Multi-Mode LED Lighting System for Boundary Definition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting systems for military assets at forward deployed bases are heavy, energy-intensive, and lack the ability to define a clear boundary between illuminated and non-illuminated areas, posing challenges in energy efficiency and security applications.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, portable lighting system capable of multiple modes of illumination, including infrared and visible light, with a fuel gauge module for battery life monitoring and a retractable mounting device, allowing for efficient energy use and defined boundary creation between illuminated and non-illuminated zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional lighting systems (halogen, fluorescent, incandescent) are used, then illumination is provided, but energy consumption is high and thermal load is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light emission by using LED technology instead of conventional incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent sources. LEDs operate at lower temperatures and consume significantly less energy while providing equivalent or superior illumination intensity, directly resolving the contradiction between energy consumption and illumination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces thermal-based illumination mechanisms (incandescent filaments, halogen gas discharge, fluorescent phosphor excitation) with electroluminescence in LEDs. This substitution eliminates the need for high-temperature operation and high energy consumption while maintaining effective illumination, thereby resolving the technical contradiction
2Weight of moving object
If conventional lighting systems are deployed, then illumination is provided, but the systems are heavy and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into modular components including separate LED modules, power supply units, and control circuits. This segmentation allows for compact packaging, reduced overall weight, and improved portability while maintaining system reliability through modular redundancy and independent functionality of each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures in the housing and mounting components, combining lightweight materials (such as aluminum alloys or composite polymers) with structural reinforcement elements. This creates a system that is both lightweight for portability and sufficiently robust for reliable operation in various environments
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lighting systems are used, then area illumination is provided, but the ability to define a clear boundary between illuminated and non-illuminated areas is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic control of LED illumination patterns, allowing the system to switch between different modes (flood lighting for area coverage, spot lighting for boundary definition, and perimeter lighting for security zones). This dynamic adaptability enables clear boundary definition between illuminated and non-illuminated areas while using a single versatile device rather than multiple specialized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is designed with multi-functional LED modules that can operate in various configurations (flood, spot, perimeter, and combination modes). This universality allows the same device to provide both area illumination and boundary definition capabilities, achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing system 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
The system provides reliable, energy-efficient illumination with defined boundaries, enhancing security and ease of transport, while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact compared to traditional lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting apparatus may include a first array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a second array of LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
In light of the foregoing background, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an improved apparatus, method and system for providing multi-mode illumination. Specifically, exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a lighting apparatus capable of multiple modes of illumination (e.g., infrared illumination mode, visible light illumination mode, spot-light mode, flood-light mode, blended spot and flood light modes, etc.) and battery powered operation. The lighting apparatus further includes a fuel gage module capable of communicating an expected battery life based on a current operating mode of the lighting apparatus and a current state of charge of the battery. Lighting devices structured in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention may be light-weight and portable to improve ease of transport and deployment. Such lighting devices may also include a stable and yet retractable mounting device. In this regard, such lighting devices may be transported to remote locations and for providing a reliable light source.