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

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight outputVSAvoidfire hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight outputVSAvoidignition risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If flares are made from durable materials to withstand deployment and descent, then reliability is improved, but environmental persistence and pollution increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment durabilityVSAvoidenvironmental pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode (LED): Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The LED may be configured to emit the light at an ultraviolet (UV) wavelength at 100 cycles per minute

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet wavelength emission:

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic drag: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS10704868B1Non-pyrotechnic flare systems and methods
Publication Date: 2020.07.07 THE BOEING CO
  • US10704868B1 patent drawing
  • US10704868B1 patent drawing
  • US10704868B1 patent drawing

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.