Aircraft Flight Path Clearing With Insect-Attracting Light Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insect residue on aircraft surfaces due to insect impacts leads to reduced aerodynamic performance and increased fuel consumption, as well as interference with sensors, which existing methods have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A flight path clearing system using a light beam generator that emits light beams with specific wavelengths to attract and divert insects away from the aircraft's flight path, reducing insect residue accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coatings are used to reduce insect adhesion, then ease of cleaning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning systems (scrapers, brushes) with an optical system (light beam generator) that uses light to attract and divert insects away from the aircraft flight path, preventing insect residue accumulation before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light beams as an intermediary substance between the insect population and the aircraft, using wavelengths that attract insects to create a barrier that redirects insects away from the flight path, thereby protecting the aircraft surfaces
2Ease of operation
If mechanical scrapers are used to remove insect residue, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scrapers and brushes with an optical system that prevents insect residue accumulation by attracting and diverting insects using light beams, eliminating the need for mechanical removal devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by preventing insect residue accumulation in the first place through light beam attraction and diversion, rather than requiring subsequent mechanical scraping or cleaning operations
3Object-affected harmful factors
If deflectors are used to block insects, then insect impact is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical deflectors and blocking structures with an optical system using light beams to attract and divert insects, reducing insect impact without requiring mechanical barrier structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light beams as an intermediary to create an invisible barrier that attracts and redirects insects away from the aircraft flight path, replacing physical deflectors with an optical field-based solution
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
Maintains aerodynamic performance and fuel efficiency by minimizing insect residue, thereby reducing the need for cleaning and decreasing turnaround time between flights.
Implementation Method 1
The controller is configured to select a set of wavelengths for the set of light beams that attract insects
Data Source
AI summary
A flight path clearing system comprises a light beam generator configured to emit a set of light beams and a controller. The controller is configured to select a set of wavelengths for the set of light beams that attract insects and control the light beam generator to emit the set of light beams with the set of wavelengths in a direction relative to the flight path for an aircraft.