Parallel Actuator Light Bar Tilt Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remotely operable light bar tilting systems for vehicles are bulky, aesthetically displeasing, and require professional installation, with actuators positioned perpendicular to the light bar, occupying significant storage space and being difficult to store effectively.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operable light bar tilting system featuring an attachment base with a pivot, an actuator with movable portions, and a linkage system that connects the actuator to the attachment base, allowing the light bar to rotate while the actuator remains parallel, eliminating the need for separate mounting and reducing the system's profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If actuators are positioned perpendicular to the light bar in remotely operable tilting systems, then the light bar can be tilted remotely during operation, but the system creates a bulky profile and occupies significant storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is repositioned from a perpendicular orientation to a parallel orientation relative to the light bar, changing the spatial dimension of component arrangement. This dimensional reconfiguration reduces the system's profile from extending outward to aligning with the light bar's length, thereby minimizing storage space requirements while maintaining remote tilting functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator and linkage components are integrated into a compact arrangement where the actuator aligns parallel to the light bar. This merging of spatial arrangements consolidates the system's footprint, allowing the actuator to share the same longitudinal space as the light bar rather than occupying perpendicular space, thus reducing overall system volume
2Reliability
If component parts are permanently attached to the vehicle by welding, then the remotely operable light bar tilting system achieves stable installation, but professional installation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the vehicle and a light bar assembly that attaches to the bracket. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and positioned, eliminating the need for complex welded assemblies while maintaining installation stability through standardized mounting interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the vehicle and the light bar assembly. This mediator component simplifies installation by providing a standardized interface that can be bolted to the vehicle, then receiving the light bar assembly, thereby eliminating the need for direct welding while ensuring reliable mechanical attachment
3Volume of moving object
If the actuator is positioned parallel to the light bar with reduced profile, then storage space is minimized and aesthetics are improved, but the linkage must rotate about the pivot with the light bar
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism is merged with the light bar assembly such that the linkage rotates about the same pivot point as the light bar. This combining of rotation centers eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and additional rotation mechanisms, reducing system profile while maintaining functional simplicity through a unified rotation axis
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification discloses a remotely operated light bar tilting system that adjusts the tilt angle of a light source about an attachment base mounted to a vehicle or other structure. A remotely operated light bar tilting system disclosed herein comprises an actuator coupled to and rotates with the light source to adjust the tilt of the light source by pushing or pulling on a linkage assembly that transmits a force from the actuator to an attachment base. The linkage assembly can include a ternary link or other similar link or assembly of links that can transmit force to the attachment base for tilting the light source. The tilting mechanism is entirely supported by the attachment base creating a compact system that does not require the actuator be mounted to a separate base on the vehicle.