Signaling System Blocking Means for Sunlight Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard signaling systems, particularly those using light-emitting diodes (LEDs), are difficult to read under low-angled sunlight due to sunlight reflection, which can be mitigated only by increasing LED current and using strong LEDs, resulting in higher costs and shorter operational lifespans.
Innovation Solution
A signaling system with a blocking means that partially blocks the light distribution of each LED, reducing sunlight reflection and improving contrast ratio without the need for additional lenses or diaphragms, allowing for a simpler and more cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If standard LED signaling systems are used without blocking means, then the light output is strong and visible, but sunlight reflection makes the signal hard to read under low-angled sun
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into multiple sections with each section containing a light-emitting device and its own blocking means. This segmentation allows individual control of sunlight blocking for each LED, enabling the system to maintain strong light output while selectively blocking sunlight reflections that would interfere with signal visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking means are positioned at specific locations on the housing - at an angle of 45 degrees to the optical axis and facing the sun. This local placement creates different optical properties in different regions: the blocking means block sunlight reflections while allowing the LED light to pass through, thus locally resolving the sunlight reflection problem without affecting overall light output.
2Illumination intensity
If high LED current is used to overcome sun reflection, then the signal becomes more visible, but the initial investment and operational lifespan are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of sunlight into a beneficial configuration by positioning blocking means at 45 degrees to the optical axis. This angular positioning allows the blocking means to specifically intercept sunlight reflections while leaving the forward-directed LED light unobstructed, thus improving signal visibility without requiring increased LED current and without reducing operational lifespan.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If hood type LED masks are used to limit viewing angle, then sunlight reflection is reduced, but the masks are only effective when sunlight angle is 20 degrees or more
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means are positioned asymmetrically at a 45-degree angle to the optical axis rather than symmetrically around it. This asymmetric positioning creates a directional blocking effect that is optimized for low-angled sunlight conditions, providing effectiveness even when the sun is at angles below 20 degrees, thus expanding the adaptability range beyond what symmetric hood masks can achieve.
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 achieves a higher contrast ratio, enabling clearer signal observation under low-angled sunlight, reduces power consumption, and extends the operational lifespan of LEDs, while maintaining effective visibility at wider viewing angles.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking means are arranged for individually blocking, in operational use, at least part of the radiation emitted by the light-emitting device in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis
Implementation Method 2
the light-emitting device is configured for emitting radiation with a light distribution forming a solid angle in space
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a signaling system comprising at least one light-emitting device (1) for showing a signal or warning to a viewer (99), wherein, in operational use, the light-emitting device (1) is configured for emitting radiation with a light distribution forming a solid angle in space, wherein a center line of the solid angle is defined as an optical axis (Z) of the light-emitting device (1). The light-emitting device (1) comprises a transparent housing (3), a reflector (5) and a light-emitting part (7) arranged within the housing (3), wherein the reflector (5) and the light-emitting part (7) are configured for generating the radiation with said light distribution. The signaling system further comprises blocking means (10) are arranged substantially at one side of the light-emitting device (1). The blocking means (10) are configured for individually blocking, in operational use, at least part of the radiation emitted by the light-emitting device (1) in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis (Z), wherein the one side is defined with respect to a fictitious plane through the optical axis (Z). The invention further relates to various applications of such signaling system. Despite the lower luminance of the light-emitting device, the invention provides for a higher-contrast ratio in case of a low-angled sun with respect to the optical axis (Z).