Cab Roof Integrated Lighting System for Machine Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current informational lighting systems for machines are prone to damage and increased maintenance costs due to their exposed and elevated position, which also results in unnecessary height increases and clearance issues during operation and shipping.
Innovation Solution
An integrated informational lighting system for machines, featuring beacon lights and a payload monitoring system built into the cab roof, with a controller managing flashing patterns to convey information, reducing exposure and height while enhancing visibility and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lighting system is mounted on the vehicle body, then the lighting system is protected from damage, but the lighting system cannot effectively signal information to outside observers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates lights into the roof surface, utilizing the vertical dimension of the roof to provide effective signaling without extending upward. This dimensional approach allows the lights to maintain visibility while being protected by the roof structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lights are nested within the roof structure itself, with the roof serving as both the mounting surface and protective enclosure. This nesting eliminates the need for separate protective housings while maintaining signaling effectiveness.
2Loss of information
If the lighting system extends upwardly away from the vehicle body, then the lighting system can signal information to outside observers, but the lighting system becomes susceptible to damage and increases vehicle height
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending upward from the vehicle body, the patent utilizes the roof surface dimension to position lights effectively. This approach provides signaling capability without increasing vehicle height or exposing lights to damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple discrete lights positioned at different locations on the roof to create a distributed signaling system. This arrangement provides effective information transmission while maintaining a low profile and protected positioning.
3Loss of information
If the lighting system extends upwardly away from the vehicle body, then the lighting system can signal information to outside observers, but the vehicle clearance during operation and shipping is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions lights within the roof plane rather than extending upward from the vehicle body. This dimensional repositioning maintains effective signaling capability while avoiding any increase in vehicle clearance requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An informational lighting system for a machine having a cab may include a plurality of beacon lights located at a roof of the cab, the beacon lights may be located at discrete locations. The informational lighting system may further include a controller configured to provide signals for flashing the beacon lights.