LED Position Lights Integrated into Mobile Work Machine Contour
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile work machines, especially battery-operated industrial trucks, face challenges with high energy consumption and heat radiation from traditional incandescent lamps used for lighting, leading to increased maintenance needs, risk of damage, and reduced visibility in alternating light conditions.
Innovation Solution
Integration of LEDs into the outer contour of mobile working machines in multiple lines and surface areas for continuous operation as position safety lights, which are automatically switched on, reducing energy consumption and heat emission, and providing enhanced visibility without significant increases in energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If incandescent lamps are used for lighting, then illumination intensity is sufficient, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the light source from incandescent to LED technology. This parameter change enables continuous operation mode while dramatically reducing energy consumption, as LEDs are inherently more energy-efficient and can operate continuously without the excessive power dissipation that limits incandescent lamps to intermittent use only.
2Illumination intensity
If incandescent lamps are used for lighting, then illumination is provided, but heat radiation increases causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the light source parameter from incandescent to LED, which fundamentally alters the thermal characteristics. LEDs emit negligible heat compared to incandescent lamps, eliminating the burn hazard risk while maintaining sufficient illumination for position safety lighting functions.
3Illumination intensity
If lamps are attached separately to the outside, then lighting function is achieved, but risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting function with the outer skin structure itself. Instead of attaching separate lamps to the exterior, the illumination elements are integrated directly into the outer skin, making them part of the structural body. This integration eliminates the vulnerability of externally mounted components to damage during operation.
4Illumination intensity
If LEDs are integrated into the outer contour, then visibility is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the outer skin serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the structural body and the light-emitting element. By integrating illumination functionality into the outer skin material itself, the design achieves enhanced visibility while avoiding the need for separate mounting structures, brackets, or attachment mechanisms that would increase manufacturing complexity.
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 significantly reduces maintenance needs, enhances visibility under unfavorable lighting conditions, and ensures compliance with safety regulations by providing continuous, low-power LED lighting that is integrated into the machine's design, minimizing damage risks and energy impact.
Implementation Method 1
lighting is provided by lighting units which are LEDs
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The machine (1) has a lift frame (3) comprising a load fork (4), and a driver protection roof (5). LEDs (9, 11, 12, 14) are arranged in lines and/or surface areas in an outer contour of the machine for forming position safety lights (8), where luminance of the LEDs is controlled by supplying the LEDs with different current values. The LEDs are continuously switched ON during operation of the machine, and are provided in different colors e.g. yellow, blue and red.