Aircraft Landing Surface Lighting System With Flexible Cable Chain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems for aircraft landing surfaces on offshore platforms face challenges due to the metal material constraints, requiring thin and protruding lighting devices, complex and costly explosion-resistant connections, and limited versatility and maintenance complexity.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system comprising a chain of individually sealed electrical lighting elements connected by a conductor cable, with branch boxes for power access and removable guards for easy installation and maintenance, minimizing obstructions and eliminating the need for bulky connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If lighting devices are made thin to rest on metal surfaces, then installation feasibility is improved, but structural strength and protection are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin metallic backing plate (0.5-2mm thick) as the primary structural element, which is both mechanically strong and thin enough to be installed on helicopter deck surfaces. The plate provides structural support while maintaining the required thin profile for surface mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device combines multiple materials: a metallic backing plate for structural strength, a transparent front plate for protection, and sealing materials (gaskets, sealants) for environmental protection. This composite structure achieves both thinness and strength simultaneously.
2Reliability
If explosion-resistant connections are used to comply with regulations, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all intermediate electrical connections and junction boxes from the lighting system. Instead, it uses a continuous cable running directly from the power source to all LED modules, eliminating the need for complex explosion-resistant connection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intrinsically safe LED technology that consumes minimal power and generates minimal heat, inherently reducing explosion risks without requiring additional explosion-proof components or complex safety systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular plates with electrical connections are used, then installation flexibility is improved, but connection bulk and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into modular LED units that can be independently installed and configured on the surface. Each unit is connected via flexible cables, allowing adaptation to different surface geometries while maintaining simple connection structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses flexible cables instead of rigid connectors, allowing the lighting modules to be positioned and connected in various configurations to match the dynamic requirements of different installation surfaces and patterns.
4Reliability
If sealed individual lighting elements are used, then explosion safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses individually sealed LED modules that can be easily replaced if damaged. Each module is a complete, self-contained unit with its own sealing, making it simple to manufacture as a discrete component and easy to replace without affecting other modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lighting module is pre-sealed and pre-assembled as a complete functional unit before installation. The sealing and electrical connections are established during manufacturing, simplifying the overall assembly process and ensuring explosion safety is built-in from the start.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system for aircraft landing surfaces, including a plurality of electric lighting elements arranged in an orderly sequence to help to form on the surface a predetermined symbol, visible from the aircraft during landing, at least one branch box for accessing the electricity network, the sequence of the lighting elements forming a chain.