Fairing Panel Light Segmentation for Big Rig Rear Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting systems on big rig trucks lack versatility, functionality, and integration with the truck's design, leading to inadequate visibility and increased accident risks during various driving conditions.

Innovation Solution

A fairing panel light system with independently controllable segments, including a housing, mounting plate, and LED light sources, providing taillight, turn signal, and backup functions, integrated seamlessly with the truck's electrical system and designed for factory-fitted appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional standard lights are used on big rig trucks, then the lighting system is simple and easy to install, but the visibility and signaling capabilities are inadequate during various driving conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility and signaling capabilitiesVSAvoidlighting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into multiple independently controllable segments including taillight, turn signal, brake light, and backup light segments. Each segment can be controlled separately to provide specific lighting functions, enhancing visibility and signaling capabilities while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated unit, providing taillight, turn signal, brake light, and backup light capabilities. This multi-functionality improves illumination intensity and signaling versatility without requiring separate lighting systems for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If advanced multi-segment lighting systems are integrated onto the truck, then the lighting functionality and visibility are enhanced, but the aesthetic appearance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting functionalityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting assembly is integrated into the fairing panel structure, merging the functional lighting components with the aesthetic fairing design. This integration allows the lighting system to provide enhanced functionality while maintaining a streamlined, factory-fitted appearance that complements the truck's overall aesthetic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting assembly is specifically positioned at the rear edge of the fairing panel, providing enhanced lighting functionality in the critical rear visibility area while preserving the aesthetic quality of the main fairing structure. This localized integration ensures functional enhancement without compromising overall appearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Illumination intensity

If conventional lighting systems are used, then the installation is straightforward, but the integration with the truck's design is poor and visibility during turning and backing is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination and signalingVSAvoidintegration and installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting assembly is pre-integrated with the fairing panel structure during manufacturing, with mounting features and electrical connections prepared in advance. This preliminary integration simplifies the installation process while ensuring optimal positioning for enhanced visibility during turning and backing operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances visibility and safety by ensuring optimal illumination and signaling, improving driver awareness and reducing aesthetic compromise.

Implementation Method 1

the plurality of light sources may be light-emitting diodes (LEDs)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS12546450B1Big rig light
Publication Date: 2026.02.10 BLAKE KERRY
  • US12546450B1 patent drawing
  • US12546450B1 patent drawing
  • US12546450B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A big rig light configured to improve visibility and safety for trucks, comprising a fairing panel light mounted to a rear edge of a fairing panel on a truck cab. The device includes a housing with a mounting plate, internal lens supports, and a plurality of light sources. The internal lens supports define multiple light segments, including a top light segment, a center light segment, and a bottom light segment. The light sources are independently controlled via a wiring harness electrically coupled to the truck's system. A lens covers the light sources, and the segments are configured to perform functions such as taillight, turn signal, brake light, and backup light. The device enhances safety by improving illumination and signaling visibility during various driving operations.