Wireless Mesh Lighting for Emergency Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emergency vehicle lighting systems require modifications to the vehicle's electrical system, are cumbersome, and difficult to retrofit on various vehicles, especially when temporary leasing is necessary, and often involve cumbersome light bars that are not readily portable.

Innovation Solution

A mesh lighting system using independent signalling light sources powered by dedicated energy sources, connected via a low-powered wireless network to a control module, allowing for synchronized lighting without the need for hardwiring, and a portable kit with standardized batteries, a control module, and a sound emitting source for easy installation and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hardwired lighting systems are used, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but vehicle modification is required and portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidvehicle adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into independent modular units, each with its own power source and control capabilities. These segmented units can be independently installed on different vehicles without requiring centralized hardwiring, thus maintaining reliability while improving adaptability across various vehicle types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical hardwiring system with a wireless communication system. The control module communicates with lighting units via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical cable connections through vehicle windows or door jambs, thereby improving both adaptability and installation ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If control module and light sources are interconnected using wires, then stable communication is achieved, but installation complexity increases and portability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes wired communication with wireless communication between the control module and lighting units. This eliminates the need for physical cable routing through vehicle structures, significantly simplifying installation while maintaining communication stability through reliable wireless protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication system provides universal compatibility across different vehicle types and configurations. The same control module and lighting units can be deployed on various vehicles without requiring vehicle-specific wiring harnesses or cable routing solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Illumination intensity

If a large light bar is used, then sufficient illumination coverage is achieved, but portability is reduced and vehicle compatibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight coverageVSAvoidvehicle compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent lighting units that can be strategically positioned on different parts of the vehicle. This segmentation allows sufficient illumination coverage to be achieved through distributed placement rather than requiring a single large light bar, thereby improving portability and vehicle compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of concentrating light sources in a single large bar structure, the patent distributes lighting units across multiple dimensions and locations on the vehicle. This spatial distribution achieves comprehensive light coverage while using smaller, more portable individual units that can be easily attached to various vehicle types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If control module is placed inside the vehicle, then protection from environmental factors is achieved, but cable routing through windows or door jambs is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol module protectionVSAvoidinstallation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the physical cable connection system with wireless communication. The control module can remain protected inside the vehicle while communicating with external lighting units through wireless signals, eliminating the need for cables to pass through windows or door jambs and simplifying installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9783108B2Mesh lighting system for emergency vehicles

Publication Date: 2017.10.10 9609385 CANADA INC

AI summary

A mesh lighting system for emergency vehicles and method for retrofitting a vehicle with emergency lights is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of independent signalling light sources each supplied by a dedicated source of energy, a control module, and a low powered wireless network connecting said control module with the plurality of light sources. The plurality of independent signalling light sources emit at least one light flash in response to a control signal received from the control module.