Oscillating Warning Device Using LED Array and Tilted Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical warning devices on emergency vehicles are expensive and unreliable, requiring disassembly for adjustments to change light patterns, limiting their versatility and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A warning device using an array of light sources, reflectors, and lenses to create oscillating light patterns without mechanical mechanisms, employing LEDs and control electronics to individually control light spots and produce various patterns stored in memory for easy switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical mechanisms are used to produce oscillating light patterns, then oscillating light patterns can be generated, but the device becomes expensive and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical oscillating mechanisms with an array of light sources (LEDs) and electronic control systems. Each light source is independently controllable, allowing oscillating light patterns to be generated through electronic switching rather than mechanical movement. This eliminates mechanical components, improving reliability while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The warning device is divided into multiple independent light sources arranged in an array, where each light source can be controlled individually. This segmentation allows the system to generate various oscillating patterns through electronic control of discrete elements, replacing the need for a single mechanical oscillating mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical linkages are used to create oscillating light patterns, then different patterns can be produced, but adjustments require disassembly and service interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electronically controllable light sources where each element can be independently activated or deactivated. Different oscillating light patterns are achieved by programming different sequences of light source activation, allowing instantaneous pattern changes without any physical adjustment or disassembly of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the light sources (on/off states, timing sequences, intensity) to generate different oscillating patterns. By modifying the control signals sent to each light source in the array, various warning patterns can be produced instantly without any mechanical adjustment or service interruption.
3Ease of manufacture
If mechanical mechanisms are used for oscillating motion, then light patterns can be generated, but the device becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple inexpensive light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in an array instead of a single expensive mechanical oscillating mechanism. Each LED is a low-cost component with long operational life, and their collective arrangement achieves the oscillating light pattern function more cost-effectively than mechanical alternatives.
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 reliable, adjustable, and cost-effective oscillating light patterns without mechanical components, enabling multiple patterns to be easily selected and implemented without service interruption, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of reflectors and the plurality of lenses is tilted along a principal axis to collimate light and to direct the light from one of the plurality of lights to one of a plurality of far field light spots
Data Source
AI summary
A warning device. In some embodiments, the warning device can include: a plurality of light sources forming an array; a plurality of reflectors, with at least one reflector being associated with each of the plurality of lights; and a plurality of lenses, with at least one lens being associated with each of the plurality of lights. In some examples, each of the plurality of reflectors and the plurality of lenses is tilted along a principal axis to collimate light and to direct the light from one of the plurality of lights to one of a plurality of far field light spots.