Modular LED Obstruction Light with Angled Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high intensity aircraft obstruction warning lights using Xenon bulbs have a short life cycle, high maintenance costs, and inconsistent 360-degree light coverage due to their design, which can pose hazards to aircraft navigation.
Innovation Solution
A modular high intensity light system utilizing LEDs with angled modules to provide consistent light emission from -90 to +90 degrees in the horizontal axis, reducing maintenance needs and improving coverage with a longer lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If Xenon bulbs are used in a single module enclosure, then high intensity light output is achieved, but light distribution is inconsistent and does not provide sufficient coverage at wide angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light emission system into multiple modules (first module, second module, third module, fourth module) arranged around a central axis. Each module emits light in a specific angular range, collectively providing uniform 360-degree coverage. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing light intensity uniformly across all directions while maintaining high intensity output from each individual module.
Solution Approach 2:
Each light module is designed with specific optical properties tailored to its directional coverage requirements. The modules have different emission patterns optimized for their respective angular ranges, with reflectors and lenses configured to direct light appropriately. This local optimization ensures uniform overall distribution while maintaining high intensity in each sector.
2Ease of operation
If multiple Xenon based high intensity lights are used together, then light coverage is improved, but gaps remain where insufficient light is emitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses four light modules positioned at different angular locations (front, rear, left, right) around a central axis. Each module covers a specific angular range, and their combined coverage provides continuous 360-degree illumination without gaps. The segmentation ensures that every direction has dedicated light emission responsibility, eliminating the coverage gaps that occur with fewer, less strategically positioned lights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear or planar light arrangement to a three-dimensional radial configuration around a central vertical axis. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows light modules to cover different angular sectors simultaneously, achieving complete 360-degree coverage without gaps that would occur with simpler two-dimensional arrangements.
3Illumination intensity
If Xenon bulbs are used, then high intensity light is produced, but life expectancy is short and maintenance costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operational parameters of the light source by switching from Xenon bulbs to LEDs. This parameter change includes lower operating temperature, reduced power consumption, and extended operational lifespan. The LED technology maintains high intensity light output while fundamentally improving reliability and reducing maintenance requirements through these parameter modifications.
4Device complexity
If a single module design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but light emission at wide angles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into four separate modules positioned at different angular locations around a central axis. Each module is responsible for illuminating a specific angular sector, ensuring adequate light output at wide angles. This segmentation increases directional coverage capability while keeping each individual module relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines four individual light modules into a unified aviation obstruction lighting system. Each module contributes to the overall 360-degree coverage, and their coordinated operation creates a comprehensive lighting solution. The merging of multiple specialized modules achieves wide-angle coverage that would be impossible for a single module to provide effectively.
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 modular LED-based system offers improved reliability, reduced maintenance costs, and consistent 360-degree light coverage, enhancing aircraft safety by providing a more even and prolonged light output.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reflector coupled to the first plate along a length of the first plate, wherein the at least one reflector redirects light emitted by the plurality of LEDs substantially along a single side of the high intensity light module
Implementation Method 2
a lens coupled around a perimeter of the first plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a high intensity light module for warning aircraft of obstructions. In one embodiment, the high intensity light module for warning aircraft of obstructions includes a first plate, at least one reflector coupled to the first plate along a length of the first plate, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) coupled to the first plate, wherein the at least one reflector redirects light emitted by the plurality of LEDs substantially along a single side of the high intensity light module, a lens coupled around a perimeter of the first plate and a second plate coupled to the lens around a perimeter of the second plate and coupled to the first plate via one or more standoffs.