Auxiliary Battery Safety Light for Mining Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current strobe light designs on mobile mining equipment continuously drain the main battery when not in use, leading to frequent battery replacements, machine downtime, and safety risks due to unnecessary battery boosting or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A safety light device with a motion sensor and controller that activates a strobe light only when movement is detected, using an auxiliary battery to prevent main battery discharge, and optionally includes a transceiver for wireless communication to activate the light based on proximity or equipment status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the strobe light operates continuously on the main battery, then the safety light remains on to alert workers, but the main battery discharges completely causing machine downtime and requiring battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into two separate batteries: a main battery for machine operation and a secondary battery specifically for the strobe light. This segmentation allows the strobe light to operate independently without draining the main battery, resolving the contradiction between maintaining safety light reliability and preventing machine downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secondary battery as an intermediary component between the main battery and the strobe light. This intermediary battery absorbs the energy consumption of the strobe light, protecting the main battery from discharge and eliminating the need for battery replacement that causes machine downtime.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the strobe light operates continuously, then workers can see parked vehicles in dark areas, but the battery requires frequent replacement at high cost and labor
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power supply system into a main battery and a dedicated secondary battery for the strobe light, the patent enables continuous operation for safety visibility while isolating the cost of battery replacement to the cheaper secondary battery, significantly reducing overall maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a secondary battery that can be replaced more economically than the main battery. This cheaper battery serves as a disposable or frequently replaceable component that protects the expensive main battery from wear, reducing the overall cost of ownership.
3Reliability
If the strobe light remains on during repairs or parking, then safety is maintained, but the battery drains completely leaving the equipment inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical power system into two independent circuits: one powered by the main battery for machine operation and another powered by a secondary battery for the strobe light. This allows the safety function to remain active while preserving the main battery's power for machine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary battery acts as an intermediary power source that specifically supports the strobe light during parking and repair periods. This intermediary protects the main battery from being drained during periods when the machine is not in use but safety lighting is still required.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the strobe light operates 24 hours a day, then continuous safety monitoring is provided, but the battery requires replacement every few days causing production loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power consumption responsibility by assigning the continuous operation requirement to a dedicated secondary battery, allowing the strobe light to operate 24 hours a day without impacting the productivity of the main machine through battery replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary battery serves as an intermediary that absorbs the continuous operation demand, enabling the strobe light to provide round-the-clock safety monitoring while the main battery and machine remain unaffected by frequent replacements.
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
Reduces machine downtime and safety risks by conserving battery life, decreasing the need for frequent battery replacements and maintenance, while maintaining operational readiness and safety through intelligent activation of the strobe light.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor which generates an activation signal response to movement of objects in proximity to the motion sensor
Implementation Method 2
a safety strobe light for being supported on the mobile mining equipment device which generates a periodic light output when activated
Implementation Method 3
The device preferably has its own lithium battery so it would charge when running and never drain the main battery of the mobile mining equipment device
Data Source
AI summary
A safety light device is supported on a mobile mining equipment device using an auxiliary battery which is independent of the main battery of the vehicle. The device includes a primary strobe light and a controller which activates the strobe light for the prescribed activation period determined by a timer upon receipt of an activation signal from a motion sensor of the device. A transceiver may optionally be provided to generate the activation signal when detecting wi-fi signals emitted from other work vehicles. The device may include other lights of different color from the primary strobe light for illumination instead of the primary strobe light if certain conditions are met to communicate additional information to persons in proximity to the work vehicle.