Aircraft Light Erosion Detection via Internal Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exterior aircraft lights face erosion due to harsh conditions such as aerodynamic forces and particle impacts, leading to degraded light output, which is currently assessed subjectively and not reliably.
Innovation Solution
An exterior aircraft light system with a light transmissive cover and a first light guide path, equipped with a light detector to measure light intensity and provide an indication of erosion, allowing for objective and automated assessment of the extent of erosion on the light transmissive cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exterior aircraft lights are exposed to harsh conditions for extended operation, then the light output degrades due to erosion, but continuous monitoring increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is merged with the existing light transmissive cover by utilizing its optical properties. The cover itself becomes the sensing element through which light guides from the light source to the detector, eliminating the need for separate monitoring hardware and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmissive cover performs dual functions: it protects the light source while simultaneously serving as the sensing element for erosion detection. The cover's own optical properties are exploited to monitor its condition, allowing the system to self-diagnose without external intervention
2Measurement precision
If subjective visual inspection is used to assess erosion, then the assessment process is simple, but the measurement precision is low
Solution Approach 1:
The manual visual inspection process is replaced with an optical detection system. Light detectors measure light intensity variations caused by erosion, converting a subjective visual task into an objective quantitative measurement, thereby improving precision while introducing automated detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
Light serves as an intermediary to transfer information about the erosion state from the light transmissive cover to the detector. The light intensity changes act as a mediator that carries erosion data, enabling precise measurement without direct contact or complex imaging systems
3Extent of automation
If automated erosion detection is implemented, then the extent of automation increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light transmissive cover is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: protection of the light source, light transmission for the beacon function, and erosion sensing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, achieving automation without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring light intensity at the detector and comparing it against reference values. When erosion causes light intensity to deviate from the reference, the system can trigger alerts or maintenance protocols, providing automated monitoring with minimal additional complexity
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
Enables a direct, reliable, and automated determination of the extent of erosion on the exterior surface of the light transmissive cover, ensuring the light output meets regulatory and operational standards.
Implementation Method 1
The light transmissive cover has a first light guide path within the light transmissive body from a first light entry region to a first light exit region
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior aircraft light includes a support and a light transmissive cover having a light transmissive body with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The light includes at least one light source arranged between the support and the light transmissive cover; and a first light detector. The light transmissive cover has a first light guide path within the light transmissive body from a first light entry region to a first light exit region, wherein the first light detector is arranged to receive light that travels along the first light guide path and that exits the light transmissive cover at the first light exit region. The first light detector is configured to provide sensor measurements corresponding to the amount of light incident on the first light detector.