Side Deflector-Mounted Work Lamps for Rear Cab Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting systems, particularly in heavy-duty vehicles, are not robust enough and often fail to provide adequate illumination due to protrusion issues and interference from surrounding components, leading to unsatisfactory reliability and limited range of motion, and are not modular or evolutionary.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lighting assembly mounted on side deflector panels, which provides broad illumination while being mechanically protected and eliminates dark areas by positioning the light sources to avoid interposed components, utilizing a fastening system with a glass housing for light sources that can pivot for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a working lamp is mounted on the vehicle as a protruding member, then it can illuminate the desired area, but it may be caught in or damaged by surrounding elements
Solution Approach 1:
The working lamp is integrated with the side deflector panel, merging two components into one unified structure. The lighting assembly becomes part of the aerodynamic bodywork rather than a separate protruding element, protecting it from damage while maintaining illumination functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The side deflector panel acts as an intermediary carrier for the working lamp. Instead of mounting the lamp directly on the vehicle body or as a standalone protruding element, it uses the deflector panel as an intermediate mounting surface that provides both protection and positioning.
2Ease of operation
If the working lamp casing is mounted on a movable member, then it provides some range of motion, but the range is not wide enough to illuminate all areas
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting assembly is positioned on the side deflector panel which extends laterally from the vehicle body. This side-mounted position provides a different spatial dimension for illumination compared to front or rear mounting, allowing light to reach areas that would otherwise be in shadow from vehicle components.
Solution Approach 2:
The side deflector panel itself is designed to be movable or adjustable, allowing the mounted lighting assembly to change position dynamically. This provides adaptability in illumination coverage without requiring complex mechanical mounting mechanisms.
3Strength
If vehicle components are positioned on the light path, then they provide structural support, but they create undesirable dark areas
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting function is extracted from traditional mounting positions and relocated to the side deflector panel. This separates the illumination function from the main vehicle body structure, allowing light to be emitted from a position that does not interfere with the structural components needed for support.
Solution Approach 2:
By mounting lights on the side deflector panels rather than on the main vehicle body, the illumination comes from a lateral dimension rather than from front or rear positions. This changes the light path geometry so that structural components no longer block the light from reaching the target areas.
4Ease of manufacture
If a traditional working lamp system is used, then it provides basic illumination, but it is not modular or evolutionary
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into modular lighting assemblies that can be independently mounted on each side deflector panel. Each assembly is a self-contained unit that can be easily installed, removed, or upgraded without affecting the entire lighting system or other vehicle components.
Solution Approach 2:
The side deflector panel serves multiple functions: aerodynamic flow management, structural support, and as a mounting platform for the lighting assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mounting structures and allows for more flexible, evolutionary system design.
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 solution ensures robust and reliable illumination with a broad coverage area, improved safety during operations like loading/unloading, and cost-effectiveness by utilizing existing vehicle components, while also enhancing camera monitoring system performance in night conditions.
Implementation Method 1
light sources that emit a beam rearward through the glass
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle comprising a chassis which has a longitudinal axis and which is supported by wheels; a cab mounted on the chassis, the cab including two side walls; a wind deflecting assembly comprising at least two side deflector panels, each side deflector panel having a front edge linked to a rear portion of the corresponding cab side wall and a rear edge, and extending vertically over at least part of the height of the corresponding cab side wall rear portion; and at least one lighting assembly which is mounted on a side deflector panel and which includes at least a working lamp configured to illuminate an area located rearward of the cab.