Helicopter Search Light Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helicopter search lights experience significant fluctuations in brightness due to changing environmental conditions, such as different ground scenarios and distances, leading to temporary loss of sight for pilots due to adaptation delays in the human eye.
Innovation Solution
A helicopter search light with an adjustable light output, comprising a lighting arrangement with a light detector and control unit that switches between flood and spot light modes based on detected light reflection, allowing for continuous dimming of light sources to maintain consistent luminance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light output of the helicopter search light is increased to illuminate the ground effectively, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the brightness fluctuations become more significant under changing environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a light detector measures the actual luminance of the illuminated ground area and sends this information to a control unit. The control unit then adjusts the light output of the search light based on this feedback signal, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically compensates for brightness fluctuations caused by changing environmental conditions such as varying distances or ground reflectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the operational parameters of the light source by adjusting its output intensity based on detected environmental conditions. The control unit modifies the light output parameter in real-time according to the detection signals from the light detector, allowing the system to adapt to different ground scenarios and distances while maintaining stable luminance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light output is adjusted frequently to adapt to changing ground scenarios and distances, then the adaptability is improved, but the brightness stability deteriorates due to adaptation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors the actual luminance and makes real-time adjustments to the light output, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions smoothly without abrupt transitions. This continuous feedback mechanism eliminates the adaptation delays experienced by human pilots while maintaining stable brightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting environmental conditions through the light detector and correcting its own light output through the control unit. This self-regulating mechanism allows the search light to adapt to changing ground scenarios and distances without external intervention, maintaining brightness stability autonomously.
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 solution significantly reduces fast changes in luminance, enhancing pilot vision and safety by maintaining consistent brightness even under rapidly changing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light detector (30) configured for detecting light emitted by the at least one light source (10, 20) and reflected by the ground and/or at least one item on the ground
Data Source
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AI summary
A helicopter search light (1) comprises: a lighting arrangement (2), having at least one light source (10, 20), the lighting arrangement having an adjustable light output; a light detector (30), which is configured for detecting light emitted by the at least one light source (10, 20) and reflected by the ground (200) and/or at least one item on the ground (200) and for providing a detection signal which is correlated to an amount of light detected; and a control unit (40) which is configured for controlling the adjustable light output of the lighting arrangement of the helicopter search light depending on the detection signal provided by the light detector (30).