Railway LED Light Assembly with Segmented Reflector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Incandescent lamps used in wayside signals for railways have short lifespans and are energy inefficient, leading to maintenance challenges and safety concerns due to their remote locations, and result in operational inefficiencies when they fail.
Innovation Solution
An LED light assembly with a reflector assembly comprising concave-shaped individual reflector portions and a membrane, designed to direct light in specific patterns to meet AREMA specifications, improving visibility and reducing false illumination, and featuring a sealed lens to protect against environmental elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If incandescent lamps are used in wayside signals, then the signals can provide illumination, but the lifespan is short (6-12 months) and maintenance is difficult due to remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/incandescent lighting system with an LED-based lighting system. The LED module provides the same illumination function but with significantly extended lifespan and lower maintenance requirements, directly resolving the contradiction between duration of action and ease of repair
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the lighting system by transitioning from incandescent technology to LED technology. This parameter change results in extended operational lifespan (from 6-12 months to potentially years) while maintaining the same lighting function, thereby resolving the maintenance accessibility issue
2Use of energy by moving object
If incandescent lamps are used in wayside signals, then the signals can provide illumination, but energy efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the energy-inefficient incandescent system with an energy-efficient LED system. This replacement directly addresses the energy efficiency parameter while reducing energy loss, as LEDs convert electrical energy to light much more efficiently than incandescent bulbs
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple reflector portions are used to direct light at different distances, then the light pattern precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reflector system into multiple discrete reflector portions (first reflector portions for distant light direction, second reflector portions for near light direction). This segmentation allows precise control of light patterns in different zones while maintaining manufacturability through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different reflector portions with specific optical properties to different spatial zones. The first reflector portions are optimized for directing light at greater distances, while the second reflector portions are optimized for nearer distances, creating locally optimized light patterns that achieve overall precision without excessive complexity
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 LED light assembly extends maintenance intervals, enhances safety by reducing downtime, and increases energy efficiency, allowing for more reliable and efficient railway operations by providing a longer-lasting and energy-efficient signaling solution.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector assembly includes a number of individual reflector portions, each reflector portion being of generally concave shape and structured to selectively direct light emitted from a respective one of the number of LEDs
Implementation Method 2
The light assembly comprises a lighting module having a number of LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
A light assembly includes a lighting module having a number of LEDs and a reflector assembly disposed on the lighting module. The reflector assembly includes a number of individual reflector portions, each reflector portion being of generally concave shape and structured to selectively direct light emitted from a respective one of the number of LEDs. A lens member is disposed over the reflector assembly and a membrane is disposed between the reflector member and the lens.