Beacon Light Double Lens System for Even 360° LED Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beacon lights using incandescent bulbs have short lifespans and require frequent maintenance, while LED-based lights suffer from uneven light distribution due to their point source nature, failing to provide consistent illumination over 360° horizontally and 3° vertically as required for effective obstruction warning.
Innovation Solution
A beacon light design incorporating optics that capture and direct light from multiple LED sources into a 360° horizontal and 3° vertical beam pattern using a double lens system with a primary inner lens for total internal reflection and a secondary outer lens for beam expansion and recollimation, ensuring even light distribution and minimizing stray light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If incandescent bulbs are used in beacon lights, then even light distribution is achieved, but the lifespan is short and maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces incandescent bulbs (thermal radiation source) with LED sources combined with optical lenses (optical system). The TIR lens captures and redirects LED light, while the Fresnel lens collimates and distributes the light, achieving even distribution without the short lifespan limitation of incandescent bulbs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical lenses as intermediary components between the LED source and the environment. The TIR lens acts as an intermediate light redirector, and the Fresnel lens serves as an intermediate collimator, enabling LEDs to achieve even light distribution that they cannot produce directly.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If LED sources are used in beacon lights, then lifespan is extended, but light distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical lenses as intermediary components between the LED source and the environment. The TIR lens acts as an intermediate light redirector, and the Fresnel lens serves as an intermediate collimator, enabling LEDs to achieve even light distribution that they cannot produce directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the lens system. The TIR lens uses total internal reflection on its inner surface to redirect light from specific angles, while the Fresnel lens uses refractive surfaces to collimate light in the vertical dimension, creating uniform distribution across the entire beam pattern.
3Illumination intensity
If mirrors are used to spread light from LEDs, then light distribution is attempted, but even distribution over the desired range is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mirror-based mechanical optical systems with lens-based optical systems. The TIR lens and Fresnel lens provide smooth, continuous light redistribution through refraction and total internal reflection, avoiding the discontinuities and alignment issues inherent in mirror-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved optical surfaces in the lens design. The TIR lens has a specific curved profile optimized for capturing and redirecting LED light, while the Fresnel lens uses concentric curved rings to collimate light in the vertical dimension, providing smooth and uniform light distribution.
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 beacon light with a substantially even light distribution over the desired range, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring effective obstruction warning with minimal stray light, while utilizing LED sources for extended lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a first, inner lens provides a diverging light beam
Implementation Method 2
which is then collimated by a second, outer lens
Data Source
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AI summary
A lens system includes multiple light emitting diode sources. The lens system further includes optics configured to capture and direct light from the multiple light emitting diode sources. The system generates a 360° horizontal beam pattern and a predetermined vertical beam pattern.