Sensor-Controlled Vehicle Lighting for Side Work Area Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional illumination devices on material handling vehicles do not effectively illuminate the working area on either side of the vehicle, leading to reduced visibility and increased time and labor costs for operators.
Innovation Solution
A lighting accessory for material handling vehicles, integrated with a rotatable arm or body, includes a housing with a light source that projects light parallel to the ground plane, controlled by a sensor-based controller to optimize illumination based on environmental and operational factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional illumination devices are used on material handling vehicles, then the device structure is simple, but the illumination effectiveness in the working area is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into multiple light sources positioned at different locations on the material handling vehicle. Each light source illuminates a specific zone (front, rear, left, right working areas), creating a segmented illumination pattern that collectively covers the entire working environment without requiring a single complex lighting device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-dimensional illumination by positioning light sources not only at the front and rear but also at the left and right sides of the vehicle. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions ensures comprehensive coverage of the working area, solving the limitation of traditional single-directional lighting
2Productivity
If traditional illumination devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but the operator's visibility and工作效率 are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is designed to activate light sources in advance based on the vehicle's operational state. Sensors detect when the vehicle is in a working position and automatically activate the appropriate light sources before the operator needs them, ensuring optimal visibility is already in place when work begins
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the vehicle's position, movement state, and ambient light conditions. This feedback information is used to dynamically control the illumination system, activating or deactivating specific light sources based on real-time operational needs, thereby optimizing operator visibility and efficiency
3Object-affected harmful factors
If light is projected parallel to the ground plane, then shadows are reduced in the working area, but the light distribution pattern becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each light source is designed with specific directional characteristics tailored to its location on the vehicle. Front light sources project downward at angles optimized for the front working area, while side light sources project parallel to the ground to illuminate lateral zones. This localized optimization of light quality and direction minimizes shadows in each specific working zone without requiring a uniform complex projection system across all sources
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 in the operator's working area, improving efficiency and reducing shadows, thereby saving time and costs by providing clearer illumination for order picking tasks.
Implementation Method 1
A light source may be disposed within the housing. A window in the housing may be configured to allow light from the light source to illuminate a working area adjacent to the material handling vehicle. Light emitted from the light source may be projected substantially parallel to a ground plane.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lighting accessory (200) for a material handling vehicle (100) may be provided. The lighting accessory (200) may include a housing (204), a light source (216) disposed within the housing (204), a window (220) in the housing (204) configured to allow light from the light source (216) to illuminate a working area adjacent to the material handling vehicle (100), and a controller (232) configured to selectively activate the light source (216) based on data collected by a sensor (236). Light emitted from the light source (216) may be projected substantially parallel to a ground plane. The housing (204) may be configured to be coupled to a rotatable arm (120) or a body (124) of the material handling vehicle (100) within or around an operator compartment (104) of the material handling vehicle (100).