Camera Assembly Lighting for Industrial Vehicle Step Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems for industrial vehicle cabs are inefficient, costly, and lack compactness, posing safety risks for drivers, especially when accessing steps in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly with a built-in lighting system is mounted on the cab, providing a directed light beam to illuminate the step and surrounding area, utilizing existing mechanical and electrical components to reduce costs and enhance safety without compromising aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lighting system is installed separately on the cab, then the step can be illuminated, but the system becomes complex and costly with additional structural requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting system with the camera assembly by mounting the light source on the camera assembly's support structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and structural modifications to the cab, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable step illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera assembly is given a dual function: it serves both as a surveillance device and as a mounting platform for the lighting system. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed and simplifies the system architecture while ensuring reliable lighting performance.
2Illumination intensity
If a conventional lighting system is installed separately on the cab, then the step can be illuminated, but additional structural arrangements and mounting components are required
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the lighting system into the camera assembly, the patent eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and structural modifications. The light source is mounted on the camera assembly's existing support structure, simplifying installation and manufacturing while providing adequate step illumination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lighting system is mounted on a mobile component like the door, then it can move with the door, but the light beam direction becomes inappropriate when the door is closed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the lighting system on the mobile door component, the patent inverts the approach by mounting it on the stationary camera assembly fixed to the cab structure. This ensures the light beam direction remains appropriate and consistent regardless of door position, providing reliable illumination when the door is closed or open.
4Illumination intensity
If a separate lighting system is installed on the cab, then the step can be illuminated, but aerodynamic performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting system with the camera assembly, which is already positioned on the cab. This integration avoids adding separate external lighting structures that could disrupt aerodynamic flow, while still achieving effective illumination of the step and ground area through strategic positioning of the light source.
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 provides effective illumination of the step and ground area, reducing accidents and enhancing driver safety by ensuring clear visibility during entry and exit, regardless of the door position, while minimizing additional structural requirements and maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the lighting system being mounted on the supporting arm or housed therein and being arranged to provide a light beam directed downwards for illuminating the step
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a camera assembly (50) for an industrial vehicle cab (5) comprising a side door (15) and a step, the camera assembly (50) being designed to be mounted on the cab (5) above the door (15) and comprising: —a supporting arm (51) provided, at a first end thereof, with a mounting device for mounting on the cab (5); —a camera arranged on said supporting arm (51), for providing an image of an area located rearwards and/or sidewards, in the operative position; —a lighting system (30) including at least one light source, the lighting system (30) being mounted on the supporting arm (51) or housed therein and being arranged to provide a light beam (31) directed downwards for illuminating the step, in the operative position.