Laser Power Beaming Guard Circuitry for Intrusion Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser power beaming systems face challenges in safely operating high-energy laser beams due to the risk of hazardous exposure to living tissues and objects, as they often lack effective safety mechanisms to detect and prevent intrusion into the beam path, especially in environments where physical barriers are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a safety system with sequentially activated modes and failsafe devices that utilize a patterned plurality of emitter/detector pairs to detect objects and adjust the energy intensity of the laser beam, ensuring safe operation by dynamically controlling the power beam circuitry and shutting off the high-energy beam when hazards are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a high-energy laser beam is used for remote power transmission, then the power transmission capability is improved, but the hazard to living tissues and objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system performs preliminary detection of objects in the beam path before the high-energy laser beam is activated. Multiple emitter/detector pairs scan the area in advance to identify potential hazards, allowing the system to prevent beam activation or shut it down immediately if objects are detected, thus resolving the contradiction between power transmission capability and safety hazard
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the beam path using emitter/detector pairs that provide real-time feedback about objects in the hazardous area. When an object is detected, the feedback signal triggers immediate shutdown of the laser beam. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high power transmission capability while dynamically preventing harm to living tissues and objects
2Reliability
If safety detection mechanisms are added to the laser power beaming system, then the safety level is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emitter/detector pairs are designed to serve multiple functions: they detect objects in the beam path, provide feedback signals for safety control, and can potentially be used for tracking or alignment purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated safety components, thereby improving safety levels while minimizing the increase in system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a safety control system that acts as an intermediary between the laser power beam circuitry and the emitter/detector pairs. This intermediary layer processes detection signals and coordinates shutdown commands, simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing safety logic rather than distributing complex control throughout the system, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
3Reliability
If the laser beam is continuously monitored and dynamically adjusted, then the safety against hazards is improved, but the response time and operational efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system uses rapid detection and immediate shutdown capability to 'skip' over potential hazard scenarios. When an object is detected by the emitter/detector pairs, the system rushes through the shutdown sequence instantly, preventing any significant exposure time. This approach maintains high safety levels while minimizing the time lost to safety protocols, as the continuous monitoring allows for extremely rapid response to actual hazards
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
This solution effectively prevents hazardous exposures by dynamically adjusting the laser beam's energy intensity and shutting it off when objects are detected within the hazardous area, ensuring safe operation and reducing the risk of eye damage or ignition of flammable materials.
Implementation Method 1
The guard circuitry has at least one emitter and at least one detector corresponding to the at least one emitter. The guard circuitry is arranged to form a detection area about the hazardous illumination area, and the guard circuitry is arranged to detect one or more objects in proximity to the hazardous illumination area.
Implementation Method 2
The power beam circuitry is arranged to deliver electric power embodied in laser light beamed from a first location to a second location. The laser light has at least two energy intensity levels.
Implementation Method 3
The controller is arranged to direct the guard circuitry and the power beam circuitry according to a plurality of sequentially activated safety modes. The fourth sequentially activated safety mode is configured to dynamically set parameters of the guard circuitry based on at least one time value, at least one object detection value, or a change to the delivered electric power.
Data Source
AI summary
A power beaming system delivers electric power in laser light from a first location to a remote second location. The laser light has a high energy intensity level defining a hazardous illumination area and a low energy intensity level defining a safe illumination area. The system includes guard circuitry emitter(s) and corresponding detector(s). The guard circuitry forms a detection area about the hazardous illumination area to detect objects in proximity to the hazardous illumination area. A controller directs the guard and power beam circuitry according to sequentially activated safety modes to operate at a low energy intensity level, to scan in a defined pattern, to adjust operation of the detector(s), and to set guard circuitry parameters based on a time value, an object detection value, or a change to the delivered electric power. An output coupled to the controller and power beam circuitry controllably permits or prevents operation at the high energy intensity level.