Tethered Drone Lighting for Adjustable Height and Uniform Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting solutions for large area illumination, such as construction and security applications, are limited by the height and angle of illumination, resulting in uneven coverage and require expensive, trailered devices with extendable poles, which cannot direct light at steeper angles or maintain constant illumination effectively.
Innovation Solution
A tethered drone system that maintains an illumination source at adjustable altitudes and angles, using a base station for power and control, with a lighting system that can vary intensity and direction to provide uniform or customized illumination patterns across areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If extendable/telescoping poles are used to place illumination source at height, then illumination height is improved, but the angle of illumination is limited to 20°-50° from horizon producing elongated cone with uneven coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static extendable poles to a mobile drone platform that can dynamically adjust its position, altitude, and orientation. The drone's ability to move freely in three-dimensional space and adjust its pitch/yaw angles enables flexible illumination angles while maintaining optimal height, resolving the contradiction between height and angle flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical extendable pole system with an aerodynamically-based drone system. Instead of mechanically extending rigid poles to achieve height, the system uses aerial flight to reach elevated positions, thereby eliminating the mechanical constraints on illumination angles while maintaining or improving illumination height.
2Area of stationary object
If trailered devices with extendable poles are used, then large area illumination is achieved, but the equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional drone platform that can perform illumination, surveillance, and positioning functions simultaneously. The same aerial platform that provides elevated illumination also offers mobile repositioning and adaptive angle adjustment, eliminating the need for separate complex trailered equipment while achieving comparable or superior illuminated area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing dynamic adjustment of the drone's altitude, horizontal position, and illumination angle independently. This flexibility enables the system to optimize illumination coverage area without being constrained by fixed mechanical structures, achieving large area illumination with simpler, more adaptable equipment.
3Length of stationary object
If extendable poles are used to achieve illumination height, then height is improved, but the system cannot maintain constant illumination effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback through sensors (such as light sensors, distance sensors, or cameras) that continuously monitor illumination levels and target object position. This feedback is processed by a control system that adjusts the drone's altitude, position, and illumination angle in real-time to maintain constant illumination on the target, resolving the contradiction between achieving height and maintaining stable illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through autonomous control systems that enable the drone to automatically adjust its own position and orientation to maintain optimal illumination conditions. The system serves itself by using its own sensors and actuators to correct deviations from desired illumination parameters without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining constant illumination at elevated positions.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, a drone-based system comprises: a base station, wherein the base station is configured to provide drone control and power, a drone; a tether connecting the base station to the drone and configured to provide the drone with the power from the base station; and a lighting system, operably attached to the drone via the tether, configured to generate illumination of a ground area, wherein the illumination of the ground area is controllable by modifying least one of an intensity of the illumination and a height of the drone above the ground area.