Aircraft Light Unit Near End of Life Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior aircraft light units are inadequate in incorporating a near end of life detector, which is essential for detecting the aging of LEDs and ensuring timely replacement, especially under extreme temperature conditions that can affect LED longevity.
Innovation Solution
An exterior aircraft light unit design that incorporates a transparent optical element which serves both to shape the output light intensity distribution and direct light towards a near end of life detector, eliminating the need for separate re-directing elements and providing a stable optical structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate re-directing element (such as a reflector) is used to direct light towards the near end of life detector, then the detection function is improved, but the device complexity and structural integration are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light shaping function and the light re-direction function into a single transparent optical element. This element simultaneously shapes the output light intensity distribution and directs a portion of light towards the near end of life detector, eliminating the need for separate re-directing elements and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent optical element is designed to perform multiple functions: it shapes the output light intensity distribution of the LED and simultaneously redirects light towards the near end of life detector. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components while maintaining both lighting performance and detection capability
2Measurement precision
If light is diverted to the near end of life detector, then the detection capability is improved, but the output light intensity distribution is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent optical element is designed with different optical properties in different regions. It selectively redirects only a portion of the light towards the near end of life detector while maintaining the overall output light intensity distribution. This localized light manipulation ensures adequate detection light without significantly compromising the main lighting function
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for light shaping and detection, then the functional separation is improved, but the structural integrity and stability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light shaping and detection functions into a single transparent optical element, creating a more stable and integrated optical structure. This unified design reduces the number of interfaces and potential misalignments between separate components, thereby improving structural integrity and long-term stability
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 design enhances the detection of LED aging, allows for reliable near end of life detection, and maintains the structural integrity and efficiency of the light unit by using a single optical element for both light distribution and detection, thereby ensuring timely maintenance and extending the unit's operational lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent optical element for shaping an output light intensity distribution of the exterior aircraft light unit
Implementation Method 2
light from the LED reaching the near end of life detector through the transparent optical element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An exterior aircraft light unit (2) includes a support plate (4), an LED (6), mounted to the support plate, a near end of life detector (8) for sensing a light output level of the LED, the near end of life detector being mounted to the support plate, and a transparent optical element (10) for shaping an output light intensity distribution of the exterior aircraft light unit, wherein the transparent optical element jointly encases the LED and the near end of life detector, with light from the LED reaching the near end of life detector through the transparent optical element.