Aircraft Window Laser Impact Detection Using Refracted Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of laser incidents on aircraft poses a challenge as current methods fail to accurately determine the location of the laser source, making it difficult to apprehend the attacker, especially in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft windows equipped with transparent layers and light detectors around their circumference measure refracted light intensities to determine the position of laser impact, potentially using multiple layers and dimmable electrochromic glass to mitigate the laser effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light detectors are arranged around the circumference of the window to measure refracted light intensity, then the measurement precision of laser impact position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The window is divided into multiple transparent layers (first transparent layer, second transparent layer), and light detectors are segmented and arranged around the circumference of each layer. This segmentation allows the system to measure refracted light at multiple positions and layers, thereby determining the three-dimensional impact position and angle of the laser beam with high precision while distributing the complexity across modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses refracted light as an intermediary to indirectly determine the laser impact position. Instead of directly detecting the laser beam impact point, the system measures the intensity of refracted light at multiple detector positions around the window circumference. This intermediary measurement approach enables precise position determination through optical patterns without requiring direct contact or complex sensors at the impact point.
2Measurement precision
If multiple transparent layers with light detectors are used to determine laser impact position and angle, then the measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly is segmented into multiple transparent layers, each potentially serving different functional purposes. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual layers that can be assembled together, facilitating precision measurement while managing manufacturing complexity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent layers serve multiple functions: they provide structural integrity to the window, enable optical measurement of laser impact through refraction, and can be integrated with dimmable electrochromic glass for additional protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while achieving comprehensive measurement capabilities.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dimmable electrochromic glass is used to protect occupants from laser beams, then the protective effect is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful laser beam into a useful signal by detecting its refraction pattern with light detectors. The laser's energy, which would otherwise only cause damage, is transformed into optical information that reveals the impact position and angle. This information is then used to activate protective measures, turning the harmful event into the trigger for protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimmable electrochromic glass is positioned in advance within the window structure, ready to activate when needed. The system performs preliminary detection using light detectors to identify laser impact before significant damage occurs, allowing the electrochromic glass to be activated in advance to protect occupants. This preliminary action sequence maximizes protection effectiveness while managing system complexity through staged response.
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
Accurately determines the laser beam's point of origin, enhancing the chances of identifying the perpetrator and protecting occupants by minimizing visibility impairment.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of light detectors arranged around a circumference of the first transparent layer and configured to measure the intensity of light refracted upon entering and exiting the first transparent layer
Implementation Method 2
the window further comprises a layer of dimmable electrochromic glass
Data Source
AI summary
A window for an aircraft, the window including a first transparent layer, and a first plurality of light detectors arranged around a circumference of the first transparent layer to measure the intensity of light refracted upon entering and exiting the first transparent layer. An aircraft and a method for determining the point at which a laser beam impacts a window of the aircraft are disclosed.