Universal Light Bar Mount Using Preexisting Vehicle Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light bar installations on emergency vehicles require modifications to the vehicle, which are costly, time-consuming, and can damage the vehicle, void warranties, and are not universally compatible with different vehicle makes and models.
Innovation Solution
A removably attached light bar assembly with a U-shaped support that uses preexisting vehicle attachment points and slots, allowing for secure mounting without drilling or welding, and a universal configuration that fits multiple vehicle models without modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional light bar installation methods are used, then the light bar can be securely attached to the vehicle, but the vehicle requires costly and time-consuming modifications including drilling holes and using welds or clamps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-formed attachment structures (U-shaped supports with pre-drilled holes and mounting brackets) that are prepared in advance during light bar manufacturing. These pre-prepared components can be directly installed using existing vehicle attachment points without requiring on-site drilling, welding, or other vehicle modifications, thereby resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The light bar assembly is segmented into multiple independent components including U-shaped supports, mounting brackets, and the light bar housing itself. Each component has dedicated attachment features that can be independently installed and adjusted. This segmentation allows the attachment structures to be separately optimized and installed without modifying the entire vehicle, reducing installation complexity while maintaining secure attachment
2Strength
If modifications are made to the vehicle for light bar installation, then the light bar can be securely mounted, but the vehicle warranty may be voided and resale value compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary components (U-shaped supports and mounting brackets) that act as mediators between the light bar assembly and the vehicle. These intermediaries are designed to attach to existing vehicle structures at predetermined locations without requiring drilling, welding, or other modifications to the vehicle body. This intermediary approach achieves secure mounting while preserving vehicle integrity and maintaining warranties
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment structures are pre-designed and pre-positioned during light bar manufacturing to interface with existing vehicle attachment points. This preliminary preparation ensures that installation can proceed without vehicle modifications, thereby avoiding warranty voiding and preserving resale value while still achieving secure mounting
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional light bar designs are used, then they can be attached to specific vehicle types, but they are not universally compatible with different makes and models
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the light bar assembly with standardized U-shaped supports and mounting brackets that can interface with multiple different vehicle types, makes, and models. The attachment structures are designed to work with various vehicle roof configurations and existing attachment points, allowing a single light bar design to serve multiple vehicle applications without requiring custom configurations for each vehicle type, thereby achieving versatility without increasing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A light bar assembly mounted on the roof or rear door of an emergency vehicle. The assembly includes a light bar support shaped for the particular make and model of a vehicle on which the assembly is installed or alternately a support configured for mounting on two or more different vehicle models. The support has openings formed in it, each corresponding to the location of a preexisting opening formed in the vehicle for electrical wiring and mounting fasteners that can be used to attach the support to the vehicle so that no additional openings or other alterations are required. This allows the light bar assembly to be readily mounted on the vehicle without modifications to the vehicle or the assembly being required. Lights are mounted on the support. The lights are selectively illuminated in accordance with the use of the vehicle in emergency or other situations.