Searchlight Dimming Device Using Segmented Screening Masks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dimming devices for searchlights, such as multiflap shutters and optical wedges, often introduce irregularities and limitations in brightness adjustment, failing to provide a wide range of dimming with minimal influence on light distribution and requiring large, cumbersome structures.
Innovation Solution
A dimming device using structured masks with different screening elements that can be digitally superimposed to adjust brightness levels by moving them into or out of the light path, allowing incremental adjustments through varying screening factors, and potentially incorporating grey disks for color correction and fine-tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiflap shutters are used for mechanical dimming, then brightness can be adjusted in a wide range, but irregularities and strip patterns appear in the light field
Solution Approach 1:
The screening function is divided into multiple independent screening elements (lamellae) that can be individually adjusted. Each lamella acts as a separate segment that can be rotated independently, allowing precise control of light screening while maintaining light field uniformity through proper positioning of the segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The lamellae are made rotatable about their support points, transforming the static shutter into a dynamic system. This allows continuous adjustment of the screening angle, enabling smooth brightness control from 0% to 100% while maintaining optimal light field distribution at each position.
2Manufacturing precision
If finer lamellae are used to reduce strip patterns, then light field uniformity improves, but the maximum adjustable brightness is further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of only varying the number or fineness of lamellae, the invention introduces angular positioning as an additional dimension of control. By rotating lamellae to different angles, the system achieves fine light field uniformity without needing excessively fine lamellae, thereby preserving maximum brightness capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If supporting structures (webs or axles) are included to hold the lamellae, then the shutter structure is stable, but complete brightening is not possible due to obstruction of light
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and minimizes the supporting structures to only where absolutely necessary. Lamellae are supported at edges or corners rather than requiring extensive webs or axles, reducing light obstruction while maintaining structural stability. The supports are positioned to have minimal impact on the light path.
4Ease of operation
If optical wedges are used for dimming, then brightness can be adjusted, but the screening element must be formed at least twice as wide and high as the light outlet opening
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large optical wedge, the invention segments the screening function into multiple smaller lamellae. Each lamella is compact in size, but collectively they cover the necessary area to screen the entire light field. This segmentation allows the screening elements to be much smaller than the light outlet opening while still achieving full dimming capability.
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 a wide range of brightness adjustments with minimal impact on light distribution, achieving homogeneous light fields and complete darkening, while being compact and adaptable for various lighting applications.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of screening elements (22), which are provided in the form of structured masks, by means of which for regulating the brightness of the light field generated the emitted light (LS) is at least partly screened
Data Source
AI summary
A dimming device for a searchlight for adjusting the brightness of a light field generated by a searchlight is provided. The dimming device comprising a plurality of different screening elements, which are formed and provided to partly or completely screen the light emitted by the searchlight. The screening elements are formed by different structured masks at least partly screening the light emitted by the searchlight, which include regularly arranged opaque or partly transparent regions and transparent regions. Means each are provided for incremental adjustment of the brightness of the generated light field of the searchlight either to bring the screening elements into the region of the light emitted by the searchlight, in order to reduce the brightness of the light field generated by one brightness level, or to remove the same from the region of the light emitted by the searchlight, in order to increase the brightness of the light field generated by one brightness level.