LED Obstruction Light Secondary Diffuser Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED-based high intensity lights face challenges in meeting stringent FAA and ICAO standards due to difficulties in achieving uniform light beam output over all angles of azimuth and elevation, requiring a large number of LED sources and small reflectors, which complicates the design and increases energy and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multi-ring assembly design with each ring having a plurality of reflectors and light emitting diodes, combined with a secondary diffuser to mix light from the reflectors and LEDs, allowing for a more uniform and efficient light distribution that meets regulatory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional strobe lights are used to achieve high intensity, then the light intensity requirement is met, but energy consumption and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical strobe light systems with LED-based optical systems. Multiple LEDs arranged in concentric rings with reflectors and diffusers create the required high intensity light beam, eliminating the need for traditional strobe mechanisms while reducing energy consumption and maintenance requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If a large number of LED sources are used to achieve high intensity, then the light intensity requirement is met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the LED light source into multiple concentric rings, each containing multiple LEDs. This segmentation allows precise control of light distribution in different azimuth and elevation directions, meeting the complex photometric requirements while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses concentric ring arrangements of LEDs in three-dimensional space, creating a multi-dimensional light distribution pattern. This spatial arrangement allows control of light intensity across multiple angular dimensions (azimuth and elevation) simultaneously, achieving high intensity requirements without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If uniform light beam output over all angles is achieved, then photometric specifications are met, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the system: reflectors are positioned at specific locations to redirect light from individual LEDs, and a diffuser is used to homogenize the combined light output. This local optimization of optical components ensures uniform light beam composition across all angles while maintaining feasible manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diffuser as an intermediary element between the LED-array-with-reflectors and the final light beam. The diffuser homogenizes the light from multiple discrete LED-reflector units, creating a uniform beam output that meets photometric specifications while compensating for variations in individual component manufacturing.
4Ease of operation
If small reflectors are used with each LED, then individual light control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple LED-reflector units arranged in concentric rings into a unified optical system. Individual LEDs with their reflectors maintain local light control capabilities, while the overall concentric ring structure and diffuser create a integrated system that meets omnidirectional photometric requirements without excessive complexity.
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 design enables the creation of high intensity LED lights that meet FAA and ICAO standards by providing a uniform light beam output over all angles of azimuth, reducing energy consumption and maintenance needs while allowing for scalability to different standards.
Implementation Method 1
A diffuser is interposed around the first concentric ring assembly to mix light from at least some of the plurality reflectors and light emitting diodes
Implementation Method 2
a first ring assembly having a first plurality of reflectors and light emitting diodes
Data Source
AI summary
A high intensity LED based lighting array for use in an obstruction light with efficient uniform light output is disclosed. The high intensity LED based lighting array has a ring assembly having a plurality of reflectors and light emitting diodes. The ring assembly has a planar surface mounting each of the plurality of primary reflectors in perpendicular relation to a respective one of the plurality of light emitting diodes. A secondary diffuser is positioned on the ring to mix light from the light emitting diodes to create a uniform light emission in a range of azimuth angles.