LED Obstruction Lighting with Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional obstruction lights and anti-collision lights face challenges such as limited service life, light pollution, and inefficiencies in light distribution, and have not evolved to actively participate in collision avoidance, particularly in densely populated areas with increasing infrastructure and hazards.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system utilizing LEDs oriented at 45° relative to a reflector with a conic cross-section, which minimizes downward light emission, enhances beam focus, and includes a collision avoidance system that detects potential threats and alerts vehicles through radio, aural, or visual signals, using sensors and an awareness engine to adjust light characteristics and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If incandescent lamps are used in obstruction lights, then the light output is sufficient, but the service life is limited and replacement is frequent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from incandescent lamp technology to LED technology, fundamentally changing the light source parameters. LEDs provide the same or superior light output with significantly extended service life (50,000+ hours versus 1,000-2,000 hours for incandescent), eliminating the need for frequent replacements and improving system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical incandescent lamp system with a solid-state LED system. This substitution eliminates fragile filaments and complex electrical connections, resulting in a more reliable, maintenance-free light source that requires no replacement under normal operating conditions
2Shape
If LEDs are oriented vertically aimed outwardly, then the beam shape is continuous, but the LED junctions are vulnerable to lightning damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional LED orientation by mounting LEDs horizontally and aiming them upward at the reflector rather than vertically outward. This inversion positions the LED junctions away from direct lightning strike zones while the reflector redirects light horizontally, maintaining beam continuity while improving electrical component protection
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector serves as an intermediary element that receives light from horizontally-oriented LEDs and redirects it horizontally to form the required continuous beam. This intermediary arrangement decouples the LED orientation from the final beam direction, allowing LEDs to be protected from lightning while still producing the required optical output
3Temperature
If LEDs are aimed downwardly, then cooling is more efficient, but light is directed toward the neighborhood causing light pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector acts as an intermediary that receives light from downward-aimed LEDs and redirects it horizontally outward. This allows the LEDs to maintain their downward orientation for optimal thermal management while the reflector prevents direct light emission toward the neighborhood, eliminating light pollution while preserving cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system segments the functions of light generation and light direction. LEDs are responsible solely for light production and self-cooling, while the reflector handles light redirection. This functional segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal orientation without compromising the other
4Illumination intensity
If conventional obstruction lights are used, then the light output is sufficient, but light pollution occurs outside the specified band
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by using individual LED emitters with specific color temperatures and the refector to concentrate light output into a narrow vertical beam spread (3 degrees or less). This ensures high illumination intensity within the required band while minimizing light emission outside the specified angular range, thereby reducing light pollution
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 efficient, long-lasting, and reduced light pollution while actively aiding collision avoidance by dynamically adjusting light output and alerting drivers to potential hazards, enhancing safety in densely populated areas.
Implementation Method 1
The reflecting surfaces redirect and collimate a light output of the plurality of LEDs at an angle of about 45° with respect to the central light emitting axis of the plurality of LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
A collision avoidance system includes a sensor adapted to detect at least one vehicle in the vicinity of a predetermined area and generate target data relating to the at least one vehicle. An awareness engine receives the target data and evaluates the target data for a threat of a collision. An alerting system is adapted to alert the at least one vehicle in the event of a threat of a collision, the alerting system being activated by the awareness engine.