Vehicle Warning Light Mounting for Close-Range and Side 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 too 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

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If warning or emergency lights are mounted on the roof of a vehicle, then the lights are visible from a distance, but the lights are positioned too high to be clearly visible to closely approaching or trailing vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility distanceVSAvoidvisibility to close traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into multiple independent light bars positioned at different vertical locations on the vehicle body. This segmentation allows each light bar to serve a specific visibility function: upper light bars for distance visibility and lower light bars for close traffic visibility, thereby resolving the contradiction between distant and close-range visibility requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If warning or emergency lights are mounted on the interior top rear windows or below the bumper, then the lights are positioned low for visibility, but the lights are not clearly visible from the side of the vehicle when positioned at angles relative to traffic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility to close trafficVSAvoidside visibility at angles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The light bars are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration across multiple vertical levels and horizontal positions on the vehicle body. This spatial distribution ensures that at least one light bar remains visible from any approach angle, resolving the contradiction between low-position visibility and side visibility when the vehicle is angled relative to traffic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If warning or emergency lights are permanently installed on the vehicle, then the lights provide continuous visibility, but the vehicle cannot be returned to its original condition when the lights are no longer needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility reliabilityVSAvoidvehicle restoration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is designed with dynamic mounting and removal capabilities through adhesive bonding and mechanical attachment mechanisms. This allows the system to transition between installed and removed states, providing reliable visibility when needed while enabling easy restoration of the vehicle's original condition when the lights are no longer required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If warning or emergency lights are mounted using existing openings in the vehicle, then the installation requires minimal modification to the vehicle, but the mounting locations are limited and may not provide optimal visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidvisibility optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is designed to utilize multiple types of existing vehicle features including brake light openings, taillight openings, and other factory openings. This universal mounting capability allows the same adhesive and mechanical attachment mechanisms to be used across different vehicle models and opening types, achieving both installation simplicity and visibility optimization by selecting the most appropriate mounting location for each application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 visibility 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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12103458B1Tailgate and rooftop mounted warning or emergency lights

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 SCHELLENS THOMAS E

AI summary

A warning and emergency light module 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. In another embodiment, a warning and emergency light module is 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.