Emergency Vehicle LED Light Sheet for Reduced Drag and Mass

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emergency vehicle lighting systems are limited in their ability to provide maximum visibility and flexibility, particularly at high speeds, and can increase drag and mass, which may affect vehicle performance.

Innovation Solution

A lighting apparatus featuring a light-sheet assembly with a plurality of LED lights distributed across the rooftop of an emergency vehicle, controlled by a communicably coupled controller, and a roof-mount for mounting the assembly, allowing for extensive coverage and modular functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a traditional light bar is mounted on the rooftop, then visibility is provided, but drag and mass increase affecting vehicle performance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidmass
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into multiple individual LED light sources distributed across the rooftop rather than a single integrated light bar. Each LED operates independently and can be controlled separately, allowing the system to provide comprehensive visibility coverage while using smaller, lighter individual components that collectively reduce overall mass compared to traditional light bars.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If a traditional light bar is mounted on the rooftop, then visibility is provided, but drag increases affecting vehicle performance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoiddrag
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the lighting system into individual LED sources distributed across the rooftop surface, the system eliminates the need for large protruding light bar structures. This segmentation allows lights to be integrated flush with the rooftop surface, maintaining aerodynamic flow and minimizing drag while still providing comprehensive visibility coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Illumination intensity

If LED lights are distributed about the rooftop, then visibility for oncoming and trailing motorists is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can manage all distributed LED light sources across the rooftop through a single control interface. The controller provides multiple lighting modes (steady, flashing, alternating patterns) and can be operated via various input methods (manual switches, automatic sensors, remote control), simplifying the overall system architecture despite the distributed nature of the LED array.

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

4Illumination intensity

If customizable flashing and display patterns are implemented, then visibility and communication effectiveness is improved, but controller complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidcontroller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements periodic action through pre-programmed flashing and alternating light patterns that can be activated for different emergency situations. These periodic patterns (steady on, alternating flash, sequential activation) provide effective visual communication without requiring complex real-time control algorithms, as the patterns are predetermined and can be triggered automatically or manually based on situational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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

The solution enhances visibility for both oncoming and trailing motorists, maintains vehicle performance by minimizing drag and mass, and allows for customizable flashing and display patterns without compromising acceleration.

Implementation Method 1

The light-sheet assembly further includes a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) lights that are distributed about the rooftop when the light-sheet assembly is mounted to the rooftop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode (LED): Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10421393B2Lighting apparatus for a rooftop of an emergency vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.09.24 CREWS JOHN
  • US10421393B2 patent drawing
  • US10421393B2 patent drawing
  • US10421393B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A lighting apparatus includes a light-sheet assembly configured to conform to the rooftop. The light-sheet assembly extends at least one-half the length of the rooftop, and further extends at least one-half the width of the rooftop when mounted to the rooftop. The light-sheet assembly further includes a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) lights that are distributed about the rooftop when the light-sheet assembly is mounted to the rooftop. A controller is communicably coupled to the light-sheet assembly and configured to operate the plurality of LED lights. A roof-mount is affixed to the light-sheet assembly and configured to mount the light-sheet assembly to the rooftop of the emergency vehicle. The lighting apparatus is useful for emergency vehicles.