Integrated Beacon Light Housing for Unobstructed Aircraft Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft camera systems are obstructed by glare and moisture, and existing exterior mounts require FAA certification, with wireless cameras relying on batteries that often die prematurely.
Innovation Solution
An aviation integrated optics and lighting unit that includes a housing with a light-emitting device and optical sensor, allowing for unobstructed views and FAA compliance, with a method for installation that replaces existing beacon lights and uses a rechargeable power source connected to the aircraft's power system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera is mounted to exterior portions of an aircraft, then images outside the aircraft can be captured, but the mount requires FAA certification and adds installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera with the beacon light into a single integrated unit. The camera is mounted within the beacon light housing, eliminating the need for separate exterior mounting structures. This integration resolves the contradiction by providing image capture capability without requiring complex FAA-certified external mounts, as the beacon light itself serves as the mounting structure.
2Ease of operation
If wireless cameras are used, then installation is simplified, but batteries die prematurely requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated unit serves multiple functions: the beacon light provides lighting while the camera captures images. The unit can be powered by the aircraft's electrical system when docked, eliminating the need for battery replacement. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by maintaining installation simplicity while eliminating the battery duration limitation through dual power sources.
3Ease of operation
If cameras operate inside the aircraft, then installation is easy, but views are obstructed by glare or moisture on windows
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the camera inside the aircraft pointing outward through windows, the patent inverts the approach by mounting the camera on the exterior of the aircraft. This external mounting eliminates the window obstruction problem (glare and moisture) while maintaining relatively simple installation through the integrated beacon light design.
4Loss of information
If existing beacon lights are replaced with integrated units, then unobstructed views are achieved, but manufacturing and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two existing components (beacon light and camera) into a single integrated unit. The camera is housed within the beacon light structure, sharing common mounting points and power connections. This merging approach resolves the contradiction by achieving unobstructed exterior views while minimizing manufacturing and installation complexity through component integration rather than completely new design.
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
Provides unobstructed views of the aircraft's surroundings, is FAA compliant, and ensures continuous operation with a rechargeable power source, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting device secured to the housing
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor positioned in the housing and configured to capture optical data
Data Source
AI summary
An aviation integrated optics and lighting unit for securing to a light receptacle of an aircraft. The aviation integrated optics and lighting unit comprises a housing, a light-emitting device, and an optical sensor. The light-emitting device is secured to the housing. The optical sensor is positioned in the housing and is configured to capture optical data.