Avian Deterrence LED Apparatus for Aircraft Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-lethal wildlife deterrence methods are ineffective in preventing bird strikes on aircraft, as they are short-lived and have limited geographic range, and integrating wildlife deterrence with aircraft lighting poses a challenge due to the importance of proper lighting for safety.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft lighting apparatus featuring light emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit mono-colored light at specific wavelengths to disrupt avian visual perception, inducing an augmented behavioral response and avoiding the area, while also providing independent control for both wildlife deterrence and aircraft lighting functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-lethal wildlife deterrence methods using frightening noises or sights are used, then wildlife can be controlled, but the effectiveness is short-lived and has limited geographic range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using specific wavelengths of light (380-420nm UV and 440-480nm blue) that target avian photoreceptor sensitivity. This spectral parameter selection creates a persistent deterrent effect that lasts as long as the lighting system operates, unlike temporary frightening methods. The light intensity and wavelength parameters are optimized to maintain effectiveness over extended periods and larger geographic areas around the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides standard aircraft illumination for safety while also emitting deterrence wavelengths to repel birds. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate deterrence devices, making the solution continuously effective without temporary limitations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wildlife deterrence is combined with aircraft lighting, then both functions can be achieved, but it challenges the importance of properly functioning aircraft lights for safety
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into distinct LED modules, each emitting specific wavelengths for different functions. Standard white light LEDs provide aircraft illumination, while separate UV and blue wavelength LEDs provide deterrence. This segmentation allows independent control and operation of each function, ensuring safety lighting reliability is not compromised by deterrence operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lighting system emit different wavelengths tailored to specific functions. The deterrence wavelengths (380-420nm, 440-480nm) are directed toward areas where bird deterrence is needed, while standard illumination wavelengths are optimized for aircraft lighting requirements. This local quality differentiation ensures both functions operate at optimal effectiveness without interfering with each other's reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If habitat modification is used to deprive animals of food, shelter, space and water, then the risk can be reduced, but these methods are only partially effective and have a limited geographic range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical habitat modification with an optical field-based deterrence system. Instead of altering the physical environment to exclude birds, the system uses targeted wavelength light fields to create a virtual barrier that repels birds without geographic limitations. This substitution allows effective deterrence over a much larger area around the aircraft without partial effectiveness constraints.
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 effectively deters avian species from aircraft flight paths by disrupting their visual perception, ensuring safety without interfering with aircraft lighting functions, and is tested to be effective in various avian species.
Implementation Method 1
at least one species deterrent LED configured to emit mono-colored light at a wavelength within a sensitivity range of a short-wavelength-sensitive (SWS) photoreceptor
Implementation Method 2
wavelength within a sensitivity range of a short-wavelength-sensitive (SWS) photoreceptor of at least one avian species
Implementation Method 3
The reflector arrangement includes a plurality of reflector sections corresponding to the plurality of LEDs and configured to reflect light in a longitudinal direction toward the light exiting opening
Data Source
AI summary
A wildlife deterrence aircraft lighting apparatus includes at least one species deterrent LED to provide non-lethal deterrence of avian species (i.e., birds) within a deterrence area in an immediate flight path of an aircraft. The species deterrent LED may be configured to emit mono-colored light at a wavelength within a sensitivity range of a short-wavelength-sensitive (SWS) photoreceptor of at least one avian species and with a light intensity in at least a portion of the deterrence area sufficient to induce an augmented behavioral response. The lighting apparatus may also control the species deterrent LED(s) and aircraft lighting LED(s) independently and may provide voltage control and temperature control to enable the wildlife deterrence function without interfering with the aircraft lighting functions. The lighting apparatus may further be configured to reduce luminous flux loss and to provide thermal management to accommodate both wildlife deterrence and aircraft lighting functions.