Multi-directional Vehicle Wheel Lighting for Direction Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Omnidirectionally movable vehicles, such as robot vehicles, pose a risk of collision due to their ability to change direction unpredictably, especially when starting from a standstill, as visual warning signals do not effectively convey the direction of motion to individuals in their vicinity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multidirectionally movable vehicle equipped with illumination devices assigned to each wheel, which are activated based on the intended direction of travel to visually indicate the vehicle's path, allowing external observers to anticipate the vehicle's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If omnidirectional wheels are used to enable movement in any direction, then the vehicle's mobility and adaptability are improved, but the safety and predictability for surrounding persons deteriorate due to inability to anticipate movement direction
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination devices are activated before the vehicle actually moves to indicate the intended direction of travel. This preliminary visual signaling allows persons in the vicinity to anticipate the vehicle's movement and take appropriate avoidance actions, resolving the safety issue while maintaining omnidirectional mobility capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rotating signal lamps are used as visual warning devices, then the warning function is improved, but the information about intended direction of motion is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single rotating signal lamp that provides generic warning, the invention segments the visual signaling function into multiple illumination devices (14, 15) associated with different wheels or directions. Each illumination device can be independently activated to indicate the specific intended direction of travel, thereby providing both warning and directional information simultaneously
3Speed
If the vehicle changes direction abruptly from standstill, then the responsiveness and productivity are improved, but the safety for surrounding persons deteriorates due to inability to anticipate movement
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination devices are activated in advance before the vehicle begins movement or changes direction, even from a standstill. This preliminary indication of intended direction allows persons to react and maintain safe distance, enabling the vehicle to change direction abruptly without compromising safety
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multi-directionally movable vehicle (10, 20) and to a method for operating the multi-directionally movable vehicle (10, 20). The vehicle (10, 20) has a vehicle body (11, 12), a plurality of multi-directionally movable wheels (13) which are rotatably arranged on the vehicle body (11, 12) and have the purpose of moving the vehicle (10), and a plurality of lighting devices (14, 15) which are each assigned to one of the wheels (13) and which can be activated as a function of the selected or intended direction of travel of the vehicle (10) in order to indicate visually to the outside the direction of travel of the vehicle (10) by means of one or more activated lighting devices (14, 15).