Aircraft Light Unit Wavelength Selective Optical Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Exterior aircraft light units that emit light of different wavelengths face challenges in reducing space and weight requirements while maintaining corresponding emission characteristics, as existing solutions often require multiple optical structures and increased space for separate light sources.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a wavelength selective optical element that reflects one wavelength and transmits another, allowing both light sources to share a single optical structure, reducing the number of optical elements and space requirements by approximately 50% and enabling efficient production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate optical structures are provided for different wavelengths, then corresponding emission characteristics are achieved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate optical structures into a single integrated optical structure by using a beam combiner that merges the light paths of first and second light sources with different wavelengths. This allows both optical structures to share common components (housing, optical elements, mounting structure) while maintaining corresponding emission characteristics for each wavelength, thereby reducing the overall space requirements of the light unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical structure is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating both first and second light sources with different wavelengths. The beam combiner enables the system to switch between different wavelength modes (visible light, infrared light) while using the same optical path and structural components, making the optical structure universal for multiple lighting modes and applications.
2Reliability
If multiple optical structures are used for different wavelengths, then emission characteristics are maintained, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical structures into one integrated structure that handles both wavelengths. By combining the light paths using a beam combiner and sharing common structural components (housing, mounting structure, optical elements), the overall weight of the light unit is reduced compared to having separate optical structures for each wavelength.
3Reliability
If separate optical structures are provided for each wavelength, then emission characteristics are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by merging two separate optical structures into a single integrated optical structure. The beam combiner combines the light paths of first and second light sources, allowing both wavelengths to share common optical elements, housing, and mounting structures. This integration simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining the ability to produce corresponding emission characteristics for different wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical structure is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple wavelengths through the beam combiner. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated optical paths for each wavelength, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining emission characteristics.
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 approach allows for a significant reduction in space and weight while maintaining corresponding directional characteristics for both wavelengths, enhancing the trade-off between light emission characteristics and space requirements, enabling more compact and efficient aircraft lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength selective optical element, which wavelength selective optical element is reflective for the light of the first wavelength and transparent for the light of the second wavelength
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An exterior aircraft light unit (2) for emitting light of a first wavelength and light of a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength, with corresponding emission characteristics is disclosed. The exterior aircraft light unit (2) has at least one first light source (4) configured to emit the light of the first wavelength (40), at least one second light source (6) configured to emit the light of the second wavelength (60), and a wavelength selective optical element (8), which wavelength selective optical element (8) is reflective for the light of the first wavelength (40) and transparent for the light of the second wavelength (60), The at least one first light source (4), the at least one second light source (6) and the wavelength selective optical element (8) are arranged in such a way that both the light of the first wavelength (40) and the light of the second wavelength (60) hit the wavelength selective optical element (8), with the light of the first wavelength (40) being reflected by the wavelength selective optical element (8) and the light of the second wavelength (60) being passed through by the wavelength selective optical element (8), and with the light of the at least one first light source (4), upon being reflected by the wavelength selective optical element (8), and the light of the at least one second light source (6), upon being passed through by the wavelength selective optical element (8), having corresponding directional characteristics.