Wireless Control of Emergency Light Bars and Sirens

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for controlling light bars and sirens on emergency vehicles require operators to physically enter the vehicle to make changes, and they lack mechanisms for coordinating these systems to avoid interference, especially when used simultaneously at a location.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a wireless communications circuit, such as a Wi-Fi interface module, allows for remote control and coordination of light bars, sirens, and other vehicle systems through a mobile device, enabling operators to control and synchronize these systems wirelessly, including via a hot spot or cellular network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If operators control light bars and sirens from inside the vehicle, then control reliability is improved, but operator convenience deteriorates when operators are outside the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidoperator convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless communication system acts as an intermediary between the operator's mobile device and the vehicle's light bar/siren control system. The system receives control commands wirelessly from the mobile device and transmits them to the control head, enabling remote operation while maintaining reliable control of the warning devices without requiring the operator to physically enter the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple light bars and sirens operate simultaneously at a location, then notification coverage is improved, but system coordination deteriorates causing interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification coverageVSAvoidsystem coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow multiple light bars and sirens to communicate their operational status and coordination requirements. The system receives coordination commands from the mobile device that synchronize the operation of multiple warning devices, ensuring they work together harmoniously to enhance notification coverage without creating interfering patterns or sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If physical wiring connects control devices to light bars and sirens, then control precision is improved, but system adaptability deteriorates for remote operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidremote operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical wiring connection with a wireless communication system. The control head and light bar/siren system communicate control signals and data wirelessly through the communication circuit, eliminating the need for physical wiring while maintaining precise control. This substitution enables operators to control the warning devices from any location with wireless coverage, significantly improving adaptability and remote operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8963705B2Wireless control and coordination of light bar and siren

Publication Date: 2015.02.24 CODE 3 INC

AI summary

A wireless interface module is used with at least one of a light bar, a control head, and/or a siren so that a mobile device can wirelessly control the light bar and/or siren via a user interface.