Moldable Light System for Lift Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems for lift trucks are limited in adaptability, efficiency, and durability, causing harsh light reflections that impair visibility, and lack interconnectivity and flexibility, making them unsuitable for harsh environments and adaptable installation.
Innovation Solution
A moldable housing with flexible LED light sources that can be wirelessly controlled and shaped to fit various surfaces, using a heat-activated smart alloy or plastic material for adaptable installation and directional aiming, with integrated photo resistor sensors and processors for dynamic light adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional rigid lighting fixtures are mounted on lift trucks, then the structure provides stable light emission, but the mounting structures obscure the operator's line of sight and cause harsh light reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable lighting fixtures with movable mounting mechanisms that allow the light direction and position to be adjusted in real-time. This enables the system to adapt to different operational conditions, directing light away from the operator's line of sight while maintaining adequate illumination of the work area, thereby resolving the contradiction between light output and visibility obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system implements localized illumination zones with different intensity and direction characteristics. By adjusting the local quality of light emission in different spatial regions, the system provides sufficient illumination where needed while minimizing harsh reflections and obstructions in the operator's viewing areas
2Strength
If traditional mounting brackets and plates are used to install light systems, then the lighting structure is stable, but the mounting structures decrease the lift truck user's line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thin, low-profile mounting structures and flexible mounting mechanisms that attach the lighting fixtures without requiring bulky brackets or plates. These thin-film-style mountings provide sufficient mechanical stability while being visually minimal and non-obstructive to the operator's line of sight
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from traditional two-dimensional bracket structures to three-dimensional adaptive mounting solutions that can conform to the vehicle's surface contours. This allows the mounting structures to be integrated into available spaces without projecting into the operator's visual field
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional lighting systems are installed on vehicles, then the installation is straightforward, but the systems lack adaptability to different installation surfaces and harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal mounting system with standardized interfaces and adaptive mounting mechanisms that can accommodate various surface types (flat, curved, textured) and environmental conditions. The system maintains ease of installation through standardized components while achieving versatility through adjustable and conformable mounting options that adapt to different vehicle surfaces and harsh operating environments
4Illumination intensity
If multiple light fixtures are electrically connected, then the lighting coverage is improved, but each fixture requires hard-wiring which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hard-wiring system with wireless communication technology for interconnecting multiple lighting fixtures. Each fixture is equipped with wireless communication modules that enable data and control signal transmission without physical electrical connections, thereby maintaining coordinated lighting operation while eliminating the complexity of extensive wiring installations
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 solution provides improved visibility by reducing light reflections, enhances adaptability and durability in harsh conditions, and allows for customizable and efficient lighting with interconnectivity, improving operational safety and control.
Implementation Method 1
the moldable housing is selectively malleable upon contact with sufficient heat
Implementation Method 2
the moldable housing is comprised of a smart alloy, wherein a section of the moldable housing between a first end and a second end is substantially transparent to permit light emitted from the at least one light source to pass through, wherein the smart alloy provides a resilient shape
Data Source
AI summary
A light system comprises a moldable housing and at least one light source disposed entirely within the moldable housing. The at least one light source is electrically connected to a power source, wherein the housing is attached to a substrate, and wherein the moldable housing is selectively malleable upon contact with sufficient heat.