Aviation Obstacle Light Lens Rings for Uniform Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight obstruction lights with LED technology face challenges in achieving even omnidirectional light distribution efficiently, leading to increased size, weight, and cost due to the need for multiple lenses with overlapping beams to compensate for intensity reduction at edges.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves arranging at least two concentric rings of lenses, with alternating positions to overlap their beams, reducing the overall diameter and weight of the light obstruction system, while maintaining even light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple lenses are arranged on the circumference to produce even omnidirectional light distribution, then the light intensity uniformity is improved, but the device diameter and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane lens arrangement to a multi-layer three-dimensional configuration. Lenses are distributed across multiple horizontal planes (at least two layers), allowing the system to achieve omnidirectional light distribution without requiring all lenses to be arranged in a single large circumference, thus reducing the device diameter and weight while maintaining uniform light intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where multiple lens layers are stacked concentrically around the central LED light source. Each lens layer is positioned at a different radial distance and angular orientation, creating a compact nested structure that maximizes light distribution efficiency within a minimized volume, reducing both device weight and diameter.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple lenses are arranged on the circumference to produce even omnidirectional light distribution, then the light intensity uniformity is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lens system into multiple independent layers, with each layer containing a specific number of lenses (e.g., 3-6 lenses per layer). This segmentation allows for modular design and assembly, reducing the overall complexity compared to arranging all lenses in a single complex configuration. Each layer can be designed and manufactured separately, simplifying the production process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric angular positioning of lenses within each layer, where lenses are not uniformly distributed at equal angular intervals but are instead positioned at optimized asymmetric angles. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with the multi-layer structure, achieves even omnidirectional light distribution while reducing the total number of lenses required, thereby simplifying the device design and reducing costs.
3Illumination intensity
If a large number of lenses are used to compensate for intensity reduction at edges, then the light distribution evenness is improved, but the device diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the diameter issue by adding the vertical dimension to the lens arrangement. Instead of increasing the radial distance to accommodate more lenses, the system stacks lenses in multiple vertical layers. This allows the light distribution evenness to be improved by increasing the number of lenses without increasing the device diameter, as the additional lenses are positioned at different vertical levels around the LED source.
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 configuration results in a significantly smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective flight obstruction light with a reduced outer diameter, enhancing installation ease and reducing the need for heavy lifting equipment, while maintaining even omnidirectional light coverage.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is formed by at least one LED and a lens directing the light emitted by the LED in a light beam having a vertical extension of three degrees
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
A LED-operated horizontally ominidirectional flight obstruction light, wherein at least two superimposed rings (3, 4) formed by individual lenses (6) are arranged so that the lenses (6) of at least one ring are arranged so that seen from the direction of the central axes (KLinssi) of the rings (3, 4) are moved in the direction of a circumference drawn around the central axes in relation to the lenses of at least one other ring.