Distress Flare with LED Illumination and Inflatable Envelope

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distress rockets with pyrotechnic charges have a short duration of light emission, posing a risk and limiting the time for location during emergency situations, and lack control over light radiation intensity and duration.

Innovation Solution

A distress flare with a cartridge propelled by a pyrotechnic ejection charge, equipped with battery-powered light-emitting diodes and an inflatable envelope that diffuses light radiation isotropically, along with a control module to manage energy consumption and intensity based on altitude, and a phosphor-coated envelope for spectral modification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a larger pyrotechnic charge is used to extend the duration of light emission, then the duration of emission is increased, but the risk in emergency situations is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of light emissionVSAvoidrisk in emergency situations

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pyrotechnic charge-based illumination system with an electric illumination system using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) powered by a battery. This substitution eliminates the need for large amounts of pyrotechnic material while providing extended duration of light emission, thereby resolving the contradiction between extending emission duration and reducing risk associated with large pyrotechnic charges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If pyrotechnic charges are used to propel the distress flare to altitude, then the light beam can be seen over long distance, but the duration of emission is relatively short

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility distanceVSAvoidduration of emission

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control module that dynamically adjusts the illumination intensity based on the altitude of the distress flare. The control module modifies the intensity of light radiation emitted by the LEDs according to predetermined criteria related to altitude, allowing optimal energy management and extended operation duration while maintaining adequate visibility at different stages of the flare's trajectory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of moving object

If light-emitting diodes are used for illumination, then the duration of emission is extended and energy consumption is reduced, but additional power management components are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of emissionVSAvoidpower management components

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control module serves multiple functions: it manages the power consumption of the LED illumination system, adjusts illumination intensity based on altitude, and coordinates the overall operation of the distress flare. By consolidating these control functions into a single multi-functional module, the patent manages the added complexity efficiently while achieving extended emission duration and reduced energy consumption.

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

Extends the duration of light emission, reduces the risk associated with pyrotechnic charges, and allows for controlled light intensity and spectral modification, enabling longer visibility and safer operation.

Implementation Method 1

an inflatable envelope, covering the lateral surface, adapted to be deployed by means of deployment means and to diffuse the light radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

the inflatable envelope is coated with a layer of luminophore material intended to modify the extent of the spectrum of the light radiation emitted by the means of illumination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhosphorescence: Phosphorescence

Implementation Method 3

the triggering means comprise a socket provided with a pyrotechnic charge, called an ejection charge, intended to eject the cartridge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPyrotechnic propulsion: Combustion

Implementation Method 4

illumination means capable of emitting light radiation, in particular light-emitting diodes, arranged on a lateral surface which connects the two ends of the cartridge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3502610B1Distress flare

Publication Date: 2020.10.14 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a distress flare (100) which comprises: - a cartridge (120) comprising two ends (120a, 120b) connected by a lateral surface (120c); - triggering means (110) intended to eject the cartridge (120) to altitude; - an inflatable envelope (140), covering the lateral surface (120c), adapted to be deployed under the action of deployment means (150) and to diffuse the light radiation; - illumination means (130) powered by a battery (160) and capable of emitting light radiation, said illumination means (130) being arranged on the lateral surface.