Multicolor Light Device Locking System for Emergency Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multicolor light devices for emergency vehicles are costly and inefficient to produce and manage due to the need for multiple SKUs, as they offer extensive color options and flash patterns, which increases inventory complexity and costs for manufacturers and dealers.
Innovation Solution
A multicolor light device with lockable functions that allows users to unlock specific color options and flash patterns using a unique unlock code, enabling customization and flexibility while maintaining the option to function as a single-color device, thereby simplifying inventory management and reducing initial costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multicolor light devices are produced with multiple color options and flash patterns, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity and inventory management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single multicolor light device housing that can perform multiple functions by incorporating light emitting devices of different colors (red, white, blue, amber) and controlling circuits that enable various flash patterns and color combinations. The device includes a microprocessor that can be programmed to provide different operational modes, allowing one physical device to replace multiple specialized single-color devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes programmable microprocessors and controllable circuits that can change operational parameters (color output, flash patterns, intensity) through software control. This allows the same physical hardware to dynamically adjust its characteristics based on programmed instructions, enabling versatility without requiring multiple fixed-function devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of light devices are stocked to accommodate all customers, then customer choice is improved, but manufacturing efficiency and inventory costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a universal multicolor light device that can function as multiple different types of emergency vehicle lights depending on programming. Manufacturers produce only this one device type with all color capabilities built-in, then program specific color combinations and patterns for different customers after manufacture. This eliminates the need to produce and stock multiple specialized device variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary programming capabilities where the device is manufactured with all potential color and pattern options pre-configured in hardware, and specific operational parameters are programmed later based on customer requirements. This allows manufacturing to focus on a single standardized product while customization occurs through software configuration rather than physical production variations.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples provide a multicolor light device having a plurality of lockable functions, such as color combinations and flash pattern functions. At production, one or more of the available functions are placed in a locked state in which the locked function is inoperable. The dealer or user can obtain an unlock code to unlock one or more light colors and/or flash patterns when desired. Thus, if a user wants the red and blue lights to be operable, the user can obtain one or more unlock codes to unlock the red and/or blue lights in the user-selected flash patterns and color combinations. When unlocked, the selected function operates normally. A data storage device on the multicolor light device stores an assigned UID, a set of available functions associated with the plurality of LED lights, and a lock status of each function in the set of available functions.