LED Truck Logo Lighting with Integrated Heat Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display technologies for vehicles, such as tractor trailers, face challenges in maintaining visibility of logos or information on transparent panels during snow and ice conditions, as LED lights generate minimal heat, leading to accumulation of snow and ice on the panels.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a heat generating element, such as an incandescent bulb or resistor, within the enclosure behind the LED lighted panel to maintain the panel clear of snow and ice, combined with a weatherproof seal and aerodynamic structure for improved visibility and reduced drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED lights are used for illuminating the logo panel, then energy consumption is reduced and lifespan is extended, but heat generation is insufficient causing snow and ice accumulation on the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different light source technologies: LED bulbs for energy-efficient illumination and a heat-generating element (incandescent bulb or resistor) for thermal management. These elements are positioned behind the same transparent panel, with LEDs providing light and the heat element preventing snow/ice accumulation. This merging allows the system to simultaneously achieve low energy consumption and sufficient heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent panel serves multiple functions: it acts as a diffuser for LED light, a substrate for logo display, and a surface protected from weather elements. The enclosure structure provides both illumination and thermal protection functions. By making the enclosure weatherproof with seals and gaskets, it simultaneously protects against moisture while allowing heat to reach the panel to melt snow and ice.
2Illumination intensity
If the panel is made transparent for visibility, then logo visibility is improved, but the panel becomes susceptible to snow and ice accumulation in winter conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat-generating element as an intermediary between the LED light source and the transparent panel. This intermediary element produces thermal energy that indirectly affects the panel by melting snow and ice on its surface. The weatherproof enclosure acts as another intermediary, controlling the thermal environment and protecting the internal components while allowing heat transfer to the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the panel by introducing a heat-generating element. By controlling the thermal state of the panel through the heat element and weatherproof enclosure, the system prevents phase changes of water (snow/ice) on the panel surface, maintaining visibility while preserving the transparent material's optical properties.
3Reliability
If a weatherproof enclosure is added to protect the panel, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs weatherproof seals and gaskets that are flexible yet effective at preventing moisture ingress. These thin film elements provide comprehensive weather protection without requiring a bulky or complex enclosure structure. The flexible nature of these sealing elements allows them to conform to the enclosure geometry while maintaining weatherproof integrity.
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
Ensures the logo or information on the panel remains visible during winter conditions by melting snow and ice, while also reducing aerodynamic drag and enhancing the durability of the display with polycarbonate materials.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a heat generating element, such as an incandescent bulb or resistor, within the enclosure behind the LED lighted panel to maintain the panel clear of snow and ice
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of LED bulbs and may have a heat generating element coupled behind the aerodynamic structure
Implementation Method 3
A transparent panel having a first surface, second surface or embedded with information such as a logo containing letters and/or images
Data Source
AI summary
In combination with a highway tractor of the type having an operator's cab mounted on a frame, a vertical pivotal coupling means coupled to the frame behind the cab adapted to be coupled to a trailer, and an aerodynamic structure at the top of the cab which includes a plurality of LED bulbs and a heat generating element in the front of the aerodynamic structure. A front panel of glass or plastic material having information such as a logo containing letters and/or images located on its first surface, second surface or embedded surface covers the LED bulbs with a weatherproof seal. Light from the LED bulbs provides illumination for the information on the front panel to be viewed from the front of the highway tractor and heat from the heat generating element helps to keep the front panel having information such as a logo free of snow and/or ice.