Aircraft Beacon Light Embedded in Wing Hinge Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior aircraft lights do not adequately fit all aircraft models and operating regimes, particularly failing to provide sufficient beacon light output when foldable wing tips are in a folded-up position, which can block light and compromise safety and space efficiency during taxiing.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft beacon light system is integrated into the hinge assembly between the foldable wing tip and the main wing portion, ensuring consistent light output when wing tips are folded up or extended, using LEDs for efficient power use and low maintenance, with a lens cover that adapts to the wing structure to prevent light obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If foldable wing tips are folded up during taxiing, then space requirements are reduced, but beacon light output is blocked and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon light system is segmented into multiple independent light sources positioned at different locations on the aircraft structure. Specifically, beacon lights are placed on the fuselage and additional beacon lights are integrated into the wing hinge assemblies, allowing each segment to independently contribute to the overall beacon light output, so that if one segment is blocked, others remain visible
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon light sources are distributed across different spatial dimensions and positions on the aircraft. By placing lights on the fuselage body and integrating them into the wing hinge assemblies at different heights and lateral positions, the system creates a three-dimensional light distribution pattern that ensures at least some lights remain unobstructed regardless of wing tip position
2Reliability
If beacon lights are added to wing hinge assemblies, then beacon light output is enhanced when wing tips are folded, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon light system is merged with the existing wing hinge assembly structure. The beacon lights are integrated into the hinge mechanism that connects the foldable wing tips to the main wing, utilizing the same structural components and mounting points, thereby avoiding the need for separate, additional support structures and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wing hinge assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection for foldable wing tips and simultaneously houses the beacon light sources. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated beacon light mounting structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining enhanced beacon light output
3Illumination intensity
If beacon lights are mounted on upper fuselage, then beacon light coverage is provided, but light output is blocked when wing tips are folded up
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon light system is divided into multiple independent light sources positioned at different locations on the aircraft structure. Specifically, beacon lights are placed on the fuselage and additional beacon lights are integrated into the wing hinge assemblies, allowing each segment to independently contribute to the overall beacon light output, so that if one segment is blocked, others remain visible
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon light sources are distributed across different spatial dimensions and positions on the aircraft. By placing lights on the fuselage body and integrating them into the wing hinge assemblies at different heights and lateral positions, the system creates a three-dimensional light distribution pattern that ensures at least some lights remain unobstructed regardless of wing tip position
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 enhances beacon light output without affecting aerodynamics, maintains safety signaling, and reduces space requirements during taxiing by ensuring reliable red light flashes are emitted in both wing positions, while being power-efficient and easy to maintain.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one light source is at least one LED
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft beacon light (8) for an aircraft wing (6) with a foldable wing tip (64) includes a housing (82), a lens cover (84), and at least one light source (86) arranged between the housing (82) and the lens cover (84), wherein the aircraft beacon light (8) is configured to emit flashes of red light in operation, and wherein the housing (82) and the lens cover (84) are shaped to embed the aircraft beacon light (8) into a hinge assembly (66) coupling the foldable wing tip (64) to a main wing portion (62) of the aircraft wing (6).