Tailgate Light Bar Mounting for Multi-Angle Emergency Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting warning or emergency lights on vehicles often result in suboptimal visibility, especially for closely approaching or trailing vehicles, as the lights are frequently positioned too high or low, and there is a need for improved side visibility to ensure compliance with safety standards and facilitate safe road operations.
Innovation Solution
A module for mounting warning or emergency lights on the tailgate and roof of vehicles using existing openings, with a contoured fixture and adhesive end caps to secure the light bar, ensuring optimal visibility by positioning the lights at a vertical midpoint on the tailgate and extending the length of the vehicle, and a rail-based system on the roof for improved side visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If warning or emergency lights are mounted on the roof of a vehicle using existing brake light openings, then the installation is simplified and requires minimal modification, but the visibility is compromised especially to closely approaching or trailing vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional roof-mounted or rear-window-mounted emergency lights to a tailgate-mounted configuration. By utilizing the vertical surface of the tailgate, the system creates a new dimensional arrangement that improves visibility to approaching and trailing vehicles while maintaining ease of installation through existing openings.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting emergency lights on the roof or rear window as conventional practice, the patent inverts the mounting location to the tailgate surface. This inversion allows the lights to be positioned at optimal heights and angles for visibility, while still using existing structural openings for installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If emergency vehicles are positioned at angles relative to traffic or broadside, then they can block traffic or respond to incidents, but the visibility of rearward or front facing lights is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning emergency lights at specific locations on the tailgate that optimize visibility from multiple angles. The vertical arrangement of lights on the tailgate surface creates different visibility zones that remain effective whether the vehicle is positioned parallel, angled, or broadside to traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
By mounting lights on the vertical tailgate surface rather than the horizontal roof or rear window, the system adds a vertical dimension to light placement. This dimensional change ensures that lights remain visible from approaching, trailing, and side angles, improving adaptability to various vehicle positioning scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If warning or emergency lights are mounted to allow easy removal and vehicle restoration, then the vehicle can be returned to original condition, but the mounting structure must be non-permanent which may compromise installation stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting system into separate components: a mounting bracket that attaches to existing tailgate openings, and the emergency light assembly that connects to the bracket. This segmentation allows the light assembly to be easily removed and reinstalled while the bracket remains securely mounted, balancing ease of operation with mounting stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the vehicle's existing tailgate structure and the emergency light assembly. This intermediary allows for stable, secure mounting while enabling easy removal and reinstallation of the light assembly without affecting the vehicle's original condition.
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 allows for easy installation and removal of warning or emergency lights without modifying the vehicle, enhancing visibility from multiple angles, particularly for emergency vehicles positioned at angles relative to traffic, thereby improving safety and compliance with safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
End caps placed on opposing ends of the contoured fixture also have adhesive to adhere the ends of the contoured fixture to the tailgate panel surface
Data Source
AI summary
A warning and emergency light module removably attached to a tailgate of a vehicle. A contoured fixture having a length and couture to match a panel of the tailgate holds a light bar within a channel. End caps placed on the opposing ends of the assist in holding the light bar ends in the channel and the contoured fixture on the tailgate of the vehicle. In another embodiment, a warning and emergency light module is attached to a roof of a vehicle so that lights forming an array extend longitudinally along the side of the vehicle. Visibility in all directions and functionality of an emergency vehicle is enhanced.