Aircraft Light Optics Nesting for Compact Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft lights have inadequate light output shaping capabilities, which can lead to inefficient light distribution and increased size of the lighting system.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft light design incorporates a support with a light source, a first optical element, and a second optical element, where the first optical element is interposed between the light source and the second optical element, forming multiple optical boundaries to enhance light refraction and shaping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single overmolded optic is used to shape light output, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the light output shaping capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single overmolded optic is divided into multiple separate optical elements (first optical element, second optical element, third optical element). Each element has specific refractive surfaces designed to perform particular light shaping functions, allowing for enhanced overall light output shaping capabilities while maintaining manufacturability of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements are arranged in a nested configuration where the first optical element is positioned between the light source and the second optical element, which is positioned between the first and third optical elements. This nested arrangement allows multiple refractive surfaces to work together in sequence to achieve complex light shaping without requiring a single large complex optic.
2Illumination intensity
If larger optical elements are used to improve light output shaping, then the shaping capabilities are enhanced, but the overall size of the aircraft light increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical system into multiple smaller optical elements with specific refractive surfaces, each element can be compact while collectively providing enhanced light shaping capabilities. This avoids the need for a single large optical element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by arranging optical elements in sequence along the light path (first, second, third elements positioned between light source and exterior). This multi-stage refraction approach achieves complex light shaping in a compact axial arrangement, reducing the overall volume compared to using a single large element.
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
This configuration achieves enhanced light output shaping capabilities, allowing for a desired light output with smaller optical elements, reducing the overall size of the aircraft light while maintaining efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second optical elements are arranged so that the first optical element is interposed between the light source and the second optical element, so that at least a portion of light, which is emitted by the light source... passes through the first optical element and through the second optical element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An aircraft light (2) comprises a support board (6); a light source (4), arranged on the support board (6); a first optical element (8), which is at least partially light transmissive, which is arranged over the light source (4), and which is fixed to the support board (6); and a second optical element (10), which is at least partially light transmissive, wherein the first optical element (8) is interposed between the light source (4) and the second optical element (10). The first optical element (8) has a first engagement portion (12) and the second optical element (10) has a second engagement portion (14). The first engagement portion (12) and the second engagement portion (14) establish a positive fit between the first optical element (8) and the second optical element (10). At least a portion of light, which is emitted by the light source (4) in operation, passes through the first optical element (8) and through the second optical element (10).