Integrated Dock Bumper Lighting for Damage-Resistant Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated dock bumpers face issues with separate lighting systems that are difficult to install, prone to damage, and susceptible to water damage, leading to non-uniform illumination along dock edges.
Innovation Solution
An integrated illuminated dock bumper system with a channel for the lighting system, secured by tabs, using a low-voltage electrical system with GFCI and overcurrent protection, allowing manual or remote operation for enhanced visibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If separate lighting systems are installed on dock bumpers, then illumination is provided, but installation becomes difficult and maintenance becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is integrated directly into the bumper structure, merging two previously separate components (bumper and lighting system) into a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, wiring harnesses, and installation procedures, while maintaining both impact protection and illumination functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper structure is designed to serve multiple functions: impact absorption and integrated lighting. The housing contains both the bumper material and the lighting components, allowing a single component to perform both protective and illuminative roles, reducing overall system complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If lighting systems are mounted externally on bumpers, then illumination is achieved, but the lighting systems become exposed to damage from vehicle contact
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is nested within the bumper housing structure. The light source, wiring, and control components are contained inside the protective bumper shell, which acts as a protective enclosure. This nesting arrangement shields the lighting components from external impacts while allowing light to pass through designated areas of the bumper.
3Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting systems are installed at docks, then visibility is improved, but exposed wirings become susceptible to water damage
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper housing acts as a flexible or rigid protective shell that encloses the lighting system and its wiring. This shell provides a waterproof barrier that protects the electrical components from water ingress, while the bumper material itself is designed to withstand marine environmental conditions including exposure to water, humidity, and temperature variations.
4Illumination intensity
If separate lighting systems are used, then illumination is provided, but uniform illumination along dock edges becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple discrete light-emitting segments distributed along the bumper structure. Each segment contributes to the overall illumination, and their distributed arrangement ensures uniform light distribution along the dock edge. The segmentation allows for precise positioning of light sources to achieve consistent illumination patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated dock bumper system for improving visibility and safety in marine and vehicle docking environments including a bumper member having a channel. The bumper member is secured to an edge of a dock. The channel is exposed to receive a lighting system. The lighting system mounts in a flush within the channel ensuring that the lighting system is prevented from damage. The illuminated dock bumper system includes a control unit operatively connecting the lighting system. The control unit is operated either manually, or remotely via an electronic device. The control unit allows an operator to adjust colors and brightness of the lighting system. The illuminated dock bumper system allows the operator to locate the edge of the dock at night or in low-light conditions using illumination provided by the lighting system. The bumper member offers impact protection for both vehicles and the dock.