Commodity Trailer Lighting Oblique Angle Shadow Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems for commodity trailers are inadequate as they often provide dim, obscured lighting due to shadowing, are costly, and require significant modification and time for installation, especially when used in dark environments for unloading commodities.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a commodity trailer working area lighting system featuring LED lamps positioned to direct light below the tub openings, with an elongated beam and frame design that orients lights at an oblique angle to illuminate the area beneath the openings, eliminating shadowing and providing improved visibility without the need for additional power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If after-market work lights are mounted on the frame of the commodity trailer, then lighting is provided for unloading operations, but the lighting is dimmed and obscured due to shadowing underneath the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system transitions from horizontal/vertical mounting on the trailer frame to an oblique angle orientation. The lights are positioned to shine downward at an angle that eliminates shadowing under the trailer while illuminating the unloading area effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting lights on the frame above the trailer (conventional approach), the system positions lights below the trailer body at an oblique angle, inverting the traditional mounting location to achieve shadow-free illumination.
2Illumination intensity
If after-market work lights are installed on commodity trailers, then lighting capability is added, but significant modification and time are required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is designed as a universal solution that can be adapted to different commodity trailer configurations. The oblique angle mounting approach and enclosure design allow for relatively quick installation across various trailer types without requiring extensive custom modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is designed with pre-fabricated enclosures and predetermined mounting configurations that simplify installation. The enclosure integrates multiple components (lights, mounting structure, protection) into a single unit that can be installed as one assembly rather than multiple separate components.
3Illumination intensity
If after-market work lights are used for commodity trailers, then lighting is provided, but the system is costly and requires auxiliary power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is designed to utilize the trailer's existing power infrastructure rather than requiring auxiliary power sources. The system integrates with the trailer's native electrical system, eliminating the need for additional generators, batteries, or external power connections.
4Illumination intensity
If work lights are mounted on the trailer frame, then lighting is provided, but the location and orientation cause dimmed and reduced lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system employs adjustable oblique angle mounting that can be oriented to optimize illumination for different unloading scenarios. The lights are positioned and angled to dynamically adapt to the working environment, ensuring effective illumination regardless of specific operational conditions.
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 provides consistent, shadow-free lighting directly below the tub openings, enhancing visibility and operational efficiency during unloading, while being cost-effective and easily integrated into existing trailers without additional power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The enclosure having a plurality of LED lamps disposed therein that emit light out of the enclosure directly below the stop member and into an area directly below the lip and smaller opening
Data Source
AI summary
A commodity trailer for storage and transport of a commodity, and provided with a lighting system. The commodity trailer can include a tub in which the commodity is stored and transported, wherein the tub includes at least one wall that is sloped from a first elevation to an opening beneath the tub at a second elevation lower than the first elevation to funnel the commodity toward the opening, and wherein the opening has a plurality of sides; a frame extending along at least one side of the opening; and a lamp mounted to the frame, wherein the lamp is positioned and oriented to direct light upon an area beneath the opening into which commodity from the tub flows upon exiting the opening.