Obstruction Illuminator With Internal Light Source And Condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstruction illuminators for structures like wind turbines face challenges in withstanding harsh weather conditions and are difficult to install due to exposure of delicate light sources and complex installation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A novel obstruction illuminator with an elongated body featuring an inner cavity, an artificial light source at one end, and an emission lens at the other, incorporating an optical condenser element with a collimator to direct light into an oval pattern, protected from environmental conditions during installation, and a power source assembly for easy installation from within the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light source is placed outside the tower to emit light directly, then the light emission effectiveness is improved, but the light source is exposed to harsh weather conditions which reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator is divided into separate functional components: the light source assembly housed within the tower and the emission lens assembly extending outside. This segmentation allows the light source to be protected inside while the optical elements perform their function outside, resolving the contradiction between protection and emission effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate optical system including mirrors and lenses is introduced to transfer light from the protected interior location to the exterior emission point. The mirrors and lenses act as intermediaries that carry the light function outside without exposing the delicate light source to weather conditions.
2Reliability
If the light source is placed inside the tower for protection, then the reliability is improved, but the installation complexity increases due to separate lens installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The light source assembly and optical elements are merged into a single integrated unit that can be installed as one component through the tower opening. This combining of functions into a unified assembly simplifies installation while maintaining the protective interior positioning of the light source.
3Illumination intensity
If the illuminator body is made long to protrude prominently from the structure, then the warning visibility is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the light source outside to achieve prominence, the design inverts the approach by keeping the light source inside and extending only the optical emission elements. This inversion achieves the warning visibility function with a simpler, shorter overall structure that is easier to install.
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 solution provides a robust and easily installable obstruction illuminator that protects the light source from environmental factors, ensures effective light distribution, and allows for longer illuminator designs, suitable for various structural materials, enhancing versatility and maintenance accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
An optical condenser element is provided into the inner cavity of the body between the artificial light source and the emission lens. The optical condenser element comprises a collimator which receives light from the artificial light source as well as condenses and directs the condensed light toward the emission lens.
Implementation Method 2
The emission lens refracts the light into an oval pattern which is suitable for warning about the presence of an obstacle.
Data Source
AI summary
A robust and easy to install obstruction illuminator is herein disclosed. The obstruction illuminator features an elongated body with a first end and a second end opposing the first end. The body of the obstruction illuminator has an inner cavity, which extends between the first and second end. An artificial light source is fitted to the first end of the body and an emission lens is fitted to the second end of the body. The artificial light source is configured to emit light into the cavity towards the second end. An optical condenser element is provided into the inner cavity of the body between the artificial light source and the emission lens. The optical condenser element receives light from the artificial light source as well as condenses and directs the condensed light toward the emission lens. The emission lens refracts the light into a pattern suitable for warning about the presence of an obstacle.