Non-Pyrotechnic Flare With LED and Biodegradable Wing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pyrotechnic flares pose fire hazards due to their flammable materials and risk of igniting structures or objects upon contact, necessitating a safer, non-flammable alternative that does not ignite upon descent.
Innovation Solution
A non-pyrotechnic flare system featuring a light-emitting diode (LED) and a wing-shaped appendage for controlled descent, formed from biodegradable materials, with the wing-shaped appendage transitioning between stowed and deployed positions to power the LED and disperse light without generating heat, using ultraviolet wavelengths to deter wildlife.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional pyrotechnic flares are used to produce light and heat for distress signaling, then illumination intensity and visibility are improved, but fire hazards and risk of igniting structures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical combustion system of traditional pyrotechnic flares with an electrical lighting system using LEDs. The flare member includes a head with an LED that emits light when activated, eliminating the need for flammable materials and combustion reactions while providing sufficient illumination for distress signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from thermal/chemical energy release to electrical/optical energy conversion. By using an LED powered by a battery or piezoelectric charging mechanism, the system produces light without heat generation, thereby eliminating fire hazards while maintaining visibility function.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional flares are designed to ignite upon contact with ground for maximum visibility, then light output is improved, but risk to structures and objects on ground increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ignition-based visibility mechanism with a controlled electrical lighting system. The LED emits light during descent and can be activated at any point before ground contact, eliminating the automatic ignition upon contact that creates fire risks to structures and objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The flare member incorporates its own lighting system that operates independently of ground contact. The LED can be activated during descent through automatic timing or manual trigger, providing visibility without requiring ignition upon contact with the ground.
3Reliability
If flares are made from durable materials to withstand deployment and descent, then reliability is improved, but environmental persistence and pollution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction where the flare member body uses durable materials for structural integrity during deployment, while the appendage uses biodegradable materials that break down after use. This composite approach ensures reliable deployment while minimizing environmental persistence and pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the flare member. The head and structural components use durable materials for reliability, while the appendage uses biodegradable materials for environmental friendliness, allowing each part to have the quality appropriate for its specific function.
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 non-pyrotechnic flare system provides safe, non-flammable light signaling without fire hazards, effectively deterring wildlife and reducing risks to structures, while being environmentally friendly due to biodegradable materials.
Implementation Method 1
a head having a light-emitting diode (LED) that is configured to emit light when activated
Implementation Method 2
The LED may be configured to emit the light at an ultraviolet (UV) wavelength at 100 cycles per minute
Implementation Method 3
The wing-shaped appendage may be formed of a piezoelectric material, and the LED may be powered by the wing-shaped appendance moving from the stowed position to the extended deployed position
Implementation Method 4
At least a portion of the wing-shaped appendage may include a reflective material that is configured to reflectively disperse light emitted by the LED
Implementation Method 5
The wing-shaped appendage is aerodynamically shaped to allow the at least one flare member to rotate and descend towards ground at a controlled speed when the flare member(s) is deployed
Data Source
AI summary
A non-pyrotechnic flare system and method includes at least one flare member that is configured to be deployed. The flare member(s) includes a head having a light-emitting diode (LED) that is configured to emit light when activated, and a wing-shaped appendage extending from the head. In at least one embodiment, a casing retains the flare member(s) in a stowed position. The flare member(s) is configured to be deployed from the casing.


