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Title:
UNIVERSAL MOUNTING SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/085885
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A robust, universal, physical and electrical mounting system for devices such as sensors, alerts, lighting and tracking components on transport platforms, and such sensors, alerts, lighting and tracking components as are designed to be used within the system. The invention allows for mounting and electrical connection of area lights, warning lights, audible alerts, cameras and other devices using a common physical and electrical interface irrespective of the function of the device.

Inventors:
PANOW ADRIAN (AU)
RUSHTON ANDREA (AU)
HOLMES KEVIN (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2017/051226
Publication Date:
May 17, 2018
Filing Date:
November 08, 2017
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
SNOWBIRD COMMUNICATIONS PTY LTD (AU)
International Classes:
B60Q1/00; B60Q9/00; B60Q5/00; B60Q7/00; B60Q11/00; H01R3/00; H01R4/00; H01R11/00; H01R12/00; H01R24/00; H01R25/00
Foreign References:
DE202004007136U12004-08-12
Other References:
POLAR AUTOMOTIVE, 5 May 2016 (2016-05-05), XP055501028, Retrieved from the Internet [retrieved on 20180102]
WIRING A 13 PIN EURO PLUG, 4 December 2009 (2009-12-04), Retrieved from the Internet [retrieved on 20180102]
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BUCKNELL, Duncan (AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1. An apparatus for connecting a plurality of devices to a controller, the controller comprising a plurality of outputs, the apparatus comprising a controller connection port to connect with the controller and at least two device ports for connection in each case with one of a plurality of devices, each device pre-configured to operate in response to at least one predetermined controller output, the predetermined outputs being different for each type of device, wherein any such device is workably engagable with any device port without compromise to its function.

2. A connector apparatus comprising a controller connection port to connect with a controller and a plurality of electrically separate device connection ports each corresponding to a separate electrical connection of the controller connection port, the device connection ports each configured so that any one of a plurality of pre-configured devices can be plugged into any one of the ports and still work.

3. An electrical connection apparatus comprising a controller connector for connection with a controller, a first device connection port comprising a plurality of electrical connection points for physical connection with a first device, and a second device connection port comprising a plurality of electrical connection points for physical connection with a second device, each electrical connection point of the first and second device connector ports corresponding to and in electrical communication with one of a plurality of electrical connection points of the controller connector wherein a different combination of electrical connection points is used for electrical communication between the controller connector and first device connection port compared to the controller connector and the second device connection port.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the connection between the controller

connector and the controller is a physical connection.

5. A mount for attaching a device to a transport platform comprising an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 , 2 or 3.

6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 , 2 or 3 comprising between 2 and 20,

preferably between 2 and 10, preferably between 3 and 6 device connection ports.

7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 , 2 or 3 comprising a mount to enable the apparatus to be attached to a surface which is optionally on a vehicle.

8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 , 2 or 3 for use with one or more devices the devices comprising: area lights, warning lights, audible alerts, cameras and / or other devices using a common physical and electrical interface irrespective of the function of the device.

9. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the connection points comprise an arrangement of pins and or sockets.

10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 , 2 or 3 for use on a transport platform.

1 1. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the controller comprises a switch located at a location optionally chosen from: on a transport platform dashboard, on a housing associated with the apparatus, elsewhere on a transport platform.

12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 , 2 or 3 comprising a plurality of controller connection ports for simultaneous connection with a plurality of controllers.

13. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 , 2 or 3 comprising a plurality of device

connection ports which are optionally wired in parallel.

14. An apparatus according to claim 12 comprising a connector to facilitate connection

between a plurality of controller connection ports and / or optionally banks of first connectors.

15. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 , 2 or 3 for use with one or more devices comprising lights, flashing versions of lights, focussed lights which have a fixed and individually directed beam, laser lighting arrangements, sound generating devices, RFID, radar emitters and detectors, navigational devices, and cameras.

16. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 , 2 or 3 comprising a vibration isolation

mounting joint.

17. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 , 2 or 3 comprising at least one data transfer connection point to enable data to be transferred from a device via the apparatus to another location which optionally comprises one or more of a CPU, a data store and / or a display.

18. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 , 2 or 3 wherein each device has a

corresponding control or set of controls on the controller which only work to control that device such that said control or controls operate said device irrespective of which device control port the device is connected to.

Description:
Universal Mounting System

Background of the invention:

There is an increased demand for lights, sensors, tracking, audio alerts and projected alerts on lift trucks, mining equipment, warehouse equipment, agricultural equipment and public transport and other mobile platforms in response to new technological options, operational requirements and regulations.

Emerging sensor and tracking technologies require precise mounting on transport platforms in order to operate reliably. Current arrangements limit opportunities to integrate and co-locate these emerging technologies within other lighting, sensor and alert systems.

An integrated, robust, versatile, cost effective and flexible mounting solution is not available. The current approach having to be accepted by users is to adapt and mount lights, sensors, tracking systems and alerts individually onto the frame or body of the transport platforms. Such arrangements result in sub-optimal configuration and operational functionality, no upgrade path as requirements change, restrict ability to retrofit to existing platforms, additional cost and safety issues with multiple cabling systems required.

Summary of the invention:

In some preferred embodiments, the invention provides a robust, universal, physical and electrical mounting system for devices such as sensors, alerts, lighting, mirrors and tracking components on transport platforms, and such sensors, alerts, lighting and tracking components as are designed to be used within the system. Such embodiments of the invention allow for mounting and electrical connection of area lights, warning lights, audible alerts, cameras and other devices using a common physical and electrical interface irrespective of the function of the device. According to some aspects, the invention provides an apparatus for connecting a plurality of devices to a controller, the controller comprising a plurality of outputs, the apparatus comprising a controller connection port to connect with the controller and at least two device ports for connection in each case with one of a plurality of devices, each device pre-configured to operate in response to at least one predetermined controller output, the predetermined outputs being different for each type of device, wherein any such device is workably engagable with any device port without compromise to its function. According to a another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for providing a connection to a plurality of devices, the apparatus comprising a housing and a connector, wherein the connector comprises at least one connection specific to each one of the plurality of devices such that connection to any one of such devices enables the device to function. The connector is able to workably connect to any of such devices, each with their own unique connection.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector apparatus comprising a controller connection port to connect with a controller and a plurality of electrically separate device connection ports each corresponding to a separate electrical connection of the controller connection port, the device connection ports each configured so that any one of a plurality of pre-configured devices can be plugged into any one of the ports and still work.

In one aspect, the invention provides an electrical connection apparatus comprising a controller connector for connection with a controller, a first device connection port comprising a plurality of electrical connection points for physical connection with a first device, and a second device connection port comprising a plurality of electrical connection points for physical connection with a second device, each electrical connection point of the first and second device connector ports corresponding to and in electrical communication with one of a plurality of electrical connection points of the controller connector wherein a different combination of electrical connection points is used for electrical communication between the controller connector and first device connection port compared to the controller connector and the second device connection port. In some preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the connection between the controller connector and the controller is a physical connection.

As used herein, the phrase 'a different combination of electrical connection points' includes the situation where a single type of electrical connection point (such as an electrical pin) is used as the electrical connection in more than one device connector port. This may be achieved for example by placing the single connection point in different locations about the port geometry with each location corresponding to a separate device type.

The term 'controller" as used herein refers to any human useable interface capable of receiving a human input which causes a signal to be sent to control a device. It may be a simple switch, it may be a computer touch screen or keyboard, it may be a joystick, it may be a toggle switch, it may be a touch pad, it may be a panel of switches, it may be a console or a dashboard, or any other suitable interface. Outputs from a controller may be of any suitable form. In some embodiments, they may comprise a physical connection, for example an electrical connection or a photonic connection. In some embodiments, outputs may comprise an electromagnetic signal, for example if the controller is wirelessly connected (for example paired with Bluetooth or another protocol) with an apparatus according to the invention, which on receiving the signal transmits an instruction to the device in question. Typically outputs from the controller are physical, but they may also be wireless as described herein. For a physical output, a controller connection port will be a physical port for physical attachment to the controller, and for a wireless output, a controller connection port will be a wireless adaptor or chipset or similar.

'Device ports' or 'Device connection ports' according to the invention comprise a physical connection to the relevant device. By this means an important benefit of the invention is obtained - the ready physical connection of any one of a variety of pre-configured devices with any one of the device connection ports such that the device will immediately work without further configuration. Whilst the connection between the apparatus of the invention and the controller may be wireless, the connection between the apparatus of the invention and each device is not. The apparatus of the invention comprises at least one connection to at least one controller and a plurality of connections to devices to be controlled (also herein referred to as devices or slave deivces). In some embodiments there are provided a plurality of connections to a

corresponding plurality of controllers and in some embodiments, each controller is dedicated to control a separate slave device. Some embodiments comprise a plurality of controller connection ports for simultaneous connection with a plurality of controllers.

An apparatus according to the invention, may comprise any suitable number of device connection ports. For example, it may comprise between 2 and 20, preferably between 2 and 10, preferably between 3 and 6 device connection ports. Several examples with different numbers of device ports are depicted in the drawings but should not be understood as limiting in any way.

In some aspects of the invention, there is provided a mount for attaching a device to a transport platform comprising an apparatus according to the invention. In some embodiments, there is provided an apparatus according to the invention comprising a mount to enable the apparatus to be attached to a surface which is optionally on a vehicle.

As used herein, the term 'transport platform' means any vehicle on which the types of slave devices as described herein might be gainfully mounted. A transport platform may comprise a truck, a bus, a lorry, a tractor, a forklift, a scissor lift, a train, a tram, an industrial platform, or any other suitable vehicle. In some embodiments, there is provided an apparatus according to the invention for use one or more devices comprising: area lights, warning lights, audible alerts, cameras and / or other devices using a common physical and electrical interface irrespective of the function of the device. In some embodiments, the connection points comprise an arrangement of pins and or sockets. Preferred embodiments of the invention are for use on a transport platform. Some embodiments comprise other functionality which adds value to the user of the apparatus and / or transport platform. For example, in some embodiments, the apparatus of the invention comprises a mirror so that a user can look for other vehicles or pedestrians. Such an embodiment may for example be particularly useful where there is little room so that the apparatus of the invention is mounted where a rear-vision mirror would normally be placed. The mirror may be on one side of the apparatus and fulfil its usual role, whilst the other side comprises the connection ports as described herein. In other embodiments, the apparatus itself may comprise one or more other items such as lights, alerts, etc. In these embodiments the other items may for example be attached to (eg. integrally formed with) the apparatus itself or a housing associated with it rather than being separately attachable via a device connection port. One example of this implementation may be the use of a particular warning beacon on a particular location of a particular type of industrial transport platform, such as a particular model of forklift. It may be useful for users of such forklifts to be able to have an apparatus according to the invention that can be mounted in place of a current warning beacon which can continue to function, but that additional devices (such as a sound alert speaker or a high beam light) can be added at the same location by connection to a device connection port and thus save space. In such embodiments, a manufacturer of a device according to the invention may identify a common need amongst customers for a particular application (such as the forklift above), which can be readily met whilst maintaining the flexibility for end users to add other devices of their own choice as well.

The connection points of the invention may be of any suitable type. In some embodiments of the invention, they comprise an arrangement of pins and or sockets. They might also comprise for example magnetic connections that allow passage of an electrical current, or

complementary conducting surfaces and so on. In some preferred embodiment of the invention, the controller comprises a switch located at a location optionally chosen from: on a transport platform dashboard, on a housing associated with the apparatus, elsewhere on a transport platform.

Some preferred embodiments comprise a plurality of device connection ports which are optionally wired in parallel and some embodiments comprise a connector to facilitate connection between a plurality of controller connection ports and / or optionally banks of first connectors.

In some embodiments of the invention, there is provided an apparatus as herein described for use with one or more devices comprising lights, flashing versions of lights, focussed lights which have a fixed and individually directed beam, laser lighting arrangements, sound generating devices, RFID, radar emitters and detectors, navigational devices, and cameras. Some embodiments comprise a vibration isolation mounting joint which is particularly useful for applications such as video or camera devices.

In some preferred embodiments, there is provided an apparatus according to the invention comprising at least one data transfer connection port to enable data to be transferred from a device via the apparatus to another location which optionally comprises one or more of a CPU, machine readable code, a data store and / or a display. A device connected to an apparatus according to these embodiments may for example comprise a sensor and transfer sensed data (for example video, object proximity, sound, light, etc) and pass it via the data transfer connection port eventually to a computing device. The computing device which comprises a CPU, machine readable code and a data store may process the data and thereafter send an output signal back via the apparatus of the invention to instruct a connected device. Thus for example, a proximity sensor may sense proximity of a wall, send a signal to the computing device which sends identifies the risk and sends a signal back to an alert which may be on the same device or a different one connected to the apparatus of the invention. The alert may of course be of any suitable type, for example it may be a sound, or a flashing light, etc. Any suitable combination of sensed data and response may be used according to these

embodiments of the invention. In another example a sensor may sensor the presence of a pedestrian and cause a warning to be displayed in front of the pedestrian using one or more laser devices.

The devices for use with the apparatus of the invention may be of any suitable type. For example, they may be one or more of: area lights, warning lights, audible alerts, cameras and / or other devices in a wide variety of configurations and preferably using a common physical and electrical interface irrespective of the function of each device. In particularly preferred embodiments, by having connectors with different arrangements of pins corresponding to different slave devices, and wiring in parallel one can match specific switches or controls to specific devices whilst plugging in any device to any port on the apparatus according to the invention (Figure 4). Preferably each device has a corresponding control or set of controls on the controller which only work to control that device such that said control or controls operate said device irrespective of which device control port the device is connected to.

In some embodiments, each device comprises a matching connector. In some embodiments, the apparatus of the invention comprises a plurality of connectors and in some embodiments, the connection is physical. Any suitable physical connection may be used in these

embodiments, for example, by an arrangement of pins.

Brief description of the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side view of a possible configuration of one implementation of the invention on a lift truck.

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of one possible configuration of a device according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of one possible configuration of a device according to the invention. A ball mount attachment is shown but the method of attachment is not limited to a ball mount and the invention includes other mechanisms to secure individual units to the transport platforms.

Figure 4 is a schematic depicting one possible way in which a device according to the invention may be wired.

Figure 5 is a front perspective view of another example implementation of the invention. Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the implementation of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a side view of the implementation of Figure 5. Figure 8 is a front view of the implementation of Figure 5.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments: In most environments, if something is set in motion, it must be controlled to ensure safe and effective operation. In broad terms control is delivered by two capabilities - situational awareness and appropriate intervention based on that awareness. The technology available to assist to provide situational awareness has continued to evolve. Originally situational awareness involved mirrors, windscreen cleaning systems and lights. While these mechanisms are still valid many new options continue to be made available, for example an array of sensors, cameras, software and alert mechanisms, both audio and visual.

These options have evolved at different rates and times, and the transport platforms that could benefit from them do not have a common destination point where they can be integrated in a practical, cost effective way.

Accordingly in some aspects, the invention is a robust, universal, physical and electrical mounting system for sensors, alerts, lighting and tracking components on transport platforms, and such sensors, alerts, lighting and tracking components as are designed to be used within the system. The invention allows for mounting and electrical connection of area lights, warning lights, audible alerts, cameras and other devices using a common physical, electrical and data/digital interface irrespective of the function of the device.

Devices may be controlled from existing switches or new switches added to the dashboard or other location in the vehicle. Alternatively, switches may be added to the housing or the mounting system of the apparatus of the invention.

In some aspects of the invention, there is provided an apparatus which is a mounting system that provides a destination point for various tools that deliver situational awareness. The mounting system may for example provide:

• a physical mounting point;

· an electrical connection and control; and

• connectivity for example to a CPU which serves as both provider of software to support sensors, cameras etc as well as a database for useful digital information.

Benefits of such aspects of the invention comprise for example:

• one installation;

· flexibility to add, replace or upgrade to technologically superior options;

• economic advantages over multiple systems, each requiring an electrical connection and control mechanisms or systems which are not designed to support all technical options; and

• ability to retrofit to older platforms, upgrading the technology available to operators

According to some embodiments, all devices receive power from the mounting system, therefore, a physical electrical connection is required. Signal or data cables can also be incorporated into the mounting. For example, a camera will have power plus video

connections.

In this example, the mounting system is "electrical" rather than "electronic". It does not incorporate any active electronics. The attached devices, however, are likely to contain electronic components such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), cameras and radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitters/receivers. Some devices will have the capability to receive and transmit wirelessly (for example an IP camera) but they will still require physical connection for power (which is provided by the mounting system).

A key, element of the invention is that any device, singly or in multiples, can be mounted onto any connector and immediately function as required. Thus, for example, if a white light were to be added to a particular connector, and the white light switch on the dashboard switched to the 'on' position, the white light will immediately turn on without any further configuration. If the switch is left in the 'on' position, but the white light removed from the connector and replaced with a blue light on the same connector, then even though the white light switch is in the 'on' position, the blue light will not turn on until the blue light switch is switched to the 'on' position. However, it will immediately turn on once the blue light switch is turned to 'on'. This same principle applies with any device attached to any of the connectors and for any control instruction provided to any device.

The invention includes the mechanism for attachment to the transport platform, a housing or an enclosure onto and within which are mounted electrical connectors, and a range of lights, sensors and cameras suitable for use on the mounting system.

The universal nature of the system allows for customization, upgrades and new categories of devices. The lights, sensors, alerts, cameras and other devices are designed to operate with the mounting system only. Conversely, lights, sensors, alerts, cameras and other devices that are not part of the system cannot be used. This prevents electrical conflicts from the use of incompatible devices, ensures that any regulatory requirements are met and improves cost effectiveness of installation, maintenance and upgrade activities.

In some implementations, the physical connection used to connect the device to the mounting system is chosen such that only devices with a matching connector will be able to be connected, and once connected, the wiring is such that the device will immediately function as required. (See for example Figure 4). Devices have plugs that mate electrically only with specific pins on the connector on the housing. All connectors are the same and wired in parallel so devices can be connected at any location and function correctly. In some embodiments, one or more connector pins may carry data for specific devices therefore a software upgrade is possible in situ. Alternatively, the device could be removed and upgraded remotely.

A wide range of devices is compatible with the system and for example comprises, but is not limited to, white, blue, yellow, red and green visible spectrum lights, flashing versions of the lights, focussed blue lights which have a fixed and individually directed beam, laser lighting arrangements, sound generating devices, RFID and radar emitters and detectors, navigational devices, and cameras.

Turning now to the Figures, an apparatus according to the invention can accommodate a variety of useful tools that either sense, film or project out (light or sound). The number or type of devises to sense, film or project can vary according to the application. Consequently the mounting apparatus can be produced with different numbers of ports or mounting points - for example three, four, five, six or more. Whilst Figures 1 to 4 show 3 or 4 common mounting points Figures 5 to 8 show a version with 6 mounting points. In some applications 3 would be sufficient but in others more are required. Therefore the mount can be produced in a variety of formats to suit different applications - it is in effect scalable. The common feature being the ability to connect different types of devices using standard connection points.

Multiples of the apparatus according to the invention can be connected to extend both the number of similar or different attached devices and to locate devices at other points on the transport platform. Figure 1 depicts a possible arrangement of the apparatus of the invention on a lift truck. The system is inherently versatile and enables various configurations to be deployed on lift trucks and other transport platforms with respect to location on the vehicle and the number of devices or mounting apparatuses used.

Generally, but without limiting potential locations, the system components are mounted on the external frame of the vehicle (10). The method of attachment (4) may incorporate a ball joint (13), flat plates attached via bolts either side of the frame, attached via a mounting point welded or otherwise incorporated during manufacture of the vehicle frame or during service of an existing platform, or other arrangement to suit particular vehicle configurations. A vibration isolation mounting joint may also be used in conjunction with the aforementioned arrangements where the vehicle will travel over uneven surfaces.

In some embodiments the apparatus of the invention may be installed during manufacture of the vehicle. However in particularly preferred embodiments, the apparatus of the invention is readily installable either by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or retrofitted as an after-market product to suit the requirements of particular end users. A significant advantage of the invention is that once the mounting system is installed, additions or changes to the configuration of sensors and alerts can be undertaken by the end-user. This feature enables technological advances in devices to be incorporated cost effectively and in a timely manner. The core component of the mounting system (1 ) shown in Figures 1 , 2 and 3, consists of a housing constructed from alloy, polymer or other material into which at least one electrical connection is incorporated (11), (12). Housings are designed to have environmental ratings suitable for the intended use of the transport platform. The choice of material is on the basis of the intended use and other factors such as the number of devices to be attached. Generally, polymer-based housings will be used in moderate situations such as indoor warehouses.

Housings made from alloy will be more suitable to outdoor and extreme environments such as cool stores.

In some embodiments, the mounting system supplies electrical power to the devices. A simple example of such an embodiment is a light where only positive and negative connections are required. A more complex device, such as a camera, may require positive and negative power connections, connections for control of other features and connections for video and / or other data.

Example electrical connectors (1 1) and (12) may for example have between 2 and 36 active conductors. The electrical systems of the invention can be adapted to suit various standards or can be designated to accommodate all standards, as the situation requires.

Sensors, alerts, lights and other devices (2) connect electrically and physically to the connectors. A key characteristic of the system is that all devices are able to connect and operate regardless of which connector they are connected to.

Connectors can also be utilised to add further units (7) or individual devices (9) that are designed to operate within the system environment. In some embodiments, further mounting systems can be added in parallel to expand the number of devices connected.

Interconnection via compatible cables (6) and (8) enables significant flexibility to configure individual arrangement to meet operation requirements. A cable is inherently flexible and can be of various lengths as opposed to a rigid connection. Devices can therefore, be mounted in various locations. This is important as every vehicle will vary because of configuration or use. From a commercial perspective, this flexibility allows a generic system to be sold rather than tailoring to each application. Conversely, configurations that suit specific, identical vehicles can also be sold to customers.

Connectors can also be utilised to connect the system with the electrical systems of the vehicle (5). (see also Figure 4). Connection to the vehicle's electrical systems may for example be via the same connector. The power and control cables from the vehicle may for example be terminated with a matching connector to allow simple connection to the mounting system.

Devices (2) can be attached in horizontal configurations (12) and vertically (1 1). The system includes the ability to direct devices (2) forwards, to the rear and above the vehicle.

It should also be noted that an advantage of the present invention is that the modular nature of the mount enables different components to be easily removed for repair or replaced, which saves on maintenance and service costs.

It is convenient to describe the invention herein in relation to particularly preferred

embodiments. However, the invention is applicable to a wide range of embodiments and it is to be appreciated that other constructions and arrangements are also considered as falling within the scope of the invention. Various modifications, alterations, variations and or additions to the construction and arrangements described herein are also considered as falling within the ambit and scope of the present invention.