Vehicle Edge Accessory Rail With Modular Lighting Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle auxiliary illumination systems face challenges with installation location, reduced strength of installation supports, limited flexibility, and the need for replacing entire systems for upgrades or additions, leading to downtime and inefficiencies in service vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A modular accessory mounting system featuring an extruded mounting rail that conforms to the vehicle's edge, allowing for easy installation and configuration of multiple modules with addressable illumination and communication capabilities, enabling flexible illumination and signaling configurations without casting shadows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sheet metal brackets or aluminum castings are used for mounting, then the installation support strength is reduced, but the installation location flexibility is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a strong extruded rail mounted to the vehicle structure, and modular accessory modules that attach to the rail. This segmentation allows the rail to provide structural strength while the modular modules provide installation flexibility at multiple locations along the rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The extruded rail acts as an intermediary element between the vehicle structure and the accessory modules. It transfers and distributes mechanical loads from multiple modules to the vehicle structure, providing strength while allowing flexible positioning of modules along the rail length.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate systems are installed to meet illumination and traffic signaling needs, then the functionality is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular accessory modules are designed with universal mounting and electrical connections that support multiple functions including illumination, traffic signaling, and sensor integration. A single module can be configured for different functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional capabilities (illumination, signaling, sensing) are merged into a single integrated modular platform. The common rail mounting system and standardized electrical connections allow different functional modules to be combined on the same vehicle, reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single unit with multiple LEDs and controller is used, then the cost is reduced, but the serviceability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent modules, each containing a subset of LEDs and control circuitry. If one module fails, only that specific module needs to be replaced or serviced, not the entire system, significantly improving serviceability while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows individual faulty modules to be easily removed and replaced, enabling quick recovery of system functionality. The standardized mounting and electrical connections facilitate rapid module replacement without affecting other parts of the system.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed system features are used, then the initial functionality is satisfied, but the adaptability for future upgrades deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with dynamic configurability through modular modules that can be easily added, removed, or repositioned along the extruded rail. This allows the system to evolve and adapt to new requirements without replacing the entire installation, maintaining both initial functionality and future upgradeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal mounting interface and standardized electrical connections create a platform that can accommodate various module types and configurations. This universality enables future upgrades and additions while preserving the existing system's core functionality.
5Area of stationary object
If modules are mounted on the vehicle edge with extruded rail, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system segments the illumination coverage into multiple modules distributed along the extruded rail. Each module covers a specific area, and together they provide comprehensive illumination. The modular approach simplifies individual module installation while achieving broad coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The extruded rail serves as an intermediary mounting structure that simplifies the attachment of multiple modules to the vehicle edge. It provides a pre-fabricated mounting platform with integrated mounting features, reducing the complexity of securing each module directly to the vehicle structure.
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 system provides secure, customizable, and efficient illumination and signaling solutions that can be easily upgraded or modified, reducing downtime and enhancing visibility and safety with optimal optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting diode (LED) having an anode, a cathode and a single common lead
Data Source
AI summary
A modular vehicle accessory mounting system which includes one or more extruded rails designed to attach along a edge of the installation vehicle, one or more modular accessory modules that attach to the extruded rail as well as one or more communication modules that provide power to the accessory modules and serves as a communication bridge between the system and the vehicle or outside world. Generally speaking, these components may be structured to provide a low-profile mounting system for auxiliary illumination and other accessories along the edges of vehicles.