Dichroic Mirror Searchlight for Dual-Wavelength Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing searchlights lack the ability to easily switch between infrared and visible light illumination without modifying the housing or cover, resulting in reduced light intensity and inefficient light distribution.

Innovation Solution

A searchlight design featuring a mirror assembly with dichroic mirrors that split and adjust light beams, allowing for selective projection of either visible or infrared light through a window, with motor-controlled rotation to direct the beams accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate infrared and visible spectrum lights are used, then the ability to selectively illuminate in infrared or visible mode is achieved, but the light intensity is reduced because the bulb surface is divided between infrared and visible light filtering covers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective illumination capabilityVSAvoidlight intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the light beam path using a beam splitter that divides the single light source output into two separate beams: one directed through the infrared filter and another through the visible filter. This allows the full light source intensity to be utilized for each wavelength type separately, rather than dividing the bulb surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the function of a single light source to produce both infrared and visible light beams simultaneously through the beam splitter mechanism. The combined optical path allows one light source to serve dual purposes with full intensity for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a filter is placed over the searchlight cover to allow only infrared light to pass through, then infrared illumination is achieved, but manual access to the searchlight is required to remove or alter the filter, restricting flight flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrared illumination capabilityVSAvoidfilter switching ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical filter replacement system with an optical beam splitting system controlled by a switch. The beam splitter and filter arrangement allows electronic switching between infrared and visible modes without requiring physical access to the searchlight housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The beam splitter acts as an intermediary element that directs light through different filter paths based on the selected mode. This intermediary mechanism enables mode switching without direct manipulation of the filters themselves, providing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If two separate diodes with individual reflectors and lens covers are used, then infrared and visible light emission is achieved, but the amount of light transmitted from the searchlight is limited by dedicating separate light-producing elements to each spectrum

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual spectrum emissionVSAvoidlight transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the optical path after a single high-intensity light source using a beam splitter. This allows the full output of one light source to be divided into two beams, each directed through appropriate filters, rather than using two separate lower-intensity light sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single light source performs multiple functions by illuminating both infrared and visible spectra through the beam splitter mechanism. This universal light source replaces the need for separate specialized diodes, maximizing light transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient switching between infrared and visible light illumination without modifying the searchlight housing, improving light distribution and intensity by optimizing the use of light sources.

Implementation Method 1

The mirror assembly includes a first mirror that splits light from the light source into a first beam that is reflected by the mirror and a second beam that passes through the mirror

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDichroic reflection: Dichroic Filter

Implementation Method 2

A second mirror reflects the second beam. The mirror assembly is adjustable to project one of the first or second beams through the output window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8960963B1Dual wavelength focusable and steerable searchlight

Publication Date: 2015.02.24 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An illumination device includes a light source that emits an electromagnetic radiation input beam, a dichroic first mirror that reflects a first output beam and transmits a second output beam, a second mirror positioned to reflect the second output beam, and an absorber for absorbing radiation emitted by the light source. An adjustable support for the dichroic and second mirror is also provided and is adjustable between a first position where the first beam is transmitted and a second position where the second beam is transmitted, with the other beam being directed to the absorber.