Wireless Trailer-Forklift Lighting Link Without Wired Harness Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for connecting the lighting systems of transport vehicles and demountable forklifts require manual and prone-to-damage wired connections, leading to safety issues and maintenance challenges due to the need for frequent disconnection and reconnection, and lack of backup lighting functionality.

Innovation Solution

A wireless lighting system that uses a transmitter connected to the transport vehicle's lighting system to send signals to a receiver on the demountable equipment, allowing for automatic activation of rearward-facing lights without physical cables, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and reducing maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wired connection is used to connect the lighting systems of the transport vehicle and the demountable forklift, then the lighting systems can be integrated during travel, but the connection is prone to damage from exposure to elements, accidental pulling, and corrosion, requiring frequent maintenance and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting system connection reliabilityVSAvoiddamage from exposure to rain, salt, road grit and debris

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The transmitter on the transport vehicle and receiver on the forklift communicate lighting signals wirelessly, eliminating physical cables that are susceptible to environmental damage, corrosion, and accidental disconnection during mounting and dismounting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a manual wired connection is used, then the lighting systems can be connected, but the manual connection and disconnection process is time-consuming and prone to human error, such as forgetting to disconnect the cord

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting system connection operationVSAvoidtime for manual connection and disconnection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless lighting system automatically establishes connection when the forklift is mounted on the transport vehicle and automatically disconnects when the forklift is removed. The system self-manages the connection state based on the physical mounting status, eliminating the need for manual intervention and preventing errors from forgotten disconnections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the mounting status (physical presence of the forklift on the transport vehicle) to automatically control the lighting connection state. When the forklift is mounted, the wireless connection is activated; when removed, it is deactivated, creating an automatic response to operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the forklift is positioned adjacent to the trailer's tail lights, then the forklift can be securely mounted, but the forklift blocks the trailer's tail lights, requiring a separate tail light system on the forklift

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetail light visibility for safetyVSAvoiddual lighting systems on transport vehicle and forklift

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transport vehicle's lighting system with the forklift's lighting system through wireless communication. The transmitter on the transport vehicle sends lighting signals that are received and executed by the forklift's lights, creating a unified lighting control system that eliminates the need for separate independent lighting systems while maintaining safety visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If a hard-wired lighting system is used, then the lighting can be integrated, but the system lacks backup lighting functionality and requires emergency service calls when damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting system functionalityVSAvoidbackup lighting functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless lighting system enables parameter changes in lighting configuration and functionality. The system can adapt to different operational modes (transport mode with integrated lighting, independent forklift operation mode) and provides versatility in lighting control, eliminating the need for physical reconfiguration or emergency service interventions when damage occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11964609B2Lighting system for truck and trailer mounted vehicles

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 STILLWELL ADAM K

AI summary

A wireless lighting system used with demountable equipment, including truck-mounted forklifts (TMFL). The system includes a transmitter installed in a lighting harness or trailer lighting socket on a transporting vehicle. When the transporting vehicle's notification lights or signals (turn signals, tail lights, brake lights, clearance lights, reverse lights) are activated, a wireless signal is transmitted to a wireless receiver located on the TMFL, and a corresponding light or lights are activated on the TMFL. The system utilizes the power source of the TMFL to power the notification lights of the TMFL while being transported. Further, when the forklift is dismounted and in operation, the wireless lighting system is disabled until the forklift is returned to the transport position on the transport vehicle. This prevents actuation of the lights on the forklift unless the forklift is on the transport vehicle.