Aerodynamic Emergency Light Housing With Integrated AC Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional emergency lights assemblies for emergency vehicles with air conditioning (AC) units lack aerodynamic properties, leading to inefficient airflow and potential aerodynamic issues when mounted on the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamically shaped emergency lights assembly with a front fresh air inlet and a top air outlet, designed to house part of the AC unit, allowing for direct mounting on the cab of an emergency vehicle, thereby improving airflow and reducing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the condenser is mounted centrally and protruding from the front face of the emergency compartment, then the AC unit can function properly, but the assembly lacks aerodynamic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the AC unit condenser and emergency lights into a single integrated assembly mounted on the vehicle cab. This merging allows the condenser to be positioned within the aerodynamic housing structure rather than protruding separately, thus improving aerodynamic properties while maintaining AC functionality through the integrated design.
2Device complexity
If the air intake and outlet are collinear, then the structure is simplified, but the condenser must be mounted at a sufficient distance from the top of the cab to allow for fresh air intakes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the air intake at the front of the assembly and the air outlet at the top, creating a three-dimensional airflow path rather than a collinear arrangement. This dimensional change allows the condenser to be mounted closer to the cab top while still providing adequate space for fresh air intake and exhaust, reducing the required mounting distance.
3Ease of operation
If emergency lights are provided on either side of the condenser in a conventional arrangement, then the components are easily accessible, but the overall assembly lacks aerodynamic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency lights are integrated into the aerodynamic housing structure alongside the condenser, forming a unified assembly. This merging allows the lights to be positioned within the streamlined shape, maintaining aerodynamic properties while keeping components accessible through the integrated design and removable cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly includes a removable cover that allows dynamic access to the internal components (condenser and emergency lights) for maintenance and servicing. This dynamic feature maintains ease of operation while preserving the aerodynamic exterior shape during normal operation.
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 assembly enhances aerodynamics, allowing for efficient airflow and improved mounting options on emergency vehicles, while also facilitating maintenance through a removable top cover.
Implementation Method 1
an aerodynamic casing defined by a central portion and two side portions... the casing being shaped to define a volume... The expression 'aerodynamic casing' is to be construed in the description and in the claims as a casing that reduces friction of the air compared to the object(s) intended to be included in the casing without such casing
Implementation Method 2
an opening in the central portion of the casing that is in fluid communication with the volume; whereby, the opening in the central portion defining an air inlet for the AC unit
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency lights assembly for emergency vehicles provided with an air conditioning unit is aerodynamically shaped, surrounds at least a portion of an air conditioning unit, and includes a front fresh air inlet and a top air outlet allowing the assembly to be mounted directly in contact with the cab of an emergency vehicle.