Vertical LED Marker for Snow Plow Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated markers for snow plows are prone to damage from snow and ice and do not provide sufficient illumination in extreme conditions, leading to uneven marking and reduced visibility.
Innovation Solution
An elongated tubular marker with a high lumen LED lighting element mounted at the bottom and a durable, translucent plastic body that transmits light vertically, secured by a mounting bracket to maintain the marker in a vertical position, ensuring the light source is protected from damage and providing adequate visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple LED elements are mounted horizontally on the plow blade, then the marker provides illumination visibility, but the individual LED elements become damaged from snow and ice buffeting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal mounting approach by mounting the LED element vertically at the bottom end of the tubular marker. This inversion positions the light source in a protected location where snow and ice cannot easily reach, while still achieving effective marker illumination through the translucent body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a translucent tubular body as an intermediary between the LED light source and the external environment. This tubular body transmits light effectively for visibility while simultaneously protecting the LED element from direct exposure to snow and ice buffeting.
2Device complexity
If LED elements are mounted in exposed horizontal positions, then the marker structure is simple, but the illumination becomes uneven due to individual element damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the mounting orientation from horizontal to vertical, with the single LED element positioned at the bottom end. This simple inverted configuration eliminates the complexity of mounting multiple elements while ensuring uniform illumination through the translucent tubular body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple LED elements into a single high-lumen LED element. This consolidation simplifies the marker structure by eliminating the need for multiple elements and their respective mountings, while the single element's high lumen output ensures sufficient and uniform illumination.
3Reliability
If a single high lumen LED is used at the bottom end, then the light source is protected from damage, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mounting bracket to serve multiple functions: it secures the tubular marker to the plow blade, positions the LED element at the bottom end, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective components, keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the translucent tubular body as an intermediary structure that both protects the LED element and serves as the light-transmitting marker. This eliminates the need for separate protective housings or enclosures, simplifying the overall mounting structure while maintaining light source protection.
4Illumination intensity
If multiple LED elements are used horizontally, then adequate illumination can be achieved, but individual element failure results in uneven marking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function of multiple LED elements into a single high-lumen LED element. This consolidation ensures marking consistency because there is only one light source that cannot fail partially like multiple elements. The single element's high lumen output maintains adequate brightness while eliminating the risk of uneven marking from individual element failure.
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 reliable and sufficient illumination in extreme snow conditions, preventing damage from snow and ice and ensuring consistent visibility for the snow plow operator.
Implementation Method 1
A high lumen LED lighting element is mounted substantially adjacent to the bottom end of the elongated tubular member and configured to shine light through the interior of the elongated tubular member toward the top end
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in this disclosure is an apparatus for marking an implement, such as a snow plow. An elongated tubular member retains an illuminated member such a high lumen LED lighting element mounted substantially adjacent to the bottom end of the elongated tubular member and configured to shine light through the interior of the elongated tubular member toward the top end. Conductor wiring connects a source of electrical energy to the LED. An enclosing cap includes a crimped end portion secured to the bottom end of the elongated tubular member. A cylindrical end portion has a hollow interior for admitting the conductor wiring for connection to the source of electrical energy. A mounting bracket can include a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface, formed together to support the illuminated member.