Wheel Guide Rail Light Modules for Vehicle Wash Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle treatment installations require the replacement of all light elements when one fails, leading to demanding installation work, even for functioning energy-saving or illumination modules.
Innovation Solution
A wheel guide rail with distributed openings and cup-like mounting bases for light modules, featuring a transparent bottom for protection and easy replacement, along with elastically compressible elements and secure fastening mechanisms to ensure sealing and facilitate maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all light elements are mounted on a common elongated support, then the structure is simple and compact, but the entire support must be replaced when one light element fails, leading to demanding installation work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination system into independent light modules that can be individually replaced. Each light module is a separate unit mounted in the housing, allowing replacement of only the defective module rather than the entire support structure. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural simplicity while enabling easy maintenance of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light elements from a common support structure and mounts them as independent modules directly in the housing. This extraction allows each light module to be independently accessed and replaced, eliminating the need to replace the entire support when one element fails, thus improving ease of repair while keeping the overall structure simple.
2Ease of repair
If light elements are individually replaceable, then maintenance is easier, but the structure becomes more complex requiring additional mounting components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting function directly into the housing by providing openings with mounting bases integrated into the housing structure. This eliminates the need for separate complex mounting supports while still enabling individual light module replacement. The merging approach achieves easy maintenance without adding structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If mounting bases are exposed to protect light sources, then access for replacement is easier, but the mounting bases are vulnerable to damage from tire contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the mounting bases within the housing structure, positioning them in recesses that are protected from external damage. The light modules can still be individually accessed and replaced through the housing openings, while the nested positioning shields the mounting bases from tire contact and other external harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand protection by recessing the mounting bases into the housing and providing a flank that extends beyond the opening. This structural cushioning prevents direct contact between tires and the mounting bases, protecting them from damage before such damage can occur, while still allowing easy access for maintenance.
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
Enables efficient maintenance by allowing individual light module replacement without replacing the entire rail, reducing installation complexity and ensuring protection from damage and moisture exposure.
Implementation Method 1
An elastically compressible element should be provided between the stop ridge and the outside of the housing. This elastically compressible element can, but need not, be a seal; its function can also be restricted to holding a seal forced against the housing provided on another location between the mounting base and the housing because of its elastic stress.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel guide rail for lateral delimitation of a washing area of a vehicle treatment installation has an elongated housing and several light modules distributed along the housing. The housing has several openings distributed over its length. Each light module includes a mounting base mounted in one of the openings of housing and at least one light source mounted in the mounting base.