Segmented Illuminator for Aviation Light Pattern Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight obstacle illuminators struggle to produce a controlled output light pattern that meets minimum requirements while avoiding excessive light intensity beyond recommended maximum values, leading to potential 'light pollution' and non-compliance with aviation regulations.
Innovation Solution
A novel illuminator design featuring two combinations of light emitting and light path modifying components, with one combination producing a wider output light pattern and the other a narrower pattern, allowing for a tailored total output that peaks at the zero line and decreases asymmetrically, thus meeting both minimum and maximum intensity standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single light emitting component with a fixed optical system is used, then the device structure is simple, but the output light pattern cannot simultaneously meet minimum intensity requirements and maximum intensity limitations at different vertical deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light source into multiple independent light emitting components (first and second light emitting components) with different optical sizes. Each component is paired with corresponding light path modifying components to create separate optical systems. This segmentation allows each system to contribute differently to the overall light pattern, with the first combination providing broader coverage and the second combination providing narrower, more intense light, thereby achieving flexible light pattern control while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple optical systems (first and second combinations of light emitting and light path modifying components) to produce a total output light pattern that is the sum of individual patterns. This merging approach allows the system to integrate the advantages of both narrow and broad light patterns, achieving both minimum intensity requirements at the zero line and maximum intensity limitations at vertical deviations, while the combined system maintains a balanced complexity level
2Area of stationary object
If the light pattern is made broader to meet minimum intensity requirements, then coverage area is improved, but light intensity outside the required angle range increases causing light pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light emitting function into components of different optical sizes. The first light emitting component with its corresponding light path modifying components produces a broader light pattern that ensures adequate coverage area and meets minimum intensity requirements. The second light emitting component with its light path modifying components produces a narrower light pattern that limits light spread and reduces light pollution. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both broad coverage and reduced light pollution simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having different regions of the optical system produce different light pattern characteristics. The first combination of components is optimized for broader coverage in certain angular regions, while the second combination is optimized for narrower beams in other regions. This local differentiation of optical properties allows the overall system to provide broad coverage where needed while limiting light spread to reduce pollution in unwanted 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 solution enables compliance with regulatory light intensity requirements while reducing light pollution by limiting intensity outside the required angle range, ensuring safe aviation and shipping operations.
Implementation Method 1
The first light emitting component (11) has a first optical size and the second light emitting component (12) has a second optical size
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a novel illuminator 100 having a light source (10) and optics (20). The light source (10) and optics have light emitting and light path modifying components (11, 12, 21, 22, 23), which form two different combinations. The components of the first combination cooperate so as to output a first output light pattern (A) having a width in a plane and the components of the second combination cooperate such to output a second output light pattern (B) having a width in said plane. The width of the second output light pattern (B) is narrower than that of the first output light pattern (A), whereby the total output light pattern (A+B) of the illuminator (100) is a sum of the output light patterns (A, B) produced by the combinations of components (11, 12, 21, 22). The illuminator may be a flight obstacle illuminator or a navigational aid.