Aircraft Exterior Light Unit Integrated Optical Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exterior aircraft light units have unsatisfactory space requirements due to separate sub-structures for light sources emitting different wavelengths, which limits their integration and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optical structure that combines both light sources, with a single optical element shaping the emission distribution of light of different wavelengths, reducing space requirements by approximately 50% by merging the light paths within the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sub-structures are used for light sources emitting different wavelengths, then each light source can be optimized independently, but the space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources emitting different wavelengths into a single integrated optical structure. The first and second light sources are positioned adjacent to each other within the same housing, sharing common optical elements and support structures. This consolidation reduces the overall volume of the light unit while maintaining the ability to emit multiple wavelengths for different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical structure serves multiple functions simultaneously. A single optical element shapes the emission characteristics for both wavelengths, and the housing provides common mounting and protection for all light sources. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant components and reduces total space requirements compared to separate sub-structures.
2Reliability
If separate sub-structures are used for different wavelength light sources, then independent optical optimization is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical paths into a single integrated optical structure. The first and second light sources share common optical elements, mounting mechanisms, and housing features. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining optimized optical performance for each wavelength through careful design of the integrated structure.
3Volume of moving object
If light paths are merged within the integrated optical structure, then space requirements are reduced by approximately 50%, but the optical design becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated optical structure employs local quality variations to manage different wavelengths. The optical element is designed with specific local properties to shape each wavelength's emission characteristics appropriately. By positioning light sources adjacent to each other and using locally optimized optical properties, the design achieves compact integration without excessive overall 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
The integrated optical structure effectively reduces the space and weight of the light unit while maintaining high illumination capacity, making it more aerodynamically beneficial for aircraft applications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element for shaping a light emission distribution of the integrated optical structure, wherein the optical element is arranged with respect to the first light source and the second light source in such a way that it affects both the light of the first wavelength and the light of the second wavelength
Implementation Method 2
an optical element for shaping a light emission distribution of the integrated optical structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b
AI summary
An exterior aircraft light unit (1) for emitting light of a first wavelength and light of a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength is disclosed. The exterior aircraft light unit (1) has an integrated optical structure (2), which in turn has a first light source (4) configured to emit the light of the first wavelength (40), a second light source (6) configured to emit the light of the second wavelength (60), the second light source (6) being positioned adjacent to the first light source (4), and an optical element (8, 10) for shaping a light emission distribution of the integrated optical structure (2). The optical element (8, 10) is arranged with respect to the first light source (4) and the second light source (6) in such a way that it affects both the light of the first wavelength (40) and the light of the second wavelength (60).