Handrail Light Source for Fire Truck Tank Level Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire truck water tank level gauges require operators to be within a narrow viewing angle, limiting their ability to perform tasks outside this range, such as deploying fire hoses, as they do not effectively communicate the water level to locations beyond the gauge's viewing angle.
Innovation Solution
A fire apparatus equipped with a handrail featuring a light source that is selectively illuminated based on the water tank's liquid level, allowing the level to be indicated to users at various locations through a liquid level indication scheme, providing a wider viewing angle and enabling operators to monitor the tank level from a distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional flush-mounted gauge is used to indicate water tank level, then the gauge can be integrated into the control panel, but the viewing angle is narrow and operators cannot monitor the level while performing tasks outside this angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the handrail structure with the liquid level indication system by integrating a light source into the handrail. This merging allows the handrail to serve dual purposes: providing physical support for operators and displaying tank level information through selective illumination, thereby eliminating the need for a separate gauge and expanding viewing coverage to multiple angles around the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The handrail is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural support element and as an information display device. The light source integrated into the handrail enables it to indicate liquid levels while maintaining its primary function as a handrail, allowing operators to monitor tank levels from various positions around the apparatus without being constrained to a narrow viewing angle.
2Ease of operation
If a gauge is mounted inside the cab or along the side of the apparatus, then it can be accessible to the operator, but it requires the operator to remain near the gauge within a narrow viewing angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the indication system from a two-dimensional planar gauge mounted on a panel to a three-dimensional spatial distribution of light sources along the handrail. This dimensional change allows operators to view and interpret tank level information from multiple positions and angles around the apparatus, significantly improving viewing location flexibility and eliminating the constraint of needing to remain near a single fixed gauge location.
3Illumination intensity
If a light source is integrated into the handrail for liquid level indication, then the viewing angle is expanded and operators can monitor from multiple locations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the handrail structure with the indication system, the patent eliminates the need for separate gauge components, mounting structures, and wiring harnesses that would otherwise be required. The light source is integrated directly into the existing handrail, thereby expanding viewing coverage while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through component consolidation.
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 solution enhances the operator's ability to monitor the water tank level from multiple locations, improving operational efficiency and safety by providing a broader viewing angle and dual functionality as both a handrail and a liquid level indication system.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is coupled to the housing and in communication with the controller. The controller is configured to selectively illuminate the light source based on the level of liquid in the tank.
Data Source
AI summary
A fire apparatus includes a chassis, a tank, a sensor, a controller, and a handrail. The tank is coupled to the chassis and configured to store a liquid. The sensor is associated with the tank and configured to provide sensor data relating to a level of the liquid in the tank. The controller is in communication with the sensor and configured to monitor the level of the liquid in the tank based on the sensor data. The handrail is coupled to the chassis, and the handrail includes a housing and a light source coupled to the housing and in communication with controller. The controller is configured to selectively illuminate the light source based on the level of liquid in the tank.