Portable Light With Diverging Laser Beams For Distance Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable lights used in hazardous environments often suffer from reduced visibility due to peripheral light reflection, and existing solutions with laser lights do not adequately improve discernment of physical features or distance estimation in environments with smoke, mist, or fog.
Innovation Solution
A portable light design incorporating a light body with both an illumination light source and selectively energizable laser light sources, featuring a TIR optical element and a switch for controlling both sources, with the laser light sources configured to produce diverging beams that help illuminate objects and gauge distance without using a diffraction grating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a highly collimated spot beam is employed to reduce peripheral light reflection, then visibility in reduced visibility environments is improved, but the ability to discern physical features and gauge distance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light beam is segmented into multiple distinct beams (e.g., three beams) that diverge from a common origin point. This segmentation allows the light to maintain collimation for penetration while creating separate reference points (dots) on surfaces that provide spatial information for distance estimation and feature discernment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional collimated beam to a multi-dimensional pattern of diverging beams. The beams diverge at specific angles to create a three-dimensional pattern of illuminated dots on surfaces, adding spatial dimensionality that enables distance estimation and enhanced feature discernment while maintaining the penetrative power of collimated light.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If peripheral light is blocked using opaque covers or reflectors, then reflection-induced blinding is reduced, but the overall illumination and ability to discern objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of blocking peripheral light with opaque covers, the invention inverts the approach by using a transparent lens that refracts and redirects light. The lens elements are configured to allow peripheral light to pass through while controlling its direction, thereby eliminating reflection-induced blinding without sacrificing overall illumination or object discernment.
3Illumination intensity
If a single collimated beam is used to penetrate smoke and fog, then visibility is improved, but distance estimation and object identification become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The single collimated beam is segmented into multiple diverging beams that create separate illuminated dots on distant surfaces. The known divergence angle and origin point of these beams provide a geometric reference system that enables accurate distance estimation, while each beam maintains sufficient collimation to penetrate smoke and fog effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverging beams act as intermediaries between the light source and the distant objects. By creating a pattern of illuminated dots at known angular separations, the beams provide intermediate reference points that facilitate distance estimation and object identification while the collimated nature of each beam maintains penetration capability through atmospheric obscurants.
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
Enhances visibility and distance estimation in reduced visibility environments by providing focused laser beams that diverge to create distinct spots or lines, improving the user's ability to discern objects and navigate through hazardous conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A TIR optical element may also be disposed in front of the illumination light source for receiving the light produced thereby, and form the white light into a collimated beam of light
Implementation Method 2
one or more laser light sources, each source being selectively energizable for producing light; and the one or more laser light sources configured to provide plural beams of laser light that diverge from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A portable light may comprise: a light body having an illumination, e.g., white, light source and one or more laser light sources, each light source being selectively energizable for producing light; and a switch for selectively energizing the illumination light source and/or the laser light sources. The one or more laser light sources provide diverging narrow beams of laser light, so as to appear as spaced apart dots or spots of laser light on objects illuminated by the beams of laser light. Because the laser light beams diverge, the distance between the dots is proportional to the distance to the object which the dots illuminate. A TIR optical element may also be disposed in front of the illumination light source for receiving the light produced thereby.