Universal Aircraft Navigation Light for FAR-Compliant Multi-Position Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft exterior lighting systems are complex and require multiple different light units for navigation, leading to inefficiencies in production, storage, and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A compact aircraft navigation light that integrates red, green, and white light sources on a common support plate, with a driving circuit and blocking element to allow for versatile placement and meet Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple different light units are used for navigation lighting, then the lighting system can meet FAR requirements for different positions, but the system complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single navigation light unit that can be installed in multiple positions (left wing tip, right wing tip, tail) and configured to emit different colors (red, green, white) based on the installation position. The light unit includes multiple light sources of different colors and a control system that selects which light source to activate based on where the unit is installed, eliminating the need for separate dedicated light units for each position and color requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple previously separate light units into a single universal navigation light unit. By combining multiple light sources (red, green, white) and control circuitry into one integrated unit, the system reduces the total number of components while maintaining the ability to satisfy FAR requirements for different navigation light positions through selective activation of appropriate light sources.
2Reliability
If multiple different light units are used for navigation lighting, then the lighting system can provide position-specific lighting, but production efficiency and storage space are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The universal navigation light unit can be produced as a single standardized component that replaces multiple position-specific light units. This standardization improves production efficiency by allowing batch manufacturing of identical units, simplifying the supply chain, and reducing assembly complexity during aircraft manufacturing, while still providing position-specific lighting through internal configuration.
3Reliability
If multiple different light units are used for navigation lighting, then the lighting system can ensure accurate lighting for each position, but assembly accuracy and time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple position-specific light units into a single universal unit, the assembly process is simplified. Installers only need to install one type of light unit in multiple positions rather than coordinating the installation of several different types, reducing assembly time and potential for errors while maintaining lighting accuracy through the unit's internal position-specific configuration.
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
The solution reduces the number of light units needed, enhancing production efficiency, storage space, and assembly accuracy, while ensuring compliance with FAR requirements for navigation lighting.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source arranged on the common support plate for emitting red light; a second light source arranged on the common support plate for emitting green light; a third light source arranged on the common support plate for emitting white light
Implementation Method 2
a blocking element arranged to limit the light output of the aircraft navigation light to one lateral side
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An aircraft navigation light, configured to be usable as any of a left forward navigation light (8), a right forward navigation light (8), and a tail navigation light (9) of an aircraft (2), comprises a common support plate (80) which is substantially vertical in the aircraft frame of reference; a first light source (81) arranged on the common support plate (80) for emitting red light; a second light source (82) arranged on the common support plate (80) for emitting green light; a third light source (83) arranged on the common support plate (80) for emitting white light; a driving circuit (110) coupled to the first light source (81), the second light source (82) and the third light source (83) and configured to supply power to a selected one of the first light source (81), the second light source (82), and the third light source (83); and a blocking element (85) arranged to limit the light output of the aircraft navigation light to one lateral side; wherein the first light source (81) and the second light source (82) are arranged asymmetrically with respect to a horizontal reference plane (A) through the common support plate (80), and/or wherein the third light source (83) is arranged farther from the blocking element (85) than the first and second light sources (81, 82).