Illuminated Clothing Indicator Assembly with Sensor-Modulated Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-visibility clothing for road workers relies on reflective strips that are only visible under external light sources, making workers invisible around bends and to each other, and electroluminescent or LED vests pose safety risks due to hotspots and high voltage requirements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an indicator assembly with a light source and sensor in clothing, which modifies light properties based on sensed external variables, such as approaching vehicles or hazardous gases, to enhance visibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If reflective strips are used on clothing, then visibility is improved when illuminated by external light sources, but workers become invisible when no external light is present (e.g., around bends)
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts between reflective mode (when external light is present) and active illumination mode (when external light is absent or insufficient), allowing the clothing to adapt to varying environmental lighting conditions and maintain visibility throughout
Solution Approach 2:
The clothing system combines both reflective strips and active illumination components into a single multi-functional garment that can operate effectively in both illuminated and dark conditions, providing universal visibility across all environmental conditions
2Illumination intensity
If LED vests are used to improve visibility, then workers are visible in the dark, but hotspots are created that cause visibility issues on direct viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination is distributed across multiple LED elements arranged in patterns that eliminate concentrated hotspots, creating uniform local illumination zones that collectively provide even overall visibility without intense focal points
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses specific wavelength selections and color combinations from multiple LEDs that reduce hotspot formation through spectral distribution, where different color wavelengths interact to diffuse intense focal points while maintaining overall visibility
3Illumination intensity
If electroluminescent lights are used for illumination, then visibility is improved, but high voltage and frequency are required which may be unsafe in hazardous areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses low-voltage LED technology that, while having a limited operational lifespan, provides safe operation in hazardous environments by eliminating high voltage requirements, accepting the trade-off of shorter component life for enhanced safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electroluminescent illumination mechanisms with LED-based illumination, substituting a high-voltage system with a low-voltage solid-state system that achieves the same visibility function without the safety hazards of high voltage and frequency
4Illumination intensity
If light intensity and frequency are increased to improve visibility, then worker visibility is enhanced, but power consumption increases reducing battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system operates in periodic cycles, alternating between high-intensity illumination periods for visibility and low-power standby periods, with sensors detecting environmental conditions to trigger illumination only when necessary, thereby extending battery life while maintaining visibility when needed
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
Improves worker visibility and safety by providing self-illuminating clothing that adjusts light properties in response to environmental conditions, reducing power drain and safety hazards.
Implementation Method 1
An indicator assembly provided by the present invention preferably utilizes a light guide to propagate light emitted by a light source (e.g., an LED)
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated clothing article (8) including an indicator assembly (10, 12) having at least one light source (22), circuitry (14, 16, 18, 22), and a sensor (14, 16). The circuitry (14, 16, 18, 22) is configured to modulate at least one property of the light (22) emitted by the at least one light source (22) in response an external variable sensed by the sensor (14, 16). An illuminated clothing article (8) including an indicator assembly (10, 12) having at least one light source (22), circuitry (14, 16, 18, 22), and a sensor (14, 16). The circuitry (14, 16, 18, 22) is configured to modulate at least one property of the light (22) emitted by the at least one light source (22) in response an external variable sensed by the sensor (14, 16).