Marker Light for Articulated Vehicle Docking Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing park assist devices do not effectively aid in the parking or docking of semi-tractor trailers, particularly in poor visibility conditions, as they fail to provide clear guidance on the pivot point and parallel plane necessary for proper alignment, leading to increased time and risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
A marker light system that emits a bright up-light to indicate the pivot point and a laser sheet to define the parallel plane for the vehicle's alignment, with the laser light scattering if the vehicle deviates from the correct path, alerting the driver to adjust the maneuver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional park assist devices using light are used, then visibility is improved, but they fail to provide clear geometric guidance on pivot point and parallel plane for semi-tractor trailers
Solution Approach 1:
The park assist system is segmented into two distinct light sources with different functions: a vertical up-light that emits light upward to mark the pivot point location, and a laser light source that emits a laser sheet to define the parallel plane. This segmentation allows each component to provide specific geometric information without interference, enabling precise alignment guidance for semi-tractor trailers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension by emitting light upward through the dome to pinpoint the pivot point location on the ground. This vertical light emission creates a three-dimensional reference system where the up-light marks the Z-axis position and the laser sheet defines the X-Y plane, providing complete spatial geometric guidance for vehicle alignment.
2Loss of time
If manual parking assistance is provided in poor visibility, then time is reduced, but the risk of docking accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through the laser sheet that continuously indicates the correct parallel plane position. As the vehicle moves during docking, the driver can observe the laser sheet's position relative to the vehicle and make immediate adjustments to maintain proper alignment, ensuring safe and accurate docking without excessive time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses distinct light colors to convey different types of information: the vertical up-light emits a bright light to mark the pivot point location, while the laser light source emits a laser sheet to define the parallel plane. This color differentiation helps drivers quickly distinguish between pivot point guidance and alignment plane guidance, reducing confusion and improving docking safety in poor visibility conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If iterative manual adjustment is used for proper docking, then alignment accuracy is achieved, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes the correct docking geometry in advance by projecting the laser sheet to define the parallel plane before the vehicle begins its docking maneuver. The vertical up-light also pre-marks the pivot point location. This preliminary establishment of reference geometry eliminates the need for iterative adjustments, as the driver can directly follow the pre-defined light paths to achieve accurate docking in one pass.
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
Enables efficient and accurate parking or docking of semi-tractor trailers in poor visibility by providing clear geometric guidance, reducing the likelihood of errors and accidents, allowing for potential one-pass alignment without exceeding the docking well boundaries.
Implementation Method 1
The marker light may emit a bright light upward through the top of a dome to pinpoint substantially an optimal location around which a driver should articulate the vehicle during parking or docking
Implementation Method 2
the marker light may emit a laser light through a slot on a side of the dome. The slot of the dome may allow the laser light to be emitted such that a laser sheet or wall is projected along a plane
Implementation Method 3
if the vehicle interrupts the laser wall during the parking or docking process, laser light from the projected laser sheet will be scattered thereby alerting the driver to an improper parking or docking maneuver
Data Source
AI summary
A marker light is a device that provides referential pivoting and precision boundary marking required for parking or docking articulate vehicles during poor visibility conditions. The marker consists of 12 primary features, an upper shell housing, a sealed circular window for white light passage, a sealed slotted window for laser light passage, internal reinforcement, a white up light, a laser beam transform lens, a laser beam source, a rechargeable battery pack, a recharging port, a wiring harness, a lower base plate, and an on/off switch. The up light pinpoints substantially the optimum pivot location during the parking or docking process. The developed laser plane—resulting from the laser beam passing through the transform lens—enables two marking orientations for the driver from one continuous laser impingement curve. From a top view perspective, orientation 1 marks parallel on the ground for aligning the trailer while orientation 2 marks perpendicular to the vertical dock wall.