Aircraft Lighting System with Adaptive Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current onboard runway lighting systems on aircraft are inefficient due to fixed headlights that cannot adjust to varying aircraft angles, leading to variable illumination, significant size and weight, high electrical consumption, and dazzling effects from backscattered light, especially in humid conditions.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system featuring at least one long-range headlight with a high-speed scanning device, closed-loop control, and optical acquisition device to adaptively control light beams based on flight phase and environment, using laser technology to minimize equipment and reduce dazzling effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple separate fixed headlights are used to illuminate different flight phases, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the size and weight of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single movable headlight unit is designed to perform multiple functions by illuminating different flight phases (landing, takeoff, taxi) through dynamic repositioning. The headlight can be moved to different locations on the aircraft structure to provide appropriate illumination for each flight phase, replacing the need for multiple dedicated fixed headlights.
Solution Approach 2:
The headlight system transitions from fixed positions to a movable configuration. The headlight unit can be repositioned along the aircraft structure during flight phases, allowing a single unit to occupy multiple positions and perform multiple illumination functions that previously required several fixed units.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple separate fixed headlights are used to ensure satisfactory illumination, then the illumination performance is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single headlight unit is designed to serve multiple flight phases (landing, takeoff, taxi) by being repositioned to different locations on the aircraft. This universal unit replaces multiple specialized fixed headlights, reducing component count while maintaining illumination performance across all flight phases.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple separate headlight functions are merged into a single movable headlight unit. By combining the illumination capabilities that previously required separate fixed units into one repositionable unit, the system reduces complexity while maintaining the necessary illumination coverage for different flight phases.
3Device complexity
If fixed headlights are used, then the system structure is simple, but the illumination efficiency varies significantly with aircraft attitude changes
Solution Approach 1:
The headlight system is made dynamic and repositionable rather than fixed. The headlight unit can be moved to optimal positions relative to the aircraft structure to maintain effective illumination despite attitude changes during landing, takeoff, and taxi phases, thereby improving illumination efficiency while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
4Illumination intensity
If reflecting headlights are used to create light beams, then the illumination directionality is improved, but backscattered light causes dazzling effects and reduces contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical acquisition devices to detect the position and characteristics of the runway and environment, then uses closed-loop control to adjust the headlight position and beam direction. This feedback mechanism optimizes illumination directionality while minimizing backscattered light that causes dazzling, adapting to changing flight conditions and environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical reflecting headlights with a system using optical acquisition devices and closed-loop control to manage light beams. This substitution allows for more precise control of beam direction and reduces unwanted backscattering by actively adjusting the illumination based on real-time environmental feedback.
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 adaptive and efficient illumination with reduced equipment needs, improved visibility, and minimized dazzling, enhancing pilot perception across various flight phases and weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical acquisition device (2) arranged to detect and acquire data
Implementation Method 2
at least one light source (3a, 3b) arranged to generate light
Implementation Method 3
high-speed scanning device equipped with at least two rotary reflecting surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Lighting system for an aircraft, comprising at least one optical acquisition device, at least one long-range headlight each comprising at least one light source (3a,3b), closed-loop control means (4), and a means (5) for controlling the light sources (3a,3b) as a function of the data received from the optical acquisition device and from a data network of the aircraft in such a manner that the lighting system produces at least one beam for adaptive illumination with respect to the flight and taxi phases of the aircraft so as to illuminate at least one predefined region of the space around the aircraft.