Hazard Light Hinge for Independent Work and Signaling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light units for roadside hazards lack flexibility and functionality, with limited adjustability and independent control of work and hazard lights, which hinders their effectiveness in various illumination and signaling scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A light unit with a hinge allowing independent rotation of a work light and a hazard light, featuring multiple modes and a user interface for separate actuation, enabling 200-degree pivoting and multiple illumination settings to adapt to different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the work light and hazard light are integrated in a fixed configuration, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different illumination and signaling scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hinge mechanism that allows the hazard light to be rotatable relative to the work light, transforming a static fixed configuration into a dynamic adjustable structure. This enables the hazard light to be positioned at different angles and orientations to suit various signaling scenarios while maintaining a compact integrated design when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The light unit is divided into separable functional modules: a work light assembly and a hazard light assembly connected by a hinge. This segmentation allows independent positioning and operation of each light type, enhancing versatility while keeping the overall device compact and manageable.
2Ease of operation
If the work light and hazard light share a common actuator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operational flexibility and independent control capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into separate actuators: a first actuator for controlling the work light and a second actuator for controlling the hazard light. This allows independent operation of each light type, enabling users to activate only the required function without affecting the other, thereby improving operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Each light assembly includes its own actuator and control circuitry, allowing the work light and hazard light to be controlled independently without requiring a shared control mechanism. This self-service approach simplifies the control logic for each function while providing operational independence.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hazard light has limited rotation range, then the mechanical structure is simpler, but the positioning flexibility for different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is designed to allow the hazard light to rotate through a substantial angular range relative to the work light, enabling dynamic repositioning to achieve optimal signaling angles for different application scenarios while maintaining structural simplicity through a single-degree-of-freedom rotation joint.
Data Source
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AI summary
A light unit (10) includes a work light (14) configured to emit light in a first direction (A1), a hazard light (18) configured to emit light in a second direction (A2), and a hinge (22) coupled between the work light (14) and the hazard light (18) such that the work light (14) and the hazard light (18) are independently rotatable relative to each other about the hinge (22) from a storage position to a deployed position. The light unit (10) further includes a user interface (26) disposed on the hazard light (14), the user interface (26) including a work light actuator (114) engageable to actuate the work light (14) and a hazard light actuator (118) engageable independent from the work light actuator (114) to actuate the hazard light (18).