Integrated Lighting Device for Construction Machine Control Stand

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional external control stations for construction machines, such as road finishers, require auxiliary lights that are cumbersome and prone to dirt accumulation when used via external sockets, hindering operation in low-light conditions.

Innovation Solution

An integrated lighting device within the outside control station, utilizing LEDs and a translucent cover for protection, allows for self-contained illumination without external power sources, with adjustable orientation and brightness, and optional automatic activation via light sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If auxiliary lights are used via external sockets or terminals, then illumination of the operating area is provided, but the sockets get dirty and additional lights must be carried or held

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination of operating areaVSAvoiddirt accumulation on sockets
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is integrated directly into the housing of the outside control station, merging the illumination function with the control station structure. This eliminates the need for separate auxiliary lights and external sockets, resolving the issue of dirt accumulation on sockets while providing reliable illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Illumination intensity

If auxiliary lights are used via external sockets, then illumination is provided, but additional equipment must be carried or held which impairs handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination of operating areaVSAvoidhandling of construction machine
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device is integrated directly into the housing of the outside control station, merging the illumination function with the control station structure. This eliminates the need for separate auxiliary lights that would need to be carried or held, thereby maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a transparent cover is provided for the lighting device, then protection from dust and water is achieved, but the cover material must be translucent to maintain lighting effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from environmental influencesVSAvoidlight transmission through cover
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed with specific local properties: it is transparent or translucent in the regions where light transmission is needed, while maintaining protective qualities. This allows the cover to simultaneously protect the lighting device from environmental influences while ensuring adequate light transmission for effective illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 operational safety and maintainability by providing stable, directed illumination without additional equipment or distractions, ensuring effective use in dark environments without impairing handling.

Implementation Method 1

An individual LED or an array of LEDs, for example, are suitable as illuminants for the lighting device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLED: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The cover is translucent, so that the effect of the lighting device is ensured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTranslucency:

Data Source

PatentEP2578748B1External control panel for a construction machine
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 JOSEPH VOEGELE AG
  • EP2578748B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2578748B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The external control stand has a lighting device (11) on the external control stand for illuminating a ground section, in front of, behind and/or below the external control stand as seen in the direction of travel of the construction machine. The lighting device is integrated into the external control stand. The lighting device includes a transparent and/or translucent cover (16) which is mounted to the external control stand with a detachable connection.