Aircraft Headlight Cover Heating to Prevent LED Icing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low ambient temperatures cause ice formation on exterior aircraft lights, leading to reduced light output and unsafe conditions, especially with LED lighting, as LEDs generate less heat for melting ice compared to halogen lights.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft headlight with a light transmissive cover comprising two layers and embedded electric heating wires that heat the cover to melt ice and prevent its formation, using a controller to activate heating based on temperature thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED light sources are used in aircraft headlights, then energy efficiency and longevity are improved, but the ability to melt ice on the exterior surface is reduced due to lower heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heating function into separate components: the LED light source provides illumination while a separate heating element (resistive heating wire or heating coating) provides thermal energy to melt ice. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heating element as an intermediary component between the LED light source and the ice-covered exterior surface. This intermediary (heating wire or coating) converts electrical energy to thermal energy to melt ice, bridging the gap between the low-heat LED source and the ice-melting requirement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heating elements are added to the light transmissive cover, then ice melting capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is applied locally to specific areas of the light transmissive cover where ice formation is most problematic, rather than heating the entire cover uniformly. This localized approach reduces the amount of heating material needed and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining effective ice melting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or properties of the light transmissive cover by applying a heating coating or embedding heating wires, which alters the thermal parameters of the cover to enable active ice melting while maintaining the cover's structural and optical properties.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heating wires are embedded in the light transmissive cover, then ice removal effectiveness is improved, but light output may be degraded due to obstruction of light paths
Solution Approach 1:
The heating wires are positioned in specific locations on the light transmissive cover where they provide maximum ice-melting effectiveness while minimizing obstruction of light paths. This localized positioning ensures that heating occurs where needed without significantly degrading overall light output.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating wires are designed to provide just enough heating to melt ice without excessive heat generation that would cause unwanted effects. The heating action is applied partially to the necessary areas, avoiding over-heating and associated problems while maintaining adequate ice removal capability.
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 solution effectively maintains clear illumination by rapidly melting ice and preventing its formation, ensuring better visibility for pilots without degrading the cover or electronics, and reducing mechanical stress on components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric heating wire, which is embedded into the first layer... The at least one electric heating wire allows for heating the light transmissive cover by passing an electric current through the at least one electric heating wire
Data Source
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AI summary
Aircraft headlight (2) comprising at least one light source (6); and a light transmissive cover (14), at least partially covering the at least one light source (6). The light transmissive cover (14) comprises a first layer (16) made of a first material; a second layer (18) made of a second material, which differs from the first material; and at least one electric heating wire (20) for heating the light transmissive cover (14) by passing an electric current through the electric heating wire (20). The at least one electric heating wire (20) is embedded into the first layer (16).