Angle Aiming Mechanism for Approach Light Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angle adjustment mechanisms for approach lights are difficult to use and require excessive time to position and maintain the light at the desired angle, as they often rely on complex screw and locknut arrangements that are prone to instability.
Innovation Solution
An angle aiming mechanism featuring a gear system with a spring-biased angle adjuster and a worm gear that allows for easy adjustment and secure locking of the light assembly's angle relative to a reference plane, using a spur gear and a main shaft with set screws for stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If screws and locknuts are used to position the approach light, then the light can be positioned at a desired angle, but the mechanism becomes difficult to use and requires excessive time for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw and locknut mechanical system with a gear-based mechanism. The gear system allows for precise angular positioning through controlled rotation while enabling much easier adjustment through simple rotational motion rather than threading operations. This substitution maintains positioning precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the gear can be engaged or disengaged from the light assembly through a lifting action. This allows the system to transition between a locked, precise positioning state and an unlocked, easily adjustable state, resolving the contradiction between precision and ease of operation.
2Measurement precision
If screws and locknuts are used to position the approach light, then the light can be positioned at a desired angle, but it is difficult to maintain the light at the desired angle for an extended period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where a gear engages with the light assembly to maintain precise angular positioning. The gear can be lifted to disengage for adjustment and naturally engages to lock the position, providing reliable long-term maintenance of the desired angle without the instability issues of screw and locknut systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear mechanism is designed to self-lock into position through its engagement with the light assembly. Once the desired angle is achieved through rotation, the gear automatically engages and maintains the position without requiring additional locking actions or adjustments, ensuring reliable angle maintenance over extended periods.
3Measurement precision
If a complex arrangement of screws and locknuts is used, then the light can be positioned at a desired angle, but the mechanism requires an excessive amount of time for the user to position the approach light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming screw and locknut system with a gear-based mechanism that allows for rapid angular adjustment through simple rotation. The gear system eliminates the need for threading operations and multiple components, reducing adjustment time while maintaining precise positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic engagement system where the gear can be quickly lifted to disengage for adjustment and automatically engages to lock the position. This dynamic mechanism enables fast adjustment cycles, dramatically reducing the time required to position the approach light at the desired angle compared to static screw-based systems.
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
Enables quick and precise adjustment of the light assembly's angle, maintaining the desired position without further adjustments, reducing user effort and ensuring stability over time.
Implementation Method 1
a spring may be provided for biasing the angle adjuster into the first position
Implementation Method 2
the gear may be a spur gear and the angle adjuster may include a worm gear configured to engage the spur gear when the angle adjuster is in the first position
Implementation Method 3
a gear rotational coupled to the light assembly and an angle adjuster movable between a first position and a second position
Data Source
AI summary
An angle aiming mechanism for a light assembly. The angle aiming mechanism including a body, a gear rotational coupled to the light assembly and an angle adjuster movable between a first position and a second position. The angle adjuster engaging the gear when the angle adjuster is in the first position. The angle adjuster disengaging the gear when the angle adjuster is in the second position. The angle adjuster configured such that rotation of the angle adjuster in the first position changes an angle of the light assembly relative to a reference plane.