Rear Lighting Assembly With False Bulkhead for Obstruction Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tank trailers face visibility issues with signaling lights due to their limited placement, which can be obstructed by vehicles, debris, or precipitation, complicating safe driving.
Innovation Solution
A rear lighting assembly with a false bulkhead and signaling devices that emit indicator lights through the false bulkhead, utilizing materials that reflect or transmit light to enhance visibility, and a method of signaling driving states using multiple lighting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signaling lights are placed at limited areas on the rear ends of tank trailers, then the structure is simple, but visibility of signaling driving states is limited and can be obstructed by vehicles, dirt, or debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions signaling lights at multiple vertical levels (upper and lower portions) of the rear bulkhead, transforming a single-plane light arrangement into a multi-dimensional configuration. This vertical dimensionality ensures that at least one set of lights remains visible regardless of obstructions at any single level, directly resolving the visibility reliability issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting assembly is segmented into multiple independent signaling light sets positioned at different locations on the rear bulkhead. Each segment functions independently, so if one segment is obstructed, others remain visible. This segmentation strategy directly addresses the reliability problem while maintaining structural organization.
2Reliability
If signaling lights are placed at outer or peripheral locations at the rear ends of tank trailers, then the structure is simple, but such location could be covered by surrounding vehicles or physical obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
By distributing lights across multiple vertical levels rather than concentrating them at peripheral horizontal locations, the patent creates a multi-level visibility pattern that is harder to obstruct completely. This dimensional redistribution reduces vulnerability to obstructions at any single location.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the rear bulkhead (upper and lower regions) are assigned different lighting functions, creating localized signaling zones. This local differentiation ensures that obstructions affecting one region do not necessarily block all signaling functions, as other regions maintain visibility.
3Device complexity
If signaling lights are placed at a single location at the rear ends of tank trailers, then the structure is simple, but such location could be covered by surrounding vehicles or physical obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The single-location lighting system is segmented into multiple light sets positioned at different vertical locations on the rear bulkhead. Each segment serves as an independent signaling unit, ensuring that obstruction of one segment does not eliminate all signaling capability. This segmentation directly resolves the reliability issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point light arrangement to a multi-level vertical distribution of lights on the rear bulkhead. This dimensional expansion from one location to multiple vertical positions ensures that at least one signaling light remains visible regardless of obstructions at any single level.
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 of tank trailer driving states by ensuring lights are not obstructed, providing clear indicators for turning, braking, and reversing, improving safety and maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
A rear lighting assembly for tank vehicles that includes a false bulkhead made of translucent or transparent material, allowing indicator lights to be emitted through it and behind the main body
Implementation Method 2
a first material forming the rear bulkhead... wherein the first material is configured to reflect each indicator light of the set of indicator lights
Data Source
AI summary
A rear lighting assembly for a tank vehicle. The rear lighting assembly includes a signaling device that operably engages with one of a rear bulkhead of the tank vehicle and a false bulkhead of the tank vehicle. The rear lighting assembly also includes a processor that electrically connects with the signaling device for commanding the signaling device to emit a set of indication lights through the false bulkhead and behind the tank vehicle. The rear lighting assembly also includes a power source that electrically connects with the signaling device and the processor. The rear bulkhead is made of a first material that reflects the set of indication lights emitted by the signaling device. The false bulkhead is made of a second material that is different than the first material and that transmits the set of indication lights emitted by the signaling device.