Aircraft Lighting Lens System for Directional Light Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft external lighting systems face challenges in meeting complex national aviation standards, particularly in directing light efficiently to desired directions while minimizing waste and reducing excessive light that can cause pilot disorientation and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft external lighting system employs a unique combination of cylindrical and lenticular lenses, along with reflectors, to disperse and focus light in desired directions, utilizing LEDs with a lambertian radiation pattern to achieve a more uniform light distribution and reduce unwanted light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional strobe lights are used to emit light all around the aircraft, then the warning function is improved, but excessive light is directed toward the pilot causing disorientation and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing light selectively to different spatial zones using multiple LED groups and corresponding optical elements. Each LED group targets specific angular ranges (e.g., first group for 0-45 degrees, second group for 45-90 degrees), ensuring light is emitted only where needed rather than uniformly in all directions. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating excessive light in the pilot's direction while maintaining adequate illumination in required zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent LED groups (first, second, third, fourth groups) with each group responsible for illuminating specific angular sectors. Each group has its own optical elements (lenses or reflectors) tailored to its directional requirements. This segmentation allows precise control over light distribution, preventing energy waste by directing light only to necessary areas rather than broadcasting it uniformly in all directions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lighting systems are used to meet complex aviation standards, then all directional requirements are covered, but the system complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a modular lighting system where multiple LED groups share common control circuitry and housing structures. Each LED group can be independently configured to meet specific angular requirements, but they collectively fulfill all aviation standard requirements through coordinated operation. This multi-functional approach allows the system to comply with complex standards while avoiding the need for entirely separate lighting subsystems for each requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple lighting functions into a single integrated assembly. All LED groups and their optical elements are housed within one common structure, sharing mounting mechanisms, power connections, and control systems. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate lighting units for each directional requirement, while still achieving comprehensive compliance with aviation standards through the coordinated output of all groups.
3Illumination intensity
If more light is emitted to ensure visibility in all directions, then the warning function is improved, but heat generation increases reducing reliability and lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by concentrating light emission only in the specific angular ranges required for aviation visibility standards, rather than emitting light uniformly in all directions. Each LED group targets specific zones with optimized intensity, avoiding unnecessary light emission that would generate excess heat. This localized approach maintains adequate visibility where needed while minimizing overall heat generation, thereby preserving system reliability and lifespan.
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 solution effectively directs light where needed, reducing energy consumption, heat generation, and increasing the reliability and longevity of the lighting system while meeting stringent aviation lighting requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a lenticular lens between the light source and the cylindrical lens... spreading the light in a first axis to obtain a more uniform pattern
Implementation Method 2
a cylindrical lens adjacent the light source... focusing the light along a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis in a number of desired directions
Implementation Method 3
reflectors to reflect light emitted from undesired directions into the lenticular lens or the cylindrical lens where the light is guided via total internal reflection to be emitted in a desired direction
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft external lighting system and method is applicable to aircraft position, navigation and strobe lights. The lighting system includes a light source, a cylindrical lens adjacent the light source, and a lenticular lens between the light source and the cylindrical lens.