Pivotable Wedge Lens Filter for Selective Light Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination devices, such as searchlights, face limitations in switching between infrared and visible light modes efficiently without reducing light intensity, as previous solutions either require cumbersome filter changes or dedicate light-producing elements to specific spectrums, leading to inferior light distribution and intensity.
Innovation Solution
A filter system with pivotally mounted lenses that can rotate between open and closed positions, allowing for selective transmission or blocking of radiation, enabling easy switching between infrared and visible light modes without modifying the searchlight housing or reflector, and featuring a composite lens design for improved light distribution and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If separate infrared and visible light sources are used, then each spectrum can be optimized, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single illumination source emits both infrared and visible light simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate light sources. The filter assembly selectively transmits or blocks either spectrum based on operational requirements, achieving multi-functionality with a single device component.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is designed with movable filter elements that can be dynamically positioned to switch between transmitting infrared light and transmitting visible light. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between different operational modes without changing the illumination source.
2Device complexity
If a single illumination source emits both infrared and visible light, then device complexity is reduced, but the light intensity for each spectrum is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is segmented into multiple filter elements, each optimized for specific wavelength transmission. This segmentation allows each filter element to concentrate transmission in its designated spectrum while blocking other wavelengths, thereby maximizing light intensity for the transmitted spectrum without requiring separate illumination sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly uses composite filtering structures that combine multiple filtering layers or materials with different spectral transmission properties. This composite approach enables selective enhancement of transmission for either infrared or visible light while maintaining the single illumination source configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual filter attachment and removal is used to switch modes, then filtering capability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly incorporates movable filter elements that can be dynamically positioned between different operational states (transmitting infrared, transmitting visible, or blocked). This dynamic mechanism allows mode switching without manual attachment or removal of filters, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining full filtering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the illumination source itself to activate the mode switching mechanism. The illumination source's operation triggers or coordinates with the filter positioning mechanism, allowing the system to self-regulate between modes without requiring separate manual intervention for filter changes.
4Illumination intensity
If dedicated infrared or visible light elements are used, then each spectrum is optimized, but the other spectrum's transmission is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source is designed to emit both infrared and visible light simultaneously, making it a universal source that can serve both spectral requirements. The filter assembly then selectively transmits or blocks either spectrum based on operational needs, maintaining multi-spectrum capability without dedicating separate elements to each wavelength range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission parameter of the filter assembly dynamically. By adjusting the filter element positions, the system switches between transmitting infrared wavelengths and transmitting visible wavelengths, thereby adapting the spectral transmission characteristics without changing the illumination source's emission parameters.
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
Enables efficient switching between infrared and visible light modes with improved light distribution and intensity, eliminating the need for manual filter changes and maintaining the effectiveness of both spectrums without compromising light output.
Implementation Method 1
A filter system with pivotally mounted lenses that can rotate between open and closed positions, allowing for selective transmission or blocking of radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A filter for an illumination device may include wedge-shaped lenses arranged about an opening of the illumination device and pivotable between open and closed positions. When pivoted to a closed position, the lenses substantially cover the illumination device opening and block or filter radiation emitted therefrom. When pivoted to an open position, the lenses lie substantially perpendicular to the plane of the illumination device opening, allowing radiation emitted from the illumination device to pass through the opening unfiltered. In one aspect, the filter may include radially inner and outer supports, and each lens element may be pivotally attached to, and pivot about a radially extending pivot axis extending between, the inner and outer supports.