Tethered Drone Lighting for Uniform Large-Area Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current illumination units for large area lighting, such as those used in construction and security, are limited by their height and require angled illumination, resulting in uneven coverage and high costs, and lack the ability to readily redirect or track illumination.
Innovation Solution
A tethered drone system is used to maintain an illumination source at varying altitudes and angles, with adjustable lighting systems and controllers to ensure uniform illumination, allowing for independent direction and intensity control of multiple light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If extendable or telescoping poles are used to position illumination sources, then the illumination height can be increased, but the illumination angle is limited to approximately 20°-50° from the horizon, resulting in elongated cones of illumination with uneven coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a drone with active flight control capabilities to dynamically adjust the position, altitude, and orientation of the illumination source. Unlike static poles, the drone can move freely in three-dimensional space, allowing real-time adjustment of illumination angles and coverage areas to optimize lighting distribution across the target area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pole system with an aerodynamic drone system. The drone uses aerodynamic forces and propulsion systems to achieve and maintain positioning, eliminating the constraints of physical pole structures and enabling flexible, multi-directional illumination angles that were previously impossible with traditional mechanical support structures.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional illuminated units are deployed, then large area illumination is provided, but the coverage is uneven and requires expensive trailered devices with extendable poles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional ground-based illumination to three-dimensional aerial illumination. By positioning the light source in the air space above the target area, the system achieves superior illumination uniformity and coverage. The drone can hover at optimal altitudes and adjust its position to ensure even light distribution across the entire area, eliminating the elongated cone effect and uneven coverage associated with ground-based poles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed illumination sources are used on poles, then illumination is provided at specific angles, but the ability to redirect or track objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the drone system, including illumination provision, positional adjustment, directional control, and object tracking capabilities. The single drone platform performs all these functions that would require separate systems in traditional pole-based installations, demonstrating multi-functionality that enhances adaptability while managing system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect the position of objects or areas requiring illumination, and the control system automatically adjusts the drone's position and light direction accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to track moving objects and dynamically redirect illumination without manual intervention, significantly enhancing adaptability and versatility.
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 system provides flexible, uniform, and adjustable illumination over large areas, enhancing coverage and reducing costs by utilizing a tethered drone with adjustable lighting systems and controllers.
Implementation Method 1
The rotors of the drone provide air flow to cool the light assembly during operation
Implementation Method 2
The illumination provided by the camera and illumination assembly can be varied
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.