Airfield Light With Segmented LED Arrays For Energy Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airfield lights are energy inefficient, particularly in temporary settings where power is limited and backup generators may not be available, and simply replacing halogen lamps with LEDs does not optimize energy efficiency effectively.
Innovation Solution
An airfield light with multiple intensity settings, including omnidirectional medium intensity and unidirectional high intensity LED arrangements, allowing for directional lighting and significant energy savings, along with a battery backup and wireless control options for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional halogen lamps are used in airfield lights, then the lighting function is provided, but energy efficiency is very poor and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the light source from halogen lamp to LED, which operates at different physical principles and achieves dramatically higher energy efficiency. The LED-based lighting arrangements consume significantly less power while providing the required illumination for airfield operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the lighting system into multiple separate lighting arrangements (first, second, and third arrangements) with different intensities and directional characteristics. This segmentation allows selective operation of individual lighting arrangements based on operational requirements, optimizing energy consumption by activating only the necessary lights rather than running all lights at full power.
2Ease of operation
If a single light provides both medium and high intensity functions, then setup is simplified, but the lighting system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal airfield light unit that can perform multiple functions - omnidirectional medium intensity lighting, unidirectional high intensity lighting in one direction, and unidirectional high intensity lighting in the opposite direction. This multi-functionality is achieved by integrating multiple lighting arrangements within a single portable unit, eliminating the need for separate lights for different operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a movable light housing that can be rotated to different orientations. This dynamic capability allows the same physical unit to adapt its lighting direction and intensity profile based on operational needs, effectively providing multiple lighting configurations from a single device and simplifying deployment while managing complexity through controlled mobility.
3Loss of energy
If unidirectional high intensity lighting is used, then energy savings are achieved, but the lighting coverage in multiple directions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting system into directional components - the second lighting arrangement provides unidirectional high intensity lighting while the third lighting arrangement provides unidirectional high intensity lighting in the opposite direction. This segmentation enables energy-efficient directional lighting when needed, while the modular structure allows selective activation to maintain versatility for different operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable light housing enables dynamic reconfiguration of the lighting system. By rotating the housing, the system can direct high intensity unidirectional lighting toward different directions, effectively providing multi-directional coverage capability without requiring simultaneously active lights in all directions, thus maintaining energy efficiency while preserving adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a single light to provide both medium and high intensity functions, reducing energy consumption and simplifying setup, while the battery backup ensures continuous operation during power outages, particularly beneficial for temporary airfields.
Implementation Method 1
Light Emitting Diodes can greatly reduce energy consumption in airfield lighting
Implementation Method 2
The light housing may comprise a cone reflector, to reflect light from the first lighting arrangement omnidirectionally
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an airfield light comprising a body, a medium intensity lighting arrangement, and a high intensity lighting arrangement. The medium intensity lighting arrangement provides an omnidirectional light source, and the high intensity lighting arrangement provides a unidirectional or bidirectional light source. The invention is energy efficient compared to conventional airfield lights, and has particular application to temporary airfields. LEDs may be used as the light sources.