Beacon Light Lens for Even 360-Degree Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beacon lights using incandescent bulbs require frequent maintenance due to short lifespan, while LED-based systems suffer from uneven light distribution, necessitating complex and costly solutions to achieve 360° and vertical light coverage for effective obstruction warning.

Innovation Solution

A beacon light and lens system featuring a Fresnel lens configuration and a base with a light emitting diode assembly, providing a 360° horizontal and controlled vertical light distribution with minimal stray light, using a base with a metallic or synthetic material construction for weather resistance and heat dissipation, and secure mechanical fastening for easy assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If incandescent bulbs are used in beacon lights, then even light distribution is achieved, but the bulb lifespan is short requiring frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeven light distributionVSAvoidbulb lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the light source parameter from incandescent bulb to LED, and introduces a Fresnel lens to modify the light distribution pattern. The Fresnel lens refracts and redirects LED light to achieve even 360-degree horizontal and vertical distribution, resolving the contradiction between lifespan and light distribution quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If LED light sources are used in beacon lights, then lifespan is extended, but light distribution becomes uneven requiring complex mirror systems

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED lifespanVSAvoidlight distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The Fresnel lens acts as an intermediary optical element between the LED light source and the surrounding environment. It captures light from the point-source LED and redistributes it uniformly in all directions, eliminating the need for complex mirror systems while maintaining the long lifespan advantage of LEDs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If mirror systems are used to distribute LED light, then light distribution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution uniformityVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the light distribution function from complex mechanical mirror systems and consolidates it into a single Fresnel lens component. This simplifies the optical system while achieving the same 360-degree light distribution effect, reducing both complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 offers a cost-effective, long-lasting, and even light distribution across 360° and a controlled vertical range, reducing maintenance needs and operational costs while ensuring effective obstruction warning capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The lens has a Fresnel lens configuration and has optics configured to capture and direct light from the at least one light emitting diode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFresnel lens: Fresnel Lens

Implementation Method 2

The light emitting diode assembly includes at least one light emitting diode secured to the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3052855B1Beacon light having a lens
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 SPX CORP
  • EP3052855B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3052855B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3052855B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A beacon light and lens system includes a base, a light emitting diode assembly having at least one light emitting diode secured to the base, a lens including optics configured to capture and direct light from the at least one light emitting diode, a driver board configured to power the at least one light emitting diode, a power source connected to the driver board wherein the lens is mounted on the base. The system generates a 360° horizontal beam pattern and a predetermined vertical beam pattern.