Hitch-Mountable Hazard Warning System for Rapid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular hazard warning systems require significant manpower and complex assembly, making them inefficient and resource-intensive for deployment, especially when needing to be set up on vehicles that are lifted or jacked up.
Innovation Solution
A hitch-mountable, portable, and wireless vehicular hazard warning system, known as VALIS, which allows for easy transfer between vehicles and stand-alone frames, featuring a high-resolution LED display, CCTV surveillance, and wireless communication, enabling single-person setup and operation without the need for jacking up the vehicle, and can be used as a moving billboard or for traffic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hazard warning devices are installed on vehicles, then hazard warning function is provided, but significant manpower and complex assembly are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hazard warning functions (LED warning lights, high-mass impactor, traffic control capabilities) into a single integrated assembly that mounts to the vehicle hitch. This unified design eliminates the need for separate installation of multiple components, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining comprehensive hazard warning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hazard warning assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing visual/audible warnings, physical impact protection, traffic control instructions, and surveillance capabilities. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace several separate systems, reducing the manpower needed for installation and operation.
2Reliability
If hazard warning devices require vehicle to be lifted or jacked up for installation, then proper mounting is achieved, but deployment time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a self-contained power supply unit with rechargeable batteries that provides independent power to all hazard warning components. This self-powered design eliminates the need for complex electrical connections to the vehicle during installation, allowing the device to be mounted quickly on a grounded vehicle without requiring lifting or jacking operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hazard warning system is made portable and transferable, then deployment flexibility is improved, but structural complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hazard warning assembly is designed as a modular, self-contained unit that can be easily detached from one vehicle hitch and attached to another. The standardized hitch-mountable design with segmented components allows for rapid transfer between different vehicles without requiring complex adjustment or reconfiguration, maintaining simplicity while enabling portability.
Data Source
AI summary
A hazard warning system having a display panel operatively associated with two mounting elements. One mounting element is adapted for coupling to a trailer hitch, and another mounting element is adapted for engaging a ground-supported frame. The display panel is configurable to alert and instruct the public in real time.