Helmet-Mounted LED Illumination for Night Vision Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Night vision systems used by pilots and vehicle operators are compromised by the bright illumination from cockpit gauges, which overloads the light amplification circuitry, making it difficult to monitor instruments in dark conditions and risking visibility of the aircraft or vehicle from outside.
Innovation Solution
A portable LED-based illuminating device that can be actuated by lip or push button, with adjustable brightness and memory function, allowing flexible operation without affecting night vision systems, and is securely attached to a helmet-mounted microphone for hands-free use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional illuminating devices are used to illuminate gauges in the cockpit, then the gauges become visible in dark conditions, but the night vision system is compromised and the aircraft or vehicle may be seen from outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from traditional high-intensity lights to LED technology with adjustable brightness. The system allows the pilot to select different illumination levels (low, medium, high) that provide sufficient gauge visibility while remaining below the threshold that would compromise night vision functionality or reveal the aircraft externally
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The pilot can real-time adjust the brightness level based on current operating conditions, selecting the minimum necessary illumination for gauge visibility while maintaining night vision capability and stealth requirements
2Ease of operation
If the pilot uses both hands to operate controls, then complete control is achieved, but the ability to actuate illumination devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is actuated through lip-actuated switches that respond to the pilot's natural speaking or breathing actions. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual button pressing with the hands, allowing the pilot to control illumination using their natural oral movements while maintaining full hand availability for controls
Solution Approach 2:
The lip-actuated switch serves multiple functions: it can turn illumination on/off, adjust brightness levels, and provide feedback through auditory cues. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate controls into a single integrated mechanism that uses the pilot's natural lip movements
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
Provides effective illumination for pilots and vehicle operators in confined spaces without overloading night vision systems, ensuring instrument visibility and maintaining stealth, with adjustable brightness and ergonomic positioning for personal comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus comprises an LED unit worn by the pilot or vehicle operator for producing a light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminating device in combination with a microphone boom attached to a helmet worn by an operator. The illumination device is actuated by either lip action or push button. The brightness of the selected illumination is changeable by means of a potentiometer thumbwheel. The illumination device provides one spot and three flood light emitting diodes which may individually or as a group switched on or off. The illumination device has a universal clamping system permitting attachment to single or double boom microphone.