Road Machine Egress Lighting for Low-Light Operator Exit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of road working machines face challenges in safely exiting the vehicle in dark environments, as conventional machines lack guidance lighting systems, increasing the risk of accidents during nighttime operations or when waiting for delivery trucks or inspecting the machine.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a safety lighting system on road working machines, including downwardly directed safety lights and a controller that automatically activates the lights in low light conditions or during shutdown, providing a lighted egress path for the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional road working machines operate without additional lighting systems, then the machine structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the operator cannot safely exit the machine in dark environments
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system activates automatically before the operator needs to exit, by detecting engine shutdown or key removal. This preliminary activation ensures the egress path is illuminated exactly when needed, without requiring the operator to manually search for switches in the dark
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the machine's existing engine control signals (shutdown status, key removal detection) to automatically trigger the lighting system. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate manual activation by the operator, reducing complexity while ensuring reliability
2Reliability
If the lighting system activates automatically on engine shutdown, then operator egress safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system operates periodically rather than continuously - activating only during specific events (engine shutdown, key removal) and automatically deactivating after a set duration or when the operator reaches a safe position. This periodic operation dramatically reduces energy consumption compared to continuous lighting
Solution Approach 2:
The system activates the lighting in advance of the actual egress need by detecting engine shutdown or key removal, ensuring immediate illumination without waste. The automatic deactivation after a predetermined time further ensures energy is used only during the critical egress period
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 operator safety by providing a guided exit path in dark conditions, reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational safety during nighttime or low-light situations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of safety lights positioned on the machine so as to provide a lighted egress path from the operator's station
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A road working machine includes an operator's station that is adapted to be occupied by an operator of the road working machine. The road working machine also includes a controller and a safety light circuit that is operatively attached to the controller. The safety light circuit includes a plurality of downwardly directed safety lights that are located so as to provide lighted egress from the operator's station.