Aircraft Lighting Optical Switching for Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft lighting systems face reduced lifespan due to exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, vibrations, and electromagnetic interferences, leading to increased maintenance needs and costs, and limitations in positioning lights at all impactful locations for safety and visibility.
Innovation Solution
A distributed aircraft lighting system architecture positions controllers and components remotely from the light sources to minimize exposure to harsh conditions, using a common controller for multiple light heads and optical switching to direct light between conversion elements and passive light heads, with a light load demand profile for each flight phase and a health monitoring system for performance optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If aircraft lights are positioned at exterior locations for optimal visibility and safety impact, then the lighting effectiveness is improved, but the exposure to harsh environmental conditions increases leading to reduced component lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into separate functional modules: passive light heads positioned at exterior locations for optimal lighting effectiveness, and active controller components positioned remotely in protected environments. This segmentation allows each component to be located where it is most needed without exposing sensitive electronics to harsh conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical transmission media (fiber optics) serve as intermediaries to transmit light signals from remote protected locations to exterior light heads. This intermediary enables the separation of light generation/control functions from light emission functions, allowing controllers to be positioned away from harsh environmental exposure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light heads are equipped with independent controllers for individual control, then the control flexibility is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single controller unit is designed to control multiple passive light heads through optical switching. The controller performs multiple functions including light generation, signal processing, and distribution to multiple outlets, eliminating the need for separate controllers at each light head while maintaining full control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions that would traditionally require separate controllers are merged into a single centralized controller. The optical switching network combines multiple light paths through a single control unit, reducing overall system complexity while preserving the ability to independently control each light head.
3Speed
If light source generators are positioned at exterior locations for direct lighting output, then the lighting response time is improved, but the exposure to vibrations and thermal conditions increases reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the light generation function from the light emission function. Passive light heads with no moving parts are positioned at exterior locations for immediate light output, while active light source generators and controllers are positioned remotely in protected environments, minimizing vibration and thermal exposure to sensitive components.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional active light bulbs with mechanical and electrical components are replaced with passive light heads that receive light through optical transmission. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and electrical vulnerability at exterior locations while maintaining rapid lighting response through optical signal transmission.
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 configuration enhances the longevity and performance of the aircraft lighting system by reducing exposure to harsh conditions, allowing for more robust and efficient lighting operations with reduced maintenance needs and increased visibility, while also enabling cost-effective and optimized light usage across various flight phases.
Implementation Method 1
a light switch network coupled to the at least one light source generator receiving at least one of a plurality of types of light generated, and further selectively coupled to a light conversion element for generating a different type of light at the passive light head
Implementation Method 2
a light switch network coupled to the at least one light source generator receiving at least one of a plurality of types of light generated, and further selectively coupled to a light conversion element for generating a different type of light at the passive light head
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft lighting system (ALS) and apparatus which includes: a lighting generator control unit (LGCU) controlling a light source generator for generating a first, second and third type of light to each passive light head; a light bus coupled to the light source generator to receive the first, second, and third types of light and for converting the first type of light to a fourth type of light; a plurality of light transmission elements coupled to the light source generator; a plurality of light switches responsive to a switch command from the LGCU to optically not direct or direct light from the light bus to a light transmission element; a light conversion element connected for converting the first type to the fourth type of light; and the LGCU configured to command the light source generator to generate light in accordance with a load profile.