Variable Power Dazzler With Stray Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dazzle lasers have a fixed power output, limiting their nominal ocular hazard distance and practical range of use, and lack a mechanism to prevent accidental exposure of secondary objects to the dazzle beam.
Innovation Solution
A dazzle apparatus with a variable radiation source and beam control system that adjusts intensity based on target range, combined with a stray detector to reduce or inhibit the beam when secondary objects approach, ensuring safe and effective dazzling without permanent ocular damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the laser power is increased to extend the effective range, then the upper range limit is improved, but the nominal ocular hazard distance increases and the risk of permanent ocular damage worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable power output system that dynamically adjusts laser power based on detected target range. The beam control system modulates the radiation strength in real-time, transitioning from fixed to variable power delivery, allowing the system to extend effective range while maintaining safety by reducing power when targets are closer than the minimum safe distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a range finder that continuously measures target distance and feeds this information back to the beam control system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of laser power to maintain the target within the dazzling range but outside the permanent damage threshold, resolving the contradiction between range extension and safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the laser power is limited to ensure eye safety, then the nominal ocular hazard distance is reduced, but the upper range limit and effectiveness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a fixed power limit, the system dynamically adjusts power output based on real-time range detection. This allows the effective range to be extended by increasing power when targets are distant, while maintaining ocular safety by reducing power when targets are closer, effectively decoupling the trade-off between range and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power parameter of the laser beam based on the detected range parameter. By continuously monitoring target distance and adjusting power accordingly, the system optimizes both the effective range and ocular safety, allowing operation at maximum effective range without permanently damaging close targets.
3Ease of operation
If the dazzle beam is directed at a target, then the dazzling effect is achieved, but the risk of inadvertent exposure to secondary objects worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of secondary objects in the beam path using the range finder before directing the dazzle beam. By identifying potential secondary targets in advance, the system can prevent inadvertent exposure by adjusting the beam direction or reducing power before harm occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The range finder continuously monitors for secondary objects and provides feedback to the beam control system. This real-time monitoring enables immediate corrective action if a secondary object enters the beam path, preventing inadvertent exposure while maintaining effective operation on the primary target.
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
Increases the effective range of the dazzle device while preventing inadvertent exposure of secondary objects to the dazzle beam, ensuring momentary dazzling without risk of permanent ocular damage.
Implementation Method 1
A dazzle apparatus comprises a radiation source for emitting a dazzle beam of radiation towards a target to be dazzled... it is preferred for the emitter to emit a beam of coherent light such as laser radiation
Implementation Method 2
The range finder may use reflections of the dazzle laser suitably attenuated if required to determine the range of the target
Implementation Method 3
The beam control may adjust the strength of the beam by adjusting the source power, by attenuating the beam using e.g. an acousto-optic modulator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A dazzler arrangement is described in which the strength of the dazzle beam (11) is modulated in accordance with the range of a target to be dazzled. A stray detection beam (29) is transmitted alongside the dazzle beam (11) to allow detection of a secondary object approaching or at the periphery of the dazzle beam (11), whereupon the dazzle beam (11) is attenuated or inhibited. The dazzler arrangement may include a rangefinder (18).