Modular Off-Road Lighting System with Integrated Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road vehicle lighting systems face challenges in maximizing light output, minimizing weight, and optimizing mounting space while providing comprehensive signaling options, often resulting in shifting or breaking due to strain on mounting apparatuses during uneven terrain operation.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system comprising modular units with independent operational groups of LEDs, controlled by a vehicle control system, allowing for customizable signaling modes and secure mounting to structural elements via adjustable brackets, enabling efficient light distribution and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple lighting modules are added to maximize light output and signaling options, then the lighting system's illumination capability and signaling versatility improve, but the system weight and mounting space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lighting modules into a single integrated housing structure that shares common mounting hardware and electrical connections. This merging approach allows multiple light sources to operate together while reducing the cumulative weight and space requirements compared to separate modules, directly resolving the contradiction between maximizing light output and minimizing system weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting modules are added to provide comprehensive signaling options, then the signaling versatility improves, but the strain on the mounting apparatus increases causing shifting or breaking
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lighting modules are merged into a single integrated assembly that uses one common mounting bracket and set of fasteners. This consolidation distributes the mechanical load across a larger mounting structure rather than concentrating stress at multiple separate attachment points, thereby maintaining signaling versatility while preventing mounting failure during off-road operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is segmented into modular lighting units that can be independently configured for different signaling functions, while the mounting apparatus is designed as a unified structure that accommodates all modules. This segmentation allows versatile signaling configurations without proportionally increasing mounting complexity or stress concentration.
3Reliability
If lighting modules are secured tightly to prevent shifting on uneven terrain, then the mounting reliability improves, but the adjustment flexibility and ease of installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus incorporates adjustable fastening mechanisms that allow the operator to dynamically change the tightness of the connection between lighting modules and the mounting bracket. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to achieve both secure mounting for reliability during operation and flexible adjustment for ease of installation and reconfiguration.
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
Enhances visibility and signaling capabilities while minimizing weight and strain on mounting apparatuses, ensuring stable and effective light distribution in adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been utilized since about the 1960s
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting module is shown and described having a housing with an opening therethrough. A forward portion of the opening may be enclosed by a cap and a rearward portion of the opening may be enclosed by a transparent media. A second media may extend from the opening through a wall of the housing. The cap may be securable to a bar via a mounting apparatus. A PCBA with one or more operational groups of LEDs may be secured within the opening, such that light may be emitted through the media. A second PCBA with one or more operational groups of LEDs may be secured within the opening, such that light may be emitted through the second media. Each operational group may be integrated with a control system of a vehicle, and may be operated individually or collectively. Each operational group may correspond to similar or different colors of light.