Adjustable Terrain Viewing Light Fixture for Off-Road Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road vehicles face challenges with visibility due to environmental conditions and limited mounting space for lighting systems, leading to reduced visibility and strain on mounting apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A terrain viewing apparatus with a housing, lighting and reflecting apparatuses, and adjustable mounting systems that allow for rotational and translational freedom, enabling optimal light distribution and rear-view visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple lighting modules are added to improve visibility, then light output increases, but weight and mounting space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lighting modules (work lights, spot lights, flood lights, signal lights) into a single integrated housing structure. This merging approach provides high light output through multiple modules while containing the overall weight and mounting space within a compact unified unit, rather than having separate mounted components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system performs multiple functions within a single apparatus: illumination (work lights, spot lights, flood lights), signaling (signal lights), and terrain viewing enhancement. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive visibility improvement without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby controlling overall weight and space requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple lighting modules are added to improve visibility, then light output increases, but mounting space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lighting modules (work lights, spot lights, flood lights, signal lights) into a single integrated housing structure. This merging approach provides high light output through multiple modules while containing the overall weight and mounting space within a compact unified unit, rather than having separate mounted components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting modules are arranged within a nested configuration inside the housing, with reflectors and optical elements positioned to maximize light output while minimizing the external footprint. The compact nested arrangement allows multiple light sources to be contained within a space-efficient structure that requires minimal mounting area on the vehicle.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting apparatus is used, then installation is simple, but the mounting apparatus shifts, rotates, or breaks off during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus incorporates adjustable and adaptable mounting features that can dynamically accommodate vehicle vibrations and terrain variations. The mounting system includes adjustment mechanisms that allow the lighting apparatus to be securely positioned and locked in place, preventing unwanted shifting or rotation while maintaining installation simplicity through tool-free or minimal-tool adjustment capabilities.
4Illumination intensity
If lighting system size is increased to improve visibility, then light output increases, but strain on mounting apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lighting modules (work lights, spot lights, flood lights, signal lights) into a single integrated housing structure. This merging approach provides high light output through multiple modules while containing the overall weight and mounting space within a compact unified unit, rather than having separate mounted components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus incorporates adjustable and adaptable mounting features that can dynamically accommodate vehicle vibrations and terrain variations. The mounting system includes adjustment mechanisms that allow the lighting apparatus to be securely positioned and locked in place, preventing unwanted shifting or rotation while maintaining installation simplicity through tool-free or minimal-tool adjustment capabilities.
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 adverse conditions by providing adjustable lighting and reflecting systems that adapt to terrain and vehicle orientation, reducing strain on mounting apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting apparatus coupled on a second side of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A terrain viewing apparatus is provided to enable greater viewability of environmental conditions around a vehicle. A housing of the terrain viewing apparatus may include a lighting apparatus for emitting light and illuminating environmental conditions during nighttime, dusk, or adverse weather conditions. The housing may further include a reflecting apparatus to increase an operator's ability to view environmental conditions outside the vehicle. One or more joints may enable the housing to be adjustable with respect to the vehicle. An internal joint may enable the reflecting apparatus to be adjustable with respect to the housing. The lighting apparatus may receive power from the vehicle. The lighting and reflecting apparatuses may be electrically coupled to the vehicle and may be controllable therefrom.