Rooftop Component Box With 360° Mode Indicator Lights for CTL
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines, such as compact track loaders, lack an efficient and visible means to indicate their mode of operation to external personnel, which can lead to confusion and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A component box mounted on the roof of the work machine, featuring a plurality of indicator light sets on its outer surface, which can display different modes of operation such as unmanned, manned, error, or emergency stop, providing 360-degree visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no indicator lights are provided on the component box, then the device complexity is reduced, but external personnel cannot determine the work machine's operational mode, leading to safety issues and confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different colored indicator lights (red, yellow, green) to represent different operational modes of the work machine. This color-coding system allows external personnel to quickly identify the operational mode (e.g., red for emergency stop, yellow for unmanned mode, green for manned mode) without complex signage or additional communication devices, thereby improving safety while maintaining simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The component box automatically displays its operational status through the indicator lights without requiring external intervention or complex communication systems. The system self-communicates its state (operational mode, error conditions, emergency stop) to external personnel through the visible indicator lights, eliminating the need for additional safety communication infrastructure
2Loss of information
If indicator lights are placed inside the component box, then the device complexity is minimized, but external personnel cannot see the operational mode from outside
Solution Approach 1:
The component box is segmented into an enclosed housing that protects internal components and an external indicator light system that communicates status. This segmentation allows the indicator lights to be positioned on the exterior surface of the component box, ensuring visibility to external personnel while the internal enclosure maintains protection for sensitive electrical components
Solution Approach 2:
The component box housing acts as an intermediary structure that houses internal components while providing an external interface for status indication. The indicator lights are mounted on the exterior surface of this intermediary structure, serving as a mediator between the internal operational state and external observation, enabling information transmission without exposing internal components
3Loss of information
If indicator lights are exposed on the outer surface of the component box, then external personnel can clearly see the operational mode, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The component box serves multiple functions: it encloses and protects electrical components, provides mounting structure for the dual blower fans, and displays operational status through indicator lights on its exterior surface. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional structure, the patent avoids the need for separate protective housings, mounting brackets, and indicator light assemblies, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining clear information transmission
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 component box effectively communicates the work machine's operational mode to external personnel, enhancing safety and reducing potential operational confusion through clear visual indicators.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of indicator light sets exposed on an outer surface of the component box, wherein the plurality of indicator light sets are configured to indicate to external personnel a mode of operation of the work machine
Implementation Method 2
the upper cover includes a bi-fold cover includes a first cover and a second cover
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine can include a machine frame; and a component box holding a plurality of electrical components mounted to a roof of the machine frame; wherein the component box includes a plurality of indicator light sets exposed on an outer surface of the component box, wherein the plurality of indicator light sets are configured to indicate to external personnel a mode of operation of the work machine.