Emergency Vehicle Lighting Control for Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency vehicles face accidents due to the inability to effectively detect and avoid obstacles like electrical wires and branches in low-light conditions, particularly with direct current lines, which are difficult to recognize using existing sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method that automatically adjusts and activates additional light sources to illuminate the area above the emergency vehicle, ensuring obstacles are visible, using a control device to align the light emission axis and provide energy automatically, with optional manual override and integration of optical detection devices for enhanced visibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If sensors are used to detect alternating electric fields from AC voltage lines, then detection capability is improved, but detection of direct current lines remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple types of sensors including alternating electric field sensors for AC voltage lines and additional sensors for detecting direct current lines. This multi-sensor approach enables the system to detect both AC and DC lines, making the detection system universal and adaptable to different types of overhead obstacles regardless of their electrical characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If manual switching operations are required for light sources, then control flexibility is improved, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is pre-programmed with stored emission directions for the light sources. When obstacles are detected, the system automatically activates the appropriate light sources and orientates them in the predetermined directions without requiring manual switching operations. This preliminary preparation of control parameters enables immediate response while maintaining operational flexibility through the stored directional data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-control by automatically activating and orientating light sources based on obstacle detection. The control device autonomously manages the light emission without operator intervention, reducing response time while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to different operational scenarios through programmable control logic.
3Device complexity
If light sources are fixed in position, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different operating states deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources are mounted on adjustable supports that enable dynamic repositioning and reorientiation. The supports allow the light sources to be adjusted to different angles and positions depending on the operating state and detected obstacle locations. This dynamic capability provides adaptability to various operational scenarios while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation through adjustable mounting mechanisms.
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
Enables quick and reliable detection of obstacles, reducing the risk of accidents by providing automatic and adaptive lighting that maintains visibility during emergency operations, even in low-light conditions, and supports the operator in selecting a safe parking position.
Implementation Method 1
at least one further light source (19), in particular arranged on the lifting unit (6), having a light emission axis (20)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for illuminating the area surrounding an emergency vehicle (1) and for optically detecting an object forming an obstacle. The emergency vehicle (1) is provided with a chassis (2), a vehicle body (5), a lifting unit (6), a control device (12), a power supply system (15), and several first light sources (14). The emergency vehicle (1) is operated in different operating states. Furthermore, at least one additional light source (19) is provided with an actuator (21) which is in communication with the control device (12). The additional light source (19) is automatically switched on by the control device (12), which is operating in automatic mode, at the beginning of the second operating state, and a light emission axis (20) is set by the control device (12) to a beam direction stored therein.