Portable Distress Light LED Array Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distress signaling devices are limited by mechanical parts that are prone to damage, require accurate aiming, are power inefficient, and have limited use in military operations, especially in adverse weather conditions and nighttime scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A portable distress light system utilizing a plurality of LEDs arranged on a printed circuit board with a power switch and mode switch, providing flashing white, infrared, and blue lights, along with status indicators, to offer durable and efficient signaling without mechanical filters, suitable for both military and civilian use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical filters are used to select light modes, then different light modes can be provided, but the device becomes prone to damage and wear over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical filters with electronic circuitry that selectively activates different LED groups. Instead of physically moving filters to change light modes, the system uses electronic switching to select between pre-configured LED arrays, eliminating mechanical wear and improving reliability while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED assembly is segmented into multiple independent groups, each capable of emitting different colors or patterns. This segmentation allows electronic control of individual LED groups without requiring mechanical filter manipulation, enabling reliable mode selection through electrical rather than mechanical means.
2Illumination intensity
If portable laser devices are used for signaling, then a narrow beam can be provided, but accurate aiming is required which increases operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different LED configurations in different regions of the light assembly to provide varied beam characteristics. Some LED groups emit narrow beams for distance signaling, while others provide wider coverage for area illumination, allowing the system to optimize both beam concentration and ease of operation in different operational contexts.
3Illumination intensity
If flares are used for distress signaling, then strong visual effects are provided, but they are temporary and may alert unfriendly forces
Solution Approach 1:
The LED-based signaling system provides continuous operation capability unlike flares that burn out after short periods. The battery-powered LEDs can operate indefinitely or for extended durations, maintaining strong visual effects without the temporary limitation of chemical flares, while the electronic control allows for patterned signaling that can be adjusted to avoid alerting hostile forces.
4Illumination intensity
If incandescent strobe lights are used, then signaling can be provided, but power efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from incandescent technology to LED technology, fundamentally changing the energy conversion parameters. LEDs convert electrical energy directly to light with much higher efficiency, reducing power consumption while maintaining or improving illumination intensity and strobe output compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
5Ease of operation
If water-activated strobe lights are used, then signaling can be activated by water, but water is required to generate power or activate the circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The LED signaling system is designed to operate independently of environmental conditions like water presence. The battery-powered LEDs can function in any environment - terrestrial, marine, or aerial - without requiring water activation, providing universal operational flexibility across diverse search and rescue scenarios.
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 provides reliable, durable, and efficient visual signaling in various conditions, reducing the risk of exposure and enhancing the ability to locate individuals in need of aid, while minimizing accidental detection by hostile forces.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light emitting diodes coupled to the circuit
Implementation Method 2
light emitting diodes that are selectively operated by electronic circuitry to provide visual aid
Data Source
AI summary
A portable distress light including a plurality of light emitting diodes and a light mode switch to power the diodes so as to provide a flashing white light, a flashing infrared light, a flashing blue light and a steady white light. Status indicators are included on the device to correspondingly identify the operative mode selected. The light emitting diodes include top-emitting diodes and side-emitting diodes that are arranged on a printed circuit board in a variety of configurations to provide an optimum light pattern. Exemplary configurations include positioning the light emitting diodes into a triangular pattern, and a square or rectangular pattern. The distress device further includes a variety of reflectors that are disposed over the light emitting diodes to provide a horizontally dispersed light pattern. An operating circuit provides the benefit of a delay period between mode selections. An alternative embodiment provides a distress light including a cylindrically-shaped form having a top dome attached to a cylindrical body.