Industrial Vehicle Cab Step Lighting System Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional step lighting systems for industrial vehicle cabs are inefficient, bulky, and costly, and do not effectively illuminate the area around the step, posing safety risks for drivers, especially in dark conditions.

Innovation Solution

A lighting system integrated into or mounted on a rigid body component of the cab, such as a side panel, which directs a light beam rearwards and downwards along the step and ground area, providing efficient illumination without dazzling the driver and minimizing the risk of damage or aerodynamic impairment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a conventional lighting system is installed for illuminating the step, then the step can be illuminated in dark conditions, but the lighting system is bulky, prominent, and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestep illuminationVSAvoidlighting system size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is merged with an existing body component (side panel, air deflector, or headlamp assembly) of the cab. The lighting system is fastened on or housed within this component, eliminating the need for a separate bulky lighting structure. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining illumination function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The body component serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the cab, aerodynamic flow management, and now also houses or supports the lighting system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated lighting structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a lighting system is mounted on a mobile component such as the door, then the lighting system moves with the door, but the lighting direction varies with door position and the system is more prominent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting system mobilityVSAvoidlighting direction control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is separated from mobile components (door, mirrors) and fixed on stationary body components. This segmentation ensures that the lighting system remains stable and maintains consistent illumination direction regardless of door position, solving the problem of variable lighting direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of mounting the lighting system on mobile components (traditional approach), the invention inverts the approach by mounting it on stationary body components. This inversion provides stable, controlled illumination direction while reducing prominence and damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Illumination intensity

If the lighting system is located to illuminate the step, then the step is well-lit, but the driver may be dazzled by the light

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestep illuminationVSAvoiddriver dazzle

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system provides localized illumination specifically targeted at the step and ground area, with controlled beam direction. The light is directed rearwards and downwards along the step, illuminating only the necessary area while avoiding the driver's field of view. This local quality approach ensures adequate step illumination without causing driver dazzle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

The solution enhances safety by providing a high-efficiency lighting system that is compact, cost-effective, and securely integrated into the cab structure, ensuring proper illumination of the step and ground area, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

Implementation Method 1

The lighting system is arranged to provide a light beam towards at least part of the step and towards an area of the ground at the bottom of the step

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3630543B1An industrial vehicle cab comprising a step lighting system, and associated industrial vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.11.16 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

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Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an industrial vehicle cab (5) defining a driver compartment and having a front wall and two side walls, said walls including rigid body components (20, 20a). The cab (5) comprises a side door (15) for entering the driver compartment, a step (11) arranged on a side wall for allowing the driver to climb up to / get down from the driver compartment, and a lighting system (30) for illuminating the step (11). The lighting system (30) is fastened on at least one body component (20). The lighting system (30) is located forward of the step (11) and along at least a portion of the step (11) in the vertical direction, and it is arranged to provide a light beam (31 ) towards at least part (41) of the step (11) and towards an area (42) of the ground at the bottom of the step (11).