DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to lighting systems for military vehicles, and more particularly to an LED-based inspection light system, and method for providing dual-stage intensity control and dual power input capabilities in armored vehicle applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Lighting systems play a crucial role in military vehicles, particularly in armored vehicles designed for combat and tactical operations. These vehicles often operate in challenging environments and require reliable, durable lighting solutions for various tasks, including maintenance, inspection, and emergency situations. Traditional lighting systems in military vehicles have typically relied on incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, which have several limitations in terms of durability, energy efficiency, and versatility.
[0003] Incandescent and fluorescent lighting systems in military vehicles are prone to failure due to the high vibration and shock environments they encounter. These lighting solutions often have short operational lifespans, especially when subjected to the rigors of combat situations. Additionally, they consume significant power and generate excessive heat, which can be problematic in confined spaces within armored vehicles. The lack of adjustable brightness in conventional lighting systems also poses challenges for military personnel who need to maintain low-light profiles during certain operations or adapt to varying visibility conditions.
[0004] Another limitation of existing vehicle lighting systems is their dependence on a single power source, typically the vehicle's electrical system. This can be problematic during vehicle shutdowns or in situations where the main power supply is compromised. Furthermore, the installation and maintenance of traditional lighting systems in armored vehicles can be complex and time-consuming, often requiring specialized tools and expertise.
[0005] Portable emergency lights for vehicles, one patent application ES1229194U disclosed a temporarily replace damaged or non-functional position lights. These devices typically include a rechargeable battery, multiple LED light sources (both white and red), and various mounting options for easy installation. While these portable lights offer a quick solution for temporary lighting needs, they may not be suitable for long-term use in military vehicles due to their limited power capacity and potential lack of ruggedization for extreme combat conditions.
[0006] Another patent application US10190760B2 discloses a LED lighting systems for public transportation facilities, and addressed some of the challenges faced in demanding environments. These systems often feature multiple power input options, battery backup capabilities, and self-testing functionalities. However, they may not be specifically designed to withstand the intense shock and vibration experienced in armored military vehicles, potentially limiting their effectiveness in combat situations.
[0007] Therefore, to overcome the problems associated with the state of the art, there may be a need to develop an LED-based inspection light system specifically designed for armored military vehicles. Such a system may address the limitations of traditional lighting solutions by incorporating features such as dual power input capabilities, adjustable brightness control, enhanced durability to withstand extreme shock and vibration, and improved energy efficiency.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an LED-based inspection light system specifically designed for armored military vehicles that addresses the limitations of traditional lighting solutions.
[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to incorporate dual power input capabilities, allowing the light system to operate from both vehicle power and an integrated battery backup.
[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to implement adjustable brightness control with dual-stage intensity settings to accommodate various operational requirements and low-light tactical scenarios.
[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to enhance durability and reliability through a ruggedized design capable of withstanding extreme shock, vibration, and environmental conditions encountered in combat situations.
[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat generation compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent lighting systems used in military vehicles.
[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide versatile mounting options and simplified installation and maintenance procedures, reducing the need for specialized tools and expertise.
[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to incorporate electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding to ensure compatibility with sensitive electronic equipment in military vehicles.
[0015] Another objective of the present invention is to offer a long-term lighting solution suitable for extended use in combat conditions, reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs.
[0016] Other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, the aspects of the present invention are disclosed
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The invention relates to a rugged LED inspection light system for armored vehicles, combining two-stage intensity control and dual power support—vehicle 24 V DC and internal battery backup. The system enables uninterrupted maintenance lighting during vehicle shutdowns or power loss, featuring a tactile switch for brightness selection (50% and 100% intensity), MIL-grade EMI-shielded driver circuitry, and a sealed IP67-compliant housing. An integrated auto-switch-over mechanism ensures seamless battery power activation when external power is lost. The compact design includes heat-dissipating elements, anti-vibration gaskets, and flexible mounting options such as hooks for use inside armored vehicle cabins or during field repairs. This invention provides a reliable, vibration-resistant, and mission-ready lighting solution ideal for combat vehicle crews and field technicians, addressing the need for versatile, durable, and efficient lighting in military applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0018] The present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred aspects thereof with reference to the appended drawings, in which the features, other aspects, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will be more apparent from the accompanying drawing in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an orthogonal side view of an LED inspection light system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The following description describes various features and functions of the disclosed system. The illustrative aspects described herein are not meant to be limiting. It may be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed system can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which have not been contemplated herein.
[0021] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0022] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.
[0023] The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.
[0024] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0025] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, steps, or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, components, or groups thereof.
[0026] Accordingly, the present invention relates to lighting systems for military vehicles, and more particularly to an LED-based inspection light system, and method for providing dual-stage intensity control and dual power input capabilities in armored vehicle applications, providing a robust and versatile lighting solution for military vehicles and maintenance applications. The components of the LED inspection light system as shown in Figure 1, are discussed below :
[0027] (A) A sealed housing: The LED inspection light system (100) includes a sealed housing (102) designed to provide environmental protection against dust and water ingress, ensuring reliable operation in harsh conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealed housing (102) may be compliant with IP67 standards and configured to withstand shock and vibration conditions encountered in military operations. The housing (102) may be ruggedized and specifically engineered to withstand extreme conditions encountered in combat situations. The housing (102) is compact in size, making it suitable for installation on cabin walls or roofs, as well as for portable handheld use during inspection or maintenance tasks in confined vehicle spaces.
[0028] (B) A LED module: A high-brightness LED module (104) is mounted on a thermally conductive substrate (106) for enhanced heat dissipation. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermally conductive substrate (106) may comprise a metal-core printed circuit board (PCB) serving as a heat sink for conducting heat away from the LED module (104) to maintain operating temperatures. The LED module (104) may comprise a high-brightness white LED. This configuration enhances heat dissipation and prolongs LED lifespan. The metal-core PCB serves as a heat sink, conducting heat away from the LED to maintain optimal operating temperatures, which is critical for reliable operation in the confined spaces of armored military vehicles. The LED module (104) is designed to provide consistent illumination for maintenance and inspection tasks in various lighting conditions.
[0029] (C) Driver circuitry: The LED inspection light system (100) incorporates driver circuitry (108) configured to provide LED intensity control through a constant current driver (110). In an exemplary embodiment, the driver circuitry (108) may be EMI-shielded and configured to provide dual-stage LED intensity control with multiple brightness levels. The EMI-shielded driver circuitry (108) may be MIL-grade and meet military specifications for electromagnetic interference protection to prevent interference with sensitive electronic equipment in military vehicles. The dual-stage intensity control may provide 50% and 100% brightness levels. This dual-stage intensity control is particularly valuable for low-light tactical scenarios where maintaining a minimal light profile is essential.
[0030] (D) Control interface: A control interface (112) is integrated into the system, providing a user-friendly interface for selecting between intensity levels. In an exemplary embodiment, the control interface (112) may comprise a MIL-spec tactile rocker switch or soft-touch membrane pad configured to be operated while wearing gloves for military operational requirements. The control interface (112) allows operators to easily adjust the brightness according to their needs, enhancing the versatility of the light in various lighting conditions, including low-light or stealth maintenance requirements. The tactile switch is designed to be easily operated even when wearing gloves, a common requirement in military operations.
[0031] (E) Dual power input system: The LED inspection light system (100) features a dual power input system (114) comprising a vehicle power input (116) and an integrated rechargeable battery (118). The system includes a charging circuit (120) configured to recharge the integrated battery (118) when connected to vehicle power. The dual power input system (114) incorporates automatic power switching (130) for continuous operation during vehicle power interruptions, with an auto-switch-over mechanism (132) for seamless battery power activation when external power is lost. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle power input (116) may operate at 24V DC and the integrated rechargeable battery (118) may comprise a lithium battery enabling continuous operation for 2-4 hours in battery mode depending on selected intensity level. This dual power input system (114) ensures continuous operation even when the vehicle's power is unavailable during shutdowns or field repairs. The charging circuit (120) for the integrated battery (118) automatically recharges when connected to vehicle power, ensuring the backup power source is always ready when needed.
[0032] (F) Mounting means: The system includes mounting means (122) for positioning within vehicle interiors or during field operations. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting means (122) may comprise a hook mount for flexible positioning within armored vehicle cabins or during field repairs, enabling hands-free illumination during maintenance or inspection tasks. The hook mount enables the user to hang the light from suitable attachment points inside the vehicle, providing hands-free illumination during maintenance or inspection tasks. The system can be mounted near the tool kit area, on the engine bay, or on the cabin ceiling, offering versatility for different operational requirements.
[0033] (G) Protective features: The LED inspection light system (100) incorporates several protective features to enhance durability and reliability. The system includes vibration dampening elements (124) for minimizing impact of vehicle vibrations on internal components. In an exemplary embodiment, the vibration dampening elements (124) may comprise anti-vibration gaskets specifically designed to withstand vehicle movement over rough terrain in combat operations. The housing (102) also serves as a heat-dissipating enclosure, further contributing to thermal management in the extreme conditions experienced by armored military vehicles. The vibration-resistant construction is specifically designed to withstand vehicle movement over rough terrain, a common scenario in combat operations.
[0034] (H) Electrical protection: The system includes electrical protection mechanisms (126) including polarity protection, overvoltage protection, and electromagnetic interference filtering. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical protection mechanisms (126) may include reverse polarity protection and overvoltage cut-off, and the system may be configured for mounting in various locations within military vehicles including work areas and vehicle compartments such as tool kit areas, engine bays, or cabin ceilings. These features safeguard the internal components from electrical faults and ensure consistent performance in varying electrical conditions, which is essential for mission-critical lighting in combat vehicles. The EMI shielding is particularly important to prevent interference with sensitive electronic equipment commonly found in modern military vehicles.
[0035] Figure 1 illustrates an orthogonal side view of the LED inspection light system, showing the overall design and form factor of the device. The figure depicts an elongated cylindrical housing with a circular light head assembly at one end and a hook-style mount at the opposite end. The compact and rugged design of the housing, as shown in Figure 1, aligns with the system's intended use in military vehicles and maintenance applications.
[0036] The LED inspection light system (100) operates by integrating multiple components to provide a versatile lighting solution for military vehicle applications. When activated, the high-brightness LED module (104), mounted on a thermally conductive substrate (106) for enhanced heat dissipation, and illuminates the target area. The user can select between intensity levels using the control interface (112), which communicates with the driver circuitry (108) to adjust the LED intensity accordingly. The driver circuitry (108) is EMI-shielded and configured to provide dual-stage LED intensity control with multiple brightness levels through a constant current driver (110). The system draws power from either the vehicle power input (116) or the integrated rechargeable battery (118), with automatic power switching (130) ensuring uninterrupted operation during vehicle power interruptions. The auto-switch-over mechanism (132) provides seamless battery power activation when external power is lost. This dual power input capability, combined with the automatic switching mechanism, allows the LED inspection light to function continuously for 2-4 hours in battery mode, depending on the selected intensity level. The sealed housing (102) protects the internal components from environmental factors, while the vibration dampening elements (124) and thermal management elements (128) contribute to the system's durability in rugged conditions. The mounting means (122), as shown in Figure 1, enables flexible positioning of the light for various inspection and maintenance tasks within the vehicle or during field repairs.
[0037] The LED inspection light system can be used in various scenarios within armored vehicles or during field repair tasks. To operate the system, a user first selects the power source. The system can draw power from the vehicle's 24 V supply or utilize the built-in lithium rechargeable battery. When connected to the vehicle's power supply, the system automatically charges the internal battery. To control the light intensity, the user activates the tactile or toggle switch integrated into the system. This switch allows for dual-stage LED intensity control, enabling the selection between 50% and 100% brightness levels. The user can adjust the brightness according to the specific lighting requirements of the task at hand. The LED inspection light system offers flexible mounting options to accommodate various usage scenarios. A hook mount is provided, allowing for versatile positioning within the armored vehicle cabin. This hook mount enables the user to hang the light from suitable attachment points inside the vehicle, providing hands-free illumination during maintenance or inspection tasks.
[0038] For field repair tasks outside the vehicle, the hook mount can be utilized to secure the light to available structures or equipment, ensuring proper illumination of the work area. The compact size and portable nature of the system make it suitable for use in confined spaces or areas with limited access. The system is particularly valuable during night or emergency maintenance scenarios, where reliable illumination is critical for successful repair operations.
[0039] When using the LED inspection light system in battery mode, the user can operate the device continuously for approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on the selected intensity level. This feature allows for extended use during vehicle shutdowns or in situations where external power is unavailable. The system is designed to be mounted inside the armored vehicle, such as in the engine bay, cabin ceiling, or near the tool kit area, connecting to the 24 V DC auxiliary power line while simultaneously charging its internal battery during operation.
[0040] The sealed housing of the LED inspection light system, compliant with IP67 standards, enables operation in various environmental conditions. Users can rely on the system's durability and resistance to dust and water ingress during both in-vehicle and field applications. The system complies with military specifications for reliability and durability, making it suitable for long-term use in combat conditions and reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs. The thermal management features ensure consistent performance in varying temperature conditions, which is essential for military operations in diverse environments.
[0041] In an embodiment, the advantages of the present invention are discussed herein:
• The present invention is to provide a dual power input capability, allowing operation from both vehicle power and an internal battery;
• The present invention is to provide adjustable brightness levels to accommodate various lighting needs during inspection and maintenance tasks
• The present invention is to provide durable construction suitable for harsh military environments;
• The present invention is to provide versatile mounting options for use inside vehicles or during field repairs;
• The present invention is to provide automatic power fallback switching for uninterrupted operation during vehicle shutdowns;
• The present invention is to provide a compact design suitable for use in confined spaces within armored vehicles;
• The present invention is to provide extended battery life for prolonged use when external power is unavailable;
• The EMI-shielded circuitry to prevent interference with other vehicle electronics;
• The present invention is to provide sealed housing for protection against dust and water ingress;
• The present invention is to provide vibration-resistant construction to withstand vehicle movement and rough terrain;
• The present invention is to provide thermal management features for consistent performance in varying conditions.
[0042] While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred aspects, which aspects have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a disclosure of the invention, such aspects are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. An LED inspection light system (100) for military vehicles, comprising:
• a sealed housing (102) providing environmental protection against dust and water ingress;
• a high-brightness LED module (104) mounted on a thermally conductive substrate (106) for enhanced heat dissipation;
• a driver circuitry (108) configured to provide LED intensity control through a constant current driver (110) and configured to provide dual-stage LED intensity control with multiple brightness levels;
• a control interface (112) for selecting between intensity levels;
• a dual power input system (114) comprising a vehicle power input (116) and an integrated rechargeable battery (118) and configured to automatic power switching (130) for continuous operation during vehicle power interruptions;
• a charging circuit (120) configured to automatically recharge the integrated battery (118) when connected to vehicle power;
• a mounting means (122) for positioning within vehicle interiors or during field operations;
• a vibration dampening elements (124) for minimizing impact of vehicle vibrations on internal components;
• an electrical protection mechanisms (126) including polarity protection, overvoltage protection, and electromagnetic interference filtering; and
• a thermal management elements (128) integrated within the housing (102) for operation in environmental conditions.
2. The LED inspection light system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealed housing (102) is compliant with IP67 standards and configured to withstand shock and vibration conditions encountered in military operations.

3. The LED inspection light system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermally conductive substrate (106) comprises a metal-core printed circuit board (PCB) serving as a heat sink for conducting heat away from the LED module (104) to maintain operating temperatures.
4. The LED inspection light system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the EMI-shielded driver circuitry (108) is MIL-grade and meets military specifications for electromagnetic interference protection to prevent interference with sensitive electronic equipment in military vehicles.
5. The LED inspection light system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control interface (112) comprises a MIL-spec tactile rocker switch or soft-touch membrane pad configured to be operated while wearing gloves for military operational requirements.
6. The LED inspection light system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dual-stage intensity control provides 50% and 100% brightness levels, the vehicle power input (116) operates at 24V DC, and the integrated rechargeable battery (118) comprises a lithium battery enabling continuous operation for 2-4 hours in battery mode.
7. The LED inspection light system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting means (122) comprises a hook mount for flexible positioning within armored vehicle cabins or during field repairs, enabling hands-free illumination during maintenance or inspection tasks.
8. The LED inspection light system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vibration dampening elements (124) comprise anti-vibration gaskets specifically designed to withstand vehicle movement over rough terrain in combat operations.
9. The LED inspection light system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrical protection mechanisms (126) include reverse polarity protection and overvoltage cut-off, and the system is configured for mounting in various locations including tool kit areas, engine bays, or cabin ceilings within military vehicles.
10. The LED inspection light system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the LED module (104) comprises a high-brightness white LED, and the system provides both fixed installation capability and portable handheld use in confined vehicle spaces with compact design suitable for installation on cabin walls or roofs.