Combined Navigation and Anti-Collision Aircraft Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior aircraft lighting systems require significant installation space, which is a scarce resource in aircraft design, and previous solutions have not been satisfactory in terms of space efficiency for combined navigation and anti-collision lighting functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A combined forward navigation and anti-collision light system is designed with a common mounting plane for both light sources and lenses, allowing for a tighter integration and reduced space requirements by eliminating the need for separate, angled mounting structures, and enabling better integration of control electronics and power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate mounting structures are used for forward navigation light and anti-collision light, then each light can be independently oriented to meet regulatory requirements, but the overall space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the forward navigation light source and anti-collision light source into a single integrated lighting assembly with a common mounting structure. Both light sources are mounted on the same mounting surface and directed through a shared transparent cover, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures while maintaining compliance with FAR requirements for both navigation and anti-collision lighting functions
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated lighting assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides both forward navigation lighting and anti-collision lighting capabilities through a single structural unit. The common mounting structure and shared optical path enable the system to fulfill multiple regulatory requirements without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function
2Ease of operation
If angled and offset mounting structures are used for navigation and anti-collision lights, then proper light direction and coverage can be achieved, but the space envelope and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the light sources within the integrated assembly, where the navigation light and anti-collision light are offset from each other on the common mounting surface. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with specific lens orientations, achieves the required light distribution patterns and coverage areas without requiring complex angled mounting structures
3Manufacturing precision
If separate mounting structures with extended orientation are used, then proper optical alignment can be achieved, but the distance from light sources to cover increases space usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional extended three-dimensional mounting structures to a planar two-dimensional common mounting surface. Both light sources are positioned on the same mounting plane with their respective lenses oriented at specific angles relative to this plane, achieving proper optical alignment through angular positioning rather than through extended spatial separation
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 provides efficient and space-saving integration of forward navigation and anti-collision lighting functionalities, meeting Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) requirements while minimizing space usage, allowing for a more compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens, arranged over the forward navigation light source, with the forward navigation light source and the first lens in operation generating a forward navigation light output
Implementation Method 2
a second lens, arranged over the anti-collision light source, with the anti-collision light source and the second lens in operation generating an anti-collision light output
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A combined forward navigation and anti-collision light (2) for an aircraft (100) includes a forward navigation light source (12); a first lens (14), arranged over the forward navigation light source (12), with the forward navigation light source (12) and the first lens (14) in operation generating a forward navigation light output (18); an anti-collision light source (22); a second lens (24), arranged over the anti-collision light source (22), with the anti-collision light source (22) and the second lens (24) in operation generating an anti-collision light output (28); and a mounting structure (10, 12; 42), to which the forward navigation light source (12), the first lens (14), the anti-collision light source (22), and the second lens (24) are mounted, wherein the mounting structure (10, 12; 42) provides a common mounting plane (40), with the forward navigation light source (12) and the anti-collision light source (22) being arranged on the common mounting plane (40).