case of fuel spillage.

In the case of airports, to ensure the safety of electrical wiring, complex and costly infrastructure of pipes, boxes and registers under the runways is used, which guarantee the protection of the wiring throughout its layout. In most cases, airport runway beacons are composed of four distinct elements:

1. A base of subjection to the pavement, normally made of steel or aluminum, shaped like a glass or saucepan, and designed to house and hold the luminous element.

2. A luminous element inside a housing, housing which in turn is fixed to the support base by mechanical means.

3. An electrical isolation transformer, to isolate the main general power line, from the particular power supply of each beacon.

4. Connection wiring from the location of the isolation transformer to the light element

The problem usually arises in the cable connection between the transformer and the light element, as heavy traffic, or the passage of snow plows, ends up breaking or separating the luminaire from its clamping base, with the corresponding cable break implicit in said incident and the risk that entails.

The current technological reality presents the paradoxical situation of absence of lighting and / or signaling systems that use wireless power supplies. The paradox is that wireless power technology has been known for more than a century. But what is evident is that almost no road, whether it be a road, highway, road, street, park or parking, uses wireless power technology. And while wireless battery charging technology is beginning to be used in flashlights and smartphones, direct feeding to road or airport beacons is virtually non-existent

The author of the present invention itself has registered the utility model ES-1123205_U. referring to a "wireless bulb" powered remotely by an inductive outlet.

The inventive component of the present invention is given not only by the possibility of wirelessly feeding the light element, but also maintaining and leveraging all the existing wiring infrastructure in an airport facility. Thus, the power cable from the transformer will be used to feed not only the light element, but the wireless power supply located inside the clamping base. This source will be responsible for wirelessly feeding the wireless light element, that is, without the need for connection wiring. In this way, yes For example, a snowplow machine separates the light element from its fixing base, it will not affect any electrical cable.

It is important to highlight the ease of replacement of a damaged wireless beacon. Simply replace the damaged one with the new one, without any action that involves electrical risk.

In such a favorable scenario, the need for intellectual protection of the solution proposed in this invention is understood as, by using the conventional wiring infrastructure, it allows the coexistence of conventional beacons together with the wireless beacons described in this document.

It seems obvious to any expert in the field, that as soon as the system described here is industrially applied in a real scenario, the rest of the manufacturers and installers worldwide will try, given its advantages, to take advantage of the ingenious solution proposed in this document. .

Description of the invention

The beacon described in the present invention enables the placement of a luminous element on the track without using cables on the surface, thanks to the fact that the proposed power system for such a luminous element is wireless, with the wireless power supply being integrated or placed inside the support or support base.

In this way, if due to the intense traffic or the passage of the snowplow trucks, the luminaire is detached from its fixing base, there will be no electrical risk, since there is no wiring connecting to the luminaire.

In the case of airport beacons, the values of the intensity and supply voltage of the luminaires are very high. Therefore, the replacement of a damaged conventional beacon implies the use of strict action protocols that guarantee safety in the event of an electrical incident for maintenance workers.

The use of the beacon of the present invention is particularly relevant in this airport scenario, since the connection cables with the luminaire are eliminated. In this way it is possible to replace a damaged luminaire without any risk for the maintenance operator, and without even cutting off the power to the track marking system. It is known, for making a little technical reflection, that in addition to the voltage power supplies, there are wireless power supplies, of an inductive nature. A wireless power supply is normally formed by an "inductor coil" through which it circulates a variable current.Therefore, in the surroundings of said winding, an equally variable magnetic field is generated. By bringing a "secondary coil ^* to the source inductor coil, thanks to the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction, a comment is generated (called induced current) variable and analogous to the current through the inductor winding of the wireless power supply.

The wireless beacon of the present invention consists of the following elements:

1. A clamping base (3), which will generally be embedded in the pavement, and which normally takes the form of a glass or saucepan, designed to house and hold the wireless light element (4).

2. A wireless luminous element (4) with its housing, this housing which in turn is fixed to the clamping base (3) by mechanical means.

3. An electronic device, hereinafter referred to as "wireless power supply" (5), in turn housed inside the clamping base (3), which will be connected by means of the connection wiring (2) to the electrical transformer (6) existing insulation in a conventional airport facility. In the upper part of this device will be housed the inductor coil (7) or primary, necessary for wireless current transfer by electromagnetic induction.

This wireless power supply (5) will be inside a housing destined to fit perfectly inside the clamping base (3), so that the wireless light element (4) is always at a predetermined distance from the inductor coil ( 7) present in its upper part, and it will also be completely embedded in a solidified two-component resin, this resin being polyester, polyurethane, epoxy, or the like, in order to guarantee its total isolation from water or any other substance.

For the proper functioning of the beacon have relevant importance:

4. An electrical transformer (6) for isolation, to isolate the main power supply line, from the particular power supply of each beacon.

5. Connection wiring (2) from the location of the electrical transformer to the wireless power supply (5). It is important to note that the wireless power supply (5) in turn is nourished by the same voltage that feeds the light element in a conventional beacon. In this way, it is feasible to replace conventional beacons with wireless beacons while maintaining the original power wiring infrastructure.

Some advantages and features of the wireless beacon of the present invention are cited below:

1. The luminous element does not have power cables

2. The luminous element can be completely waterproof.

3. The luminous element can be fixed easily and without risk to its fastening base.

4. The luminous element can be easily and safely removed from its support base.

5. Luminous elements can easily be replaced, without the need to cut off the power supply.

6. The wireless power supply in turn is nourished by the same voltage as the conventional light element. In this way, it is feasible to replace conventional beacons with wireless beacons while maintaining the original power wiring infrastructure.

The wireless power supply (5) integrated in the fixing base, and providing current to the light element, will generate in the inductor coil (7) frequencies below 125 KHz, but with a configurable working range between 20KHz and 12SKHz.

After this description, it is important to mention that throughout the description and the claims the word "comprises" and its variants are not intended to exclude other technical characteristics, additives, components or steps. For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be derived partly from the description and partly from the practice of the invention. The following examples and drawings are provided by way of illustration, and are not intended to restrict the present invention. In addition, the present invention covers all possible combinations of particular and preferred embodiments indicated herein.

Brief description of the figures

A series of drawings that help to better understand the invention and that expressly relate to some embodiments are described below very briefly. preferred of said invention, being presented as non-limiting examples thereof.

As an example of non-limiting execution of the system of the invention, an airport taxiway beacon has been used.

Figure 1 depicts in a three-dimensional manner a conventional airport taxiway beacon in which the light element (1) is observed, monodirectional and ready to be fixed to the "holding base" (3). From the isolation transformer (6), a power cable (2) is observed, which is connected to the conventional light element (1). This cable usually provides alternating currents, in margins of magnitude normally between 2.2 A and 6, 6 A.

Figure 2 represents in a three-dimensional way the beacon of the invention in which the monodirectional wireless light element (4) is observed. This figure shows that the power cable (2) that comes from the isolation transformer (6) does not feed the wireless light element (4), but the "wireless power source" (5).

Figure 3 is a variant of Figure 2 in which a cross-section has been made to the clamping base (3) thanks to which it is observed placed in position to the wireless power supply (5) within the base of clamping (3). This will be the normal installation setup. It is noted that the base is thus ready for the wireless light element (4) to be placed in the clamping base (3) at an exact and constant distance from the wireless power supply (S).

Figure 3B is a variant of Figure 3, seen in elevation, which makes it possible to visualize the situation of the wireless power supply (5) inside the clamping base.

Figure 4 is a variant of Figure 3 in which the wireless light element (4) placed on its clamping base (3) is observed, and ready to be powered without connection cables by the wireless power supply (5) , representing the beacon of the invention as a whole, and in its normal operating arrangement.

Figure 5 is a variant of Figure 3 in which the existing inductor coil (7) or primary coil has been drawn on the wireless power supply (5). In the previous figures it has been omitted since this coil will be embedded within the assembly. Recall that this wireless power supply will be immersed in a two-component resin or similar, in order to ensure its total isolation from water or any other substance. Following the non-limiting example of the invention described in these figures, we will say that the wireless power supply (5) is powered by the same 2.2 to 6.6 amps provided for the light element (1) of Figure 1, and after retrofitting in an internal electronic circuit, it generates through the inductor coil (7) a variable electromagnetic field with a frequency of 57 KHz.

In this way it is feasible to replace the conventional beacon of Figure 1, with the wireless beacon of Figure 5, maintaining the original power wiring infrastructure.

Figure 6 is a variant of Figure 5 in which two inductor coils (7) are observed in the upper part of the wireless power supply (5), so that lighting circuits can be fed independently. Airport beacons can be monodirectional or bidirectional, since there is the possibility of lighting in one direction, or the opposite, depending on the landing or takeoff direction of the planes on the runway. There is also the possibility of illuminating dimly in one direction and intensely in the opposite direction. For this, the luminous elements will be bidirectional, that is, they can emit light in both directions, as described in this figure.

In order to independently feed the front light and the rear light, two inductor coils (7) are used, independently controlled and embedded in the same wireless power source (5).

Obviously, the interior of the wireless light element (4) will be designed so that two secondary, independent coils are housed inside each lighting circuit, thus forming a bidirectional wireless light element.

Figure 7 is a variant of Figure 5 in which three inductor coils (7) are observed. This case can occur for beacons that seek to illuminate in different colors. With three independent inductor coils (7), the RGB (Red Green Blue) control of the wireless light element (4) can be managed.

Obviously, the interior of the wireless luminous element (4) will be designed such that three secondary coils are housed inside, independent for each lighting color, thus forming a wireless or multicolored RGB (4) luminous element.

Claims

1. Wireless beacon, of the type used in airport runways, characterized in that it comprises a mono- or bi-directional wireless light element (4), a fixing base (3), and a wireless power supply (5 ) designed to fit inside the fixing base (3), the wireless power supply (5) being in turn powered by a power cable (2) that comes from an isolation transformer (6).

2. Wireless beacon according to claim 1, wherein the wireless power supply (5) incorporates an inductor coil (7) in its upper part.

3. Wireless beacon according to claim 1, wherein the wireless power supply (5) incorporates two inductor coils (7) in its upper part.

4. Wireless beacon according to claim 1, wherein the wireless power supply (5) incorporates three inductor coils (7) in its upper part.

5. Wireless beacon according to the preceding claims, wherein the wireless power supply (5) is embedded in a solidified two-component resin.

6. Wireless beacon according to the preceding claims, wherein the power cable (2) provides the wireless power source with an intensity between 2.2 and 6.6 Amps.

7. Beacon with wireless power according to the preceding claims, wherein the wireless power source (5) generates through the inductor coil (7) a variable electromagnetic field with frequency equal to or less than 125KHz.