Aircraft Landing Zone Light Shape Projector for Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft landing in unlit or high-ambient-brightness areas face challenges in accurately identifying the landing zone due to the diffuse nature of conventional landing lights, which can be obscured by other light sources, posing risks for both the aircraft and ground personnel.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that project a light shape with constant dimensions and brightness onto the ground, using a projector to create a geometrical surface defined by lines of light, allowing for precise identification of the landing zone regardless of aircraft height or position, and optionally including life-size representations of aircraft components to enhance visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional landing lights are used to illuminate the landing zone, then the landing area becomes visible to the pilot, but the light beam creates a diffuse halo that is difficult to identify accurately, especially in high ambient brightness areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conventional diffuse light beam into multiple discrete light sheets arranged in a specific geometric pattern (e.g., concentric circles or radial lines). Each light sheet is a distinct planar structure, and collectively they form a segmented illumination pattern that defines the landing zone boundaries clearly without creating a diffuse halo.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different illumination characteristics to different regions of the landing zone. The light sheets are concentrated at the periphery and key boundary areas to define the zone geometry, while the center remains less illuminated. This local differentiation enhances boundary identification accuracy without requiring uniform illumination across the entire zone.
2Illumination intensity
If landing lights are used to signal the landing zone to ground personnel, then the zone is illuminated, but the diffuse light halo makes it difficult for individuals to accurately identify the zone boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination into distinct light sheets that form a geometric pattern (such as concentric circles or radial lines). These segmented light structures create sharp, well-defined boundaries that are easily identifiable by ground personnel, eliminating the information loss associated with diffuse halos.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may employ different colors or intensity levels for different light sheets to enhance boundary identification. For example, outer light sheets might use a different color or brightness than inner sheets, creating a visual gradient that helps ground personnel accurately perceive zone boundaries and depth information.
3Area of stationary object
If a wide light beam is used to cover the entire landing zone surface, then the pilot can see the area, but the peripheral light becomes diffuse and forms a halo that reduces identification accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent covers the entire landing zone area by arranging multiple light sheets in a geometric pattern that extends from the center to the periphery. Each light sheet maintains a defined planar structure, and their collective arrangement ensures complete area coverage while preserving sharp boundaries even at the extreme periphery where conventional lights create halos.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional omnidirectional point-source illumination to planar light sheet structures. This dimensional change from 0D point sources to 2D planar structures allows the light to maintain geometric definition across the entire coverage area, including the periphery, by confining light propagation to specific planar geometries rather than spherical diffusion.
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 solution provides a clear and consistent visual indication of the landing zone, improving safety by allowing ground personnel to easily identify the landing area and pilots to navigate accurately, even in complex lighting environments.
Implementation Method 1
uses a projector to project on the ground a light shape referred to as a projected light shape
Data Source
AI summary
A method of marking a landing zone on ground for an aircraft in flight. The aircraft projects on the ground a light shape referred to as a “projected light shape” comprising at least one line of light defining a geometrical surface, the aircraft tending to place at least a portion of landing gear of the aircraft on the geometrical surface, the projected light shape being identical regardless of the position of the projector in air space.