Integrated Machine Lighting Layout for 360° Low-Light Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor power machines are not visible in low-light situations from various angles, posing a safety risk, particularly in environments like golf courses or driving ranges where operator safety depends on visibility.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a lighting system into the body and/or frame of outdoor power machines, ensuring visibility from any location offset from the machine in the same plane, with lighting packages strategically placed to provide 360° illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no lighting system is integrated, then the machine structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the machine is not visible in low-light situations from various angles, compromising operator safety
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple independent light sources positioned at different locations on the machine (front, rear, and side). Each light source independently provides illumination in its specific direction, collectively achieving 360-degree visibility without requiring a single complex lighting assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides visibility from all angles for operator safety, defines the machine's spatial boundaries, and maintains a relatively simple integrated structure. The same lighting components fulfill both safety and structural integration requirements
2Illumination intensity
If lighting packages are strategically placed for 360° visibility, then visibility from all angles in low-light conditions is ensured, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
Lighting is provided at specific critical locations around the machine (front, rear, and side areas) rather than uniformly across the entire surface. Each lighting position is strategically selected to maximize visibility in that particular direction, creating locally optimized illumination zones that collectively achieve comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing uniform illumination across all surfaces, the system uses a limited number of strategically positioned light sources that provide sufficient visibility for safety purposes. The lighting exceeds the minimum requirement by ensuring visibility from all cardinal directions without the excessive complexity of complete surface illumination
3Shape
If the lighting system is integrated into the body and frame, then the structure remains compact and aesthetically pleasing, but the cost of integration and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is merged with the machine's body and frame structures. Light sources are integrated into existing structural components rather than being added as separate external attachments. This combining approach maintains the machine's compact shape and aesthetic appearance while reducing the need for additional mounting structures and simplifying the overall manufacturing process
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor power machine includes a chassis having main frame rails. Two or more drive wheel assemblies are physically mounted to the chassis. Each drive will assembly is coupled to an electric motor. An electrical power pack is configured to supply electric energy to the electric motors. One or more steer wheels are mounted to the chassis. A lighting package is mounted on the machine such that the lighting package is visible from at least one of: the forward and rear aspects of the machine, and at least one of: the left and right aspects of the machine.