Anti-Collision Light Assembly with Compressed Annular Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anti-collision light assemblies for vehicles often suffer from distortions and improper alignment due to manufacturing and installation issues, affecting the light pattern and failing to meet regulatory visibility standards, particularly in aviation where 360° light distribution is required.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly comprising a base, an annular reflector, and a retainer, where the annular reflector is compressed between the retainer and the base, ensuring precise alignment and minimizing optical distortions through a seated interface with a constant wall thickness, allowing for accurate light emission and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional light assemblies use reflectors to redirect light, then light visibility is improved, but manufacturing and installation distortions cause improper alignment and adverse effects on light pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the reflector into multiple segmented reflectors that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each segment can be separately manufactured and then assembled in a controlled manner, allowing for precise alignment of the entire reflector assembly without the cumulative distortion problems of large single-piece reflectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a positioning structure or mounting mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the reflector and the light source housing. This intermediary component provides reference surfaces and adjustment mechanisms that ensure precise alignment of the reflector relative to the light source, eliminating alignment errors that would otherwise occur during direct installation.
2Illumination intensity
If reflectors are used to meet visibility standards, then light distribution is improved, but manufacturing distortions adversely affect the light pattern
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the reflector into multiple smaller segments, each segment can be manufactured with higher surface accuracy using standard manufacturing processes. The segmented design allows for tighter tolerances on each individual segment while maintaining the overall optical performance of the complete reflector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the geometric parameters of the reflector segments, such as their curvature radii and angular orientations, to compensate for manufacturing variations. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters during the design and assembly process, the optimal light distribution pattern is achieved despite inevitable manufacturing tolerances.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional assemblies use standard reflector designs, then installation is simplified, but alignment issues persist due to improper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning structure serves as an intermediary component that provides built-in alignment features such as reference surfaces, locating pins, or adjustable mounting brackets. These features guide the installer in achieving correct reflector positioning without requiring complex measurement procedures or specialized skills, thus maintaining installation simplicity while ensuring precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning structure is designed to be self-aligning or self-adjusting during installation. For example, the reflector segments may automatically position themselves relative to the light source through mechanical interference fits or gravity-assisted positioning, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures while ensuring accurate positioning.
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 provides a 360° light pattern with reduced material and weight, improved durability, and independent optimization of optical performance, addressing the alignment and distortion issues of conventional assemblies while meeting regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The annular reflector defines a central longitudinal axis, with the first radially outward surface including a reflective surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A light assembly includes a base (210), an annular reflector (220), and a retainer (23). The base includes one or more light sources mounted thereto. The annular reflector comprises a first radially outward surface and a first radially inward surface. The annular reflector also defines a central longitudinal axis, with the first radially outward surface including a reflective surface. The retainer is coupled to the base and comprises a second radially outward surface. The second radially outward surface of the retainer seats against the first radially inward surface of the annular reflector to retain the annular reflector in a desired position relative to the light source mounted to the base, according to various embodiments.