Aircraft Light Cover Pivoting Attachment and Quick Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing exterior aircraft light covers are difficult to replace quickly and efficiently, leading to prolonged aircraft grounding times and increased maintenance costs due to exposure to airstreams containing solid particles like dust, which causes wear and requires frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
An exterior aircraft lighting device with a partially transparent cover featuring a protrusion for pivoting attachment, a quick release push button fastener for secure closure, and a sealing element like an O-ring for efficient sealing, along with an integrated Fresnel lens for reduced maintenance and weight, facilitating easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional light covers are used with secure sealing mechanisms, then sealing reliability is improved, but replacement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light cover is divided into modular components with standardized attachment points (protrusions and recesses), allowing the cover to be segmented into manageable parts that can be quickly detached and reattached without compromising the sealing interface
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from static permanent fixation to dynamic removable fixation, where the cover can be quickly detached and reattached through pivoting motion while maintaining sealing reliability through the groove-recess interface design
2Reliability
If multiple fastening points are used to secure the cover, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion-recess attachment mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical attachment, positioning alignment, and sealing surface creation, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining attachment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment and sealing functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism where the groove-recess interface both secures the cover and provides the sealing surface, reducing the number of components needed
3Reliability
If heavy-duty sealing mechanisms are used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible sealing element (such as an O-ring or elastomeric seal) is used within the groove-recess interface to provide effective sealing against dust and debris, replacing the need for heavy rigid sealing mechanisms and reducing overall cover weight
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 solution allows for faster and more efficient replacement of light covers, reducing aircraft grounding times and maintenance costs while maintaining illumination quality by providing a secure, aerodynamic, and easily maintainable lighting system.
Implementation Method 1
The protrusion has a shape which allows the cover to pivot, when the protrusion is introduced into the reception, with the protrusion acting as a fulcrum
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the exterior aircraft light cover and the exterior aircraft light casing comprises a groove or notch, being configured for receiving a sealing element, which sealing element is provided for sealing an interface between the exterior aircraft light cover and the exterior aircraft light casing
Implementation Method 3
The at least one fixing device comprises a quick release push button fastener
Implementation Method 4
the exterior aircraft lighting device is provided with a lens, in particular a Fresnel-lens for modifying the light, which is emitted from the lighting device via the cover
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7
AI summary
An at least partially transparent exterior aircraft light cover (2) includes at least one protrusion (4) provided at a lateral end of the exterior aircraft light cover (2), wherein the at least one protrusion (4) is configured to be introduced into a corresponding reception (18) provided at an exterior aircraft light casing (9) and wherein the protrusion (4) is formed for allowing the cover (2) to pivot, with the protrusion (4) providing a fulcrum, when the protrusion (4) is introduced into the reception (18). The at least partially transparent exterior aircraft light cover (2) further includes at least one fixing device (10), which is provided in a pivotable portion of the cover (2) and which is configured for removably fixing said pivotable portion to the casing (9) for preventing a pivoting motion thereof.