Integrated Aircraft Tail Light for Stabilizer Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior aircraft lighting systems are not fully satisfactory due to weight, design restrictions, and maintenance challenges, particularly in the tail portion of aircraft, where separate units are needed for stabilizer illumination and rearward signal lighting.
Innovation Solution
An integrated exterior aircraft light with a housing mounted on the tail portion, featuring a combination of rearward signal lighting and stabilizer illumination using multiple LEDs spaced along the length of the housing, providing efficient and uniform illumination while reducing the need for separate units and minimizing maintenance issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate light units are used for stabilizer illumination and rearward signal lighting, then each function can be performed independently, but the overall system weight increases and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines stabilizer illumination light sources and rearward signal light sources into a single integrated exterior aircraft light unit. The housing contains both types of light sources with their respective optical systems, allowing both functions to be performed by one unified structure rather than separate units, thereby reducing overall weight and simplifying maintenance.
2Reliability
If separate light units are used for stabilizer illumination and rearward signal lighting, then each function can be performed independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple light sources and optical systems into a single housing structure. The rearward signal light sources and stabilizer illumination light sources share common mounting structures, electrical connections, and housing elements, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The exterior aircraft light unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both rearward signal lighting and stabilizer illumination. The single unit is designed to handle different operational modes (navigation lighting, anti-collision lighting, and stabilizer illumination) through its integrated light sources and control systems.
3Reliability
If dedicated light units are placed near the auxiliary power unit outlet, then rearward signal lighting is provided, but maintenance becomes difficult due to aggressive outlet gases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the exterior aircraft light unit at an intermediate location on the fuselage that is remote from the auxiliary power unit outlet. This intermediate positioning allows the light unit to receive electrical power and perform its function while being located in an environment that is more accessible for maintenance and less exposed to harmful exhaust gases.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate light units are used, then all lighting requirements are met, but the number of components increases leading to more maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple lighting functions into a single exterior aircraft light unit. By integrating rearward signal light sources and stabilizer illumination light sources in one housing, the system reduces the total number of components that require maintenance while maintaining all necessary lighting capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated light unit is designed to perform multiple lighting functions including rearward navigation signaling, anti-collision signaling, and stabilizer illumination. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated units for each function, thereby reducing maintenance requirements.
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 integrated solution reduces weight, power consumption, and maintenance needs by combining functionalities, offering improved illumination and reduced complexity, while meeting Federal Aviation Regulation requirements for navigation and anti-collision lighting.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first light source, arranged in the rear end region of the housing, for providing aircraft rearward signal lighting; and a plurality of second light sources, which are arranged spaced along the length of the housing for a distributed illumination of a stabilizer of the aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior aircraft light includes a housing having a length (L), a width (W), and a height (H), the length (L) being greater than the width (W) and the height (H) and the housing having a front end region and a rear end region, wherein the housing is configured to be mounted on a tail portion of a fuselage of an aircraft; at least one first light source, arranged in the rear end region of the housing, for providing aircraft rearward signal lighting; and a plurality of second light sources, which are arranged spaced along the length (L) of the housing for a distributed illumination of a stabilizer of the aircraft.