Vehicle Lightbar With Drone Docking and AI Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency services vehicles lack an integrated system that combines intelligent warning lighting with video cameras and the capability to support drone operations, limiting their effectiveness in data collection and visibility.
Innovation Solution
A lightbar equipped with warning lights, a compartment for a drone, and sensors, including a retractable sensor, that can autonomously operate and dock without human input, integrated with AI processing for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If warning lighting is mounted to the roof of the emergency vehicle, then the profile of the lighting is raised and visibility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate systems (warning lights, video cameras, drone support compartment, sensors) into a single integrated lightbar unit. This merging approach maintains the high visibility benefit of roof-mounted lighting while consolidating control and reducing overall system complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lightbar is designed as a multi-functional device that not only provides warning lighting but also houses video cameras, supports drone operations with docking compartment, and includes various sensors. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions that were previously distributed across separate equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional warning lighting and video cameras are used separately, then the device complexity is lower, but the functionality and intelligence are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges conventional separate devices (warning lights, video cameras) with advanced capabilities (drone support, AI processing, multiple sensors) into an integrated system. This combination enhances adaptability and versatility while managing complexity through unified architectural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lightbar incorporates autonomous drone docking and charging capabilities, where the drone can automatically return to the compartment and recharge without human intervention. This self-service feature enhances functionality while reducing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If drones are required to travel within the vehicle with no docking capability, then the device complexity is lower, but the productivity and efficiency of data collection are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drone docking compartment provides autonomous docking and wireless charging capabilities, allowing the drone to automatically return to the lightbar and recharge without human intervention. This self-service mechanism significantly improves productivity by enabling rapid drone deployment and recharging cycles for continuous data collection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The compartment is pre-configured with wireless charging coils and docking interfaces, preparing the system in advance for drone operations. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for manual connection setup, thereby improving operational efficiency and productivity.
4Reliability
If the compartment is fully enclosed when the door is closed, then the drone is protected, but the ease of operation for drone deployment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The door is designed as a dynamic component that can move between closed and open positions, allowing the compartment to transition between protected and accessible states. This dynamic design maintains drone protection when closed while enabling easy deployment when opened, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
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 lightbar enhances visibility and data collection capabilities, allowing drones to operate autonomously and efficiently dock, providing improved situational awareness and data collection for emergency services.
Implementation Method 1
The charging means are one of a wireless charging coil or one or more contact pads
Data Source
AI summary
A lightbar (100) for mounting to a vehicle (140) is provided. The lightbar (100) comprises one or more warning lights (106), a compartment (126) configured to receive a drone (128), the compartment (126) being located within the lightbar (100), and at least one door (102) configured to move between a closed position in which the compartment (126) is in a closed state, and an open position in which the compartment (126) is in an open state, the movement of the door (102) to the open position enabling the drone (128) received in the compartment (126) to exit the compartment. A system (200) comprising the lightbar (100) and the drone (128), and a vehicle (140) are also provided.