Dockable UAV Lighting for Helicopter Obstacle-Free Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Helicopter exterior lighting systems face inefficiencies in illuminating target objects due to obstacles between the helicopter and the target, limiting visibility under adverse conditions such as night or fog.
Innovation Solution
A helicopter lighting system that includes a docking station and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with adjustable lighting devices, allowing the UAV to dock and separate from the helicopter, and operate remotely to illuminate targets with adjustable light distribution, including switching between flood and search light modes, and adapting light beam focus and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If helicopter-mounted search lights are used to illuminate target objects, then visibility enhancement is achieved, but obstacles between the helicopter and target object interfere with light beams preventing efficient illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into a fixed helicopter platform and a separable UAV component. The UAV can detach from the helicopter and independently position itself to illuminate targets, separating the illumination function from the helicopter body to avoid obstacle interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV acts as an intermediary between the helicopter and the target object. It carries the lighting device and positions itself in intermediate locations to deliver light beams to targets that are obscured from the helicopter's direct line of sight by obstacles.
2Illumination intensity
If the helicopter changes position to illuminate target objects, then unimpeded light delivery is achieved, but mission continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is separated from the helicopter by deploying a UAV. The helicopter maintains its position and mission, while the UAV independently adjusts its position to provide optimal illumination, preventing mission disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV provides dynamic positioning capability for the lighting device. It can autonomously or remotely adjust its position in real-time to maintain unimpeded light delivery to moving or stationary targets without requiring the helicopter to move.
3Device complexity
If fixed lighting devices are mounted on the helicopter, then simple system structure is maintained, but lighting distribution flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, adjustable system. The UAV carries the lighting device and can position it dynamically, while adjustable optical elements further modify light distribution. This provides flexibility without requiring complex multi-device configurations on the helicopter.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV-based lighting system serves multiple functions: it can illuminate various target types (ground, aerial, moving, stationary), adjust lighting modes (flood, search, spot), and operate in different configurations (docked or separated). This universal capability replaces the need for multiple specialized fixed lighting devices.
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
Enhances target illumination by allowing the UAV to position itself for unimpeded light delivery, improving visibility without requiring the helicopter to change position, even in the presence of obstacles, and extends illumination range and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustable lighting device (120) allows adjusting a distribution of light emitted by the adjustable lighting device (120)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
A helicopter lighting system (30) comprises a docking station (32), configured to be mounted to a helicopter (10) and configured for allowing an unmanned aerial vehicle (100) to dock to and to separate from the docking station (32); and an unmanned aerial vehicle (100), in particular an unmanned aerial vehicle (100) of a multicopter type, configured for docking to and separating from the docking station (32), the unmanned aerial vehicle (100) including at least one lighting device (120), configured for illuminating at least one target object (300) or area (310) which is visible from the helicopter (10).