Variable Beam Lighting Devices Using Segmented LED Subgroups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle lighting devices, such as those for aircraft, require multiple types of lighting fixtures to accommodate different beam patterns and applications, which increases complexity and cost, and lacks a single device capable of producing varied beam spreads for diverse lighting needs.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device comprising multiple light-emitting semiconductor devices separated into subgroups, each with distinct optics and controlled by a module that adjusts current signals to modify beam width and peak intensity, allowing for the production of various beam patterns without mechanical movement of the devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different types of lighting devices are included on an aircraft to accommodate different beam patterns and applications, then the lighting needs for various applications (taxi, landing, runway, service illumination) are met, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single lighting device that can perform multiple lighting functions (taxi, landing, runway, service illumination) by dynamically adjusting beam spread and intensity through electronic control of LED subgroups, eliminating the need for multiple separate physical lighting fixtures
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device divides the LED array into multiple independently controllable subgroups, each associated with different optics, allowing selective activation and combination of subsets to produce various beam patterns and spreads for different lighting applications
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different types of lighting devices are installed to provide different beam spreads, then various lighting applications are satisfied, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single multi-functional lighting device replaces multiple specialized fixtures by using electronically controllable LED subgroups with different optics to generate various beam patterns required for taxi, landing, runway, and service illumination applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple lighting functions and beam pattern capabilities into one integrated lighting device, merging what would traditionally require separate fixtures into a single unified system that can be controlled to provide all necessary lighting applications
3Device complexity
If traditional lighting devices use fixed beam patterns, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different lighting applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device transitions from fixed beam patterns to dynamic, adjustable beam spreads by electronically controlling the activation and intensity of different LED subgroups, allowing the beam spread and intensity to be modified in real-time to suit various lighting applications without mechanical movement
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
Enables a single lighting device to produce multiple beam patterns with different spreads, reducing the need for multiple fixtures, minimizing mechanical failure risks, and lowering costs by varying current supply to achieve desired beam configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light-emitting semiconductor devices. The plurality of light-emitting semiconductor devices are configured to together emit a beam of light having a beam width and a peak intensity
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of optics are separated into at least two subgroups, and are arranged relative to the plurality of light-emitting semiconductor devices such that each one of the plurality of light-emitting semiconductor devices of a first subgroup of the at least two subgroups is located at a focal point of a respective optic of a first subgroup of the plurality of optics
Data Source
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AI summary
A lighting device including a plurality of light-emitting semiconductor devices. The light-emitting semiconductor devices are separated into at least two subgroups. The lighting device further includes a plurality of optics separated into at least two subgroups, which are arranged relative to the plurality of light-emitting semiconductor devices such that each one of the plurality of light-emitting semiconductor devices of a first subgroup is located at a focal point of a respective optic of a first subgroup of the plurality of optics, and such that each one of the plurality of light-emitting semiconductor devices of a second subgroup is located at a focal point of a respective optic of a second subgroup of the plurality of optics. The optical properties of the first subgroup and second subgroup of the plurality of optics are different. The lighting device further incudes a controller module configured to control at least two current signals supplied from a power source to each of the at least two subgroups of light-emitting semiconductor devices, respectively. The controller module is configured to modify the beam width and the peak intensity of the emitted beam of light by varying the magnitude of the respective at least two current signals.