Laser Lighting Apparatus for Smoke Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Firefighters face limited visibility and disorientation in smoke-filled buildings due to the poor penetration of conventional flashlight beams, which are blinded by smoke, and existing coherent light solutions require multiple power-intensive laser sources.

Innovation Solution

A laser lighting apparatus using a single laser source and diffraction grating to create multiple coherent light planes that can penetrate smoke and provide effective illumination and navigation, allowing firefighters to identify obstacles and exits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a single laser source is used, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to provide sufficient illumination and navigation is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidillumination and navigation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single laser beam into multiple separate laser beams by passing it through a diffractive optical element with multiple slits or grooves. This segmentation allows one power source to illuminate multiple areas simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between low power consumption and sufficient illumination coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-point laser source to a multi-directional illumination system by using a diffractive optical element that spreads the laser beam across multiple angles and dimensions, creating multiple illumination planes that provide comprehensive navigation guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Illumination intensity

If multiple laser sources are used, then illumination and navigation effectiveness is improved, but power consumption and heat dissipation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination and navigation effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption and heat dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple laser beams into a single unified beam path by using a diffractive optical element that takes one input beam and redistributes it into multiple output beams. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate laser sources, reducing both power consumption and heat dissipation while maintaining effective illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single laser source is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - providing illumination, navigation guidance, and spatial orientation - by generating multiple beams that serve different navigation purposes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated laser sources for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional flashlight beams are used, then power consumption is low, but visibility penetration through smoke is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidvisibility penetration through smoke

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical light source (flashlight bulb) with a laser-based optical system. The laser provides coherent light that penetrates smoke more effectively, while the diffractive optical element creates multiple beams that enhance visibility without requiring excessive power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 apparatus enables clear identification of contours and navigation within smoke-filled structures by projecting diffraction-generated light planes, reducing power consumption and heat dissipation while enhancing visibility and safety during emergency rescues.

Implementation Method 1

the laser beam emitted by the single laser source may be diffracted by the diffraction grating into a laser light plane that can penetrate a smoke-filled structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS8672513B2Method of using light striping for fire rescue navigation

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 QUANTUM WORKS CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides a method of using a laser lighting apparatus for fire rescue navigation in a smoke-filled structure. The laser lighting apparatus is portably carried at a user's body and directly operated by the user to perform the steps of turning the laser lighting apparatus on to output one or more coherent light planes; projecting the one or more coherent light planes on objects in the smoke-filled structure to produce one or more light stripes on surfaces of the objects; and identifying the objects in the smoke-filled structure from the one or more light stripes.