Tower Light Shield with Concentric Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tower light shields are prone to collecting snow and ice, impeding light, and contribute to light pollution, especially in residential areas where multiple towers increase the issue of unwanted light visibility at night.
Innovation Solution
A tower light shield comprising a base with concentric rings and ribs, where the inner and outer rings are positioned at specific distances from the center to effectively mask light at different distances, reducing ground-level visibility while maintaining aircraft visibility requirements, and optionally including a sleeve for additional light shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional light deflectors or optical stops are used to block or reduce light in undesired directions, then light pollution to ground observers is reduced, but the structure is prone to collecting snow and ice which impedes light transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into multiple frustoconical elements stacked vertically with spacing between them. This segmentation allows light to pass through the gaps while still providing shielding, and prevents snow and ice accumulation that would otherwise block light transmission across the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a solid two-dimensional shield to a three-dimensional stacked structure with vertical spacing. This dimensional change creates channels for light transmission while maintaining the shielding function, and prevents snow/ice accumulation in the gaps between elements.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple towers are installed in residential or cottage areas to provide aviation lighting, then aircraft visibility is improved, but light pollution to ground observers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield provides directional light control by shielding light in specific directions (toward ground observers) while allowing light to pass in other directions (toward aircraft). This local quality adjustment enables simultaneous achievement of aircraft visibility and reduction of ground-level light pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The light shield acts as an intermediary element between the light source and ground observers. It selectively blocks light in undesired directions while permitting light transmission in aviation-critical directions, thereby mediating between aviation safety requirements and residential area comfort.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If solid light shields are used to block light from ground level, then light pollution is reduced, but snow and ice accumulation on the shield impedes light transmission
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the shield into multiple spaced-apart elements, the patent eliminates large continuous surfaces where snow and ice would accumulate. The gaps between elements prevent accumulation while maintaining the light-blocking function for pollution control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a beacon light shield or an obstruction light shield. The beacon or obstruction light shield includes a base for receiving the light fixture, a plurality of ribs mounted on the base, and concentrically rings mounted to the ribs. The concentric rings include an inner ring mounted at a first distance away from the center of the base and an outer ring mounted at a second distance away from the center of the base. The beacon or obstruction light shield masks light from the ground at both distances and at locations close to the tower, and does not interfere with the function of the required lighting for the aircraft.