Collimated Light Aiming Fixture for Lighting Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for installing and aiming lighting fixtures and other devices are inefficient and lack accuracy, particularly in outdoor environments, as they rely on manual observation which is prone to error and labor-intensive, especially in bright conditions or at night.
Innovation Solution
The use of a collimated or pseudo-collimated light source, such as a laser pointer, is mounted on the fixture to project a plane of light onto the target area, allowing workers to perceive a 'flash' of increased light intensity when aligned, enabling precise adjustment of the aiming axis to ensure accurate orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual observation methods are used for aiming fixtures, then the installation process is simple, but the aiming accuracy deteriorates and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A collimated light source is introduced as an intermediary tool between the fixture and the observer. The light source projects a visible beam along the optical axis, serving as a mediator that makes the invisible aiming direction visible and measurable, thereby improving aiming accuracy without requiring complex manual measurement procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual observation and mechanical alignment methods with an optical system. Instead of relying on technicians to visually estimate and manually adjust alignment, the collimated light source creates a visible optical reference that guides precise alignment automatically, reducing labor intensity while improving accuracy
2Reliability
If manual observation methods are used for aiming fixtures, then the equipment complexity is low, but the aiming accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The collimated light source acts as a reliable intermediary that provides a consistent and visible reference for aiming. This optical mediator ensures reliable aiming results by creating a stable light beam that clearly indicates the optical axis direction, making the aiming process reliable without requiring complex electronic systems or multiple components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of light propagation by using a collimated light source that produces a narrow, directional beam. This parameter change in light behavior (from diffuse to collimated) provides a reliable visual indicator for aiming while keeping the device structure relatively simple
3Productivity
If traditional aiming methods are used, then the installation time is short, but the productivity and efficiency deteriorate due to repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system replaces iterative mechanical adjustment with a direct visual guide. The collimated light beam provides immediate feedback on alignment status, allowing technicians to make precise adjustments in one or two steps rather than through multiple trial-and-error cycles, thereby improving productivity and reducing adjustment time
Solution Approach 2:
The collimated light source provides real-time visual feedback on the aiming status. The visible beam allows technicians to immediately see whether the fixture is properly aligned with the target, enabling rapid correction of misalignment and reducing the time lost to repeated adjustments
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
This method significantly improves aiming accuracy and efficiency, allowing for precise alignment of fixtures under various environmental conditions, reducing labor and time required for installation while ensuring adherence to design specifications.
Implementation Method 1
mounting a collimated or pseudo-collimated light source, such as a laser pointer, to the fixture or device in a known orientation relative to an optical or operational axis
Implementation Method 2
The beam produced by the light source is generally not visible except when a worker walks into the beam and perceives a 'flash' or substantial increased perception of light intensity from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method, and system of aiming devices such as antennas, free-space optical communication transmitters and lighting fixtures. One aspect of the invention mounts a substantially collimated light source on a device or lighting fixture. The direction of the substantially collimated light source is fixed in a known relationship to the aiming direction of the fixture or device. By finding the substantially collimated light source either by direct viewing, in a mirror, or with a light sensor, the aiming direction of the fixture or device can be derived by using the known the relationship between the substantially collimated light source and the aiming direction of the fixture or device. Thus, the aiming direction of the fixture or device can be derived without operating the fixture or device and can be derived even at relatively remote locations from the fixture or device. The apparatus and method can be used on one fixture or a plurality of fixtures or devices. It can also be used on one fixture of an array of fixtures or devices to aim the entire array.