Beacon System Laser Module Rugged Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beacon systems face challenges in being small, portable, and rugged while maintaining extended operation, avoiding radio frequency emissions, and enabling detection across a wide range of positions without precise optical component placement, especially in environments with electronic interference or damage risks.
Innovation Solution
A beacon system incorporating a laser module, drive circuit, system controller, user input, sensors, and communication system housed in a rugged and lightweight enclosure, using a semiconductor laser with a reflective surface to create a conical emission pattern for efficient detection without moving parts, and employing a super-pulse driving scheme to reduce heat and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the beacon system uses rugged construction with extras weight and size for survivability, then reliability is improved, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon system is divided into functional modules (laser module, drive circuit, controller, sensors, communication system) housed in a rugged enclosure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system ruggedness without excessive weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a semiconductor laser with specific wavelength parameters optimized for detection while minimizing power consumption and heat generation. The super-pulse driving scheme changes the temporal parameters of laser operation to reduce average power consumption while maintaining peak performance when needed.
2Measurement precision
If the beacon system uses precise placement of optical components for signal directionality, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and vulnerability to damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor laser inherently provides directional emission without requiring external optical alignment components. The laser module self-generates the directed beam through its internal structure, eliminating the need for precise external optical component placement and reducing system complexity and vulnerability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the beacon system uses extended operation capability with significant power supplies, then duration of action is improved, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The super-pulse driving scheme operates the laser in periodic pulses rather than continuous operation. This allows the power supply to recharge between pulses, extending operational duration without requiring a proportionally larger power supply capacity, thereby reducing weight.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the beacon system uses laser emissions in infrared spectrum for non-radio frequency communication, then adaptability to interference-prone environments is improved, but risk of detection and interception increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses specific infrared wavelength bands that balance penetration capability through atmospheric interference with lower detectability. The laser operates at wavelengths optimized for the specific operational environment while minimizing emission characteristics that would facilitate easy detection or interception by external systems.
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 system achieves efficient and reliable wide-area detection of laser signals, reducing weight and size while enhancing ruggedness and operational duration, allowing for easy use in challenging environments and minimizing interference risks.
Implementation Method 1
the laser module has an emission face from which the laser emissions travel in a general direction away from the beacon system
Implementation Method 2
using a semiconductor laser with a reflective surface to create a conical emission pattern
Data Source
AI summary
An example beacon system includes a housing, a laser module at least partly retained within the housing, and a controller operable to control the laser module.