Aircraft Lighting System Using Refractive Lens for Ice Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft lighting systems require multiple dedicated light sources for various functionalities, leading to increased weight, power consumption, complexity, and maintenance costs, as well as difficulties in monitoring ice accretion under low visibility conditions.
Innovation Solution
A compact lighting system using a single high-intensity LED light source and a multichannel refractive optical element, such as a multichannel lens, to produce multiple light beams for simultaneous illumination of different aircraft surfaces and areas, integrated with thermal sensing and imaging technology for ice monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated light sources are used for different lighting functionalities, then the illumination coverage and functionality are improved, but the weight, power consumption, and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single lighting system that can perform multiple lighting functionalities (illuminating different surfaces, scanning wings, providing emergency indication) through one integrated apparatus, eliminating the need for separate dedicated light sources for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple lighting functions into a single integrated lighting system, combining what would traditionally require separate light sources, harnesses, and control systems into one unified apparatus, thereby reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated light sources are used for different lighting functionalities, then the illumination coverage and functionality are improved, but the weight and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single lighting system is designed to perform multiple functions (general illumination, wing scanning, emergency indication) that would traditionally require separate light sources, thereby reducing the total weight of the lighting system while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple lighting functions into one integrated system, the patent eliminates redundant components and weight associated with multiple separate light sources, harnesses, and mounting structures
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated light sources are used for different lighting functionalities, then the illumination coverage and functionality are improved, but the manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single lighting system performs multiple functions (general illumination, wing scanning, emergency indication) that would traditionally require separate dedicated systems, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining full operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple lighting functions into one integrated system, reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering manufacturing and maintenance costs
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 reduces the number of external light sources, simplifies installation, saves weight and space, and enables effective monitoring of ice accretion and other anomalies under low visibility conditions, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one refractive optical element configured for receiving light from the light source and for redirecting the light received from the light source to produce a plurality of light beams
Implementation Method 2
a planar surface configured to let the part of the received light pass through the lens towards the light emitting side without modifying its direction
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of lobes configured to gather and focus part of the received light in a particular direction towards the light emitting side
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention provides a lighting system (10) for an aircraft (100), said system (10) comprising a light source (12) configured to emit light, at least one refractive optical element (11), wherein the at least one refractive optical element (11) is configured for receiving light from the light source (12) and for redirecting the light received to produce a plurality of light beams (13). The invention also provides a system (20) and a method for monitoring ice accretion on the surface (22) of an aircraft (100).