Omnidirectional LED Reflector with Sharp Horizontal Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Previous beacon lights exhibit poor energy efficiency and contribute to light pollution, and those used for marine navigation lack a sharp cutoff of light when viewed from specific angles, causing confusion and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
An omnidirectional light optic design featuring vertically stacked light emitting diodes (LEDs) and reflectors with a blocking band member that creates a sharp horizontal cutoff by blocking light at specific angles, allowing only a narrow range of light to be visible, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing light pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple light sources are arranged along a horizontal plane, then the light output is sufficient for navigation, but the light cutoff is gradual and creates confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon is divided into multiple light sources arranged vertically along a common vertical axis rather than horizontally. Each light source is independently controlled and can be activated in sequences, allowing for sharp angular separation and clear identification of light onset and offset points during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of light sources to a vertical arrangement along a common vertical axis. This dimensional change enables the use of a rotating shield that creates sharp horizontal cutoffs by blocking light at specific angular positions, thereby improving navigation clarity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional beacon lights are used, then they provide adequate light output, but they exhibit poor energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon employs periodic activation of light sources in a vertical sequence during rotation. By controlling which light source is active at each angular position and using a rotating shield to block light at specific angles, the system achieves the required visibility while minimizing energy consumption and reducing light pollution in undesired directions.
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 design achieves a sharp horizontal cutoff of less than 15 degrees, improving energy efficiency and reducing light pollution, allowing for safer navigation by providing a clear identification of hazards without confusing light patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), wherein each one of the plurality of LEDs
Implementation Method 2
each one of the at least two reflective sides comprises a curved concave cross-section
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to an omnidirectional light optic. In one embodiment, the omnidirectional light includes a plurality of reflectors, wherein each one of the plurality of reflectors comprises at least two reflective sides, wherein each one of the at least two reflective sides has an associated optical axis, wherein each respective optical axis of the at least two reflective sides is located on a common horizontal plane and each one of the at least two reflective sides comprises a curved concave cross-section, a plurality of LEDs, wherein each one of the plurality of reflectors is associated with at least one of the plurality of LEDs and at least one blocking band member with at least one edge that blocks light emitted by the plurality of LEDs at common horizontal angles.