Dynamic Aircraft Light Unit with Photo Detector Distance Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The burden on pilots and aircrew to manually operate and switch between various exterior aircraft light modes during different phases of flight is significant, increasing the risk of error and workload, especially during high-stress operations like landing and search flights.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic exterior aircraft light unit with a plurality of LEDs, an optical system, and a photo detector that automatically switches between different light emission distributions based on detected distance and environment reflections, reducing the need for manual intervention by the pilot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple exterior aircraft light modes are provided for different operating situations, then the adaptability to particular operating situations is improved, but the burden on the pilot and air crew for correctly operating the lights increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light unit automatically selects and switches between different light emission distributions based on detected environmental conditions (ground proximity, water proximity, taxiing detection) without requiring manual pilot intervention. The system serves itself by using sensors to detect operational context and autonomously configuring the appropriate lighting mode, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing multiple adaptive modes and maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors (proximity sensors, ground proximity warning system integration, taxiing detection sensors) that continuously monitor environmental conditions and provide feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the light emission distribution to match the current operating situation, eliminating the need for manual pilot input while maintaining adaptability
2Reliability
If manual switching between light modes is required, then the pilot maintains control over lighting, but the risk of error and workload increases during high-stress operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously manages light mode selection without requiring pilot action, eliminating human error potential during high-stress operations. The control unit independently processes sensor data and switches between light emission distributions based on detected conditions, thereby improving reliability while reducing workload
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical switching system is replaced with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and a control unit to dynamically adjust lighting modes. This substitution eliminates the need for manual pilot intervention, reducing workload and potential for human error during critical flight phases
3Device complexity
If a single light emission distribution is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to illuminate different sectors of the aircraft environment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light unit employs multiple independently controllable LED subsets that can be dynamically activated or deactivated based on operational conditions. The control unit switches between different combinations of LED subsets to produce different light emission distributions, enabling adaptable illumination coverage without requiring complex mechanical moving parts or multiple separate light units
Solution Approach 2:
A single light unit integrates multiple LED subsets that can collectively provide different light emission distributions for various operating modes (landing, taxiing, ground proximity, water proximity). This multi-functional design allows one device to perform multiple illumination functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
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
This solution reduces pilot workload by automatically adjusting light modes according to distance and environment, enhancing safety by providing appropriate illumination and obstacle awareness without manual intervention, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of errors during critical flight phases.
Implementation Method 1
a photo detector arranged to detect light, emitted by the dynamic exterior aircraft light unit as part of the at least two light emission distributions and reflected by the aircraft environment
Implementation Method 2
an optical system for transforming light output from the plurality of LEDs into the at least two light emission distributions
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
A dynamic exterior aircraft light unit (2), capable of emitting light in accordance with at least two light emission distributions for illuminating different sectors of an aircraft environment, includes a plurality of LEDs (10), with at least two subsets of the plurality of LEDs being separately controllable, with each of the at least two subsets being associated with a respective one of the at least two light emission distributions, an optical system (12) for transforming light output from the plurality of LEDs (10) into the at least two light emission distributions, a control unit (16) for controlling the plurality of LEDs (10), and a photo detector (14) arranged to detect light, emitted by the dynamic exterior aircraft light unit (2) as part of the at least two light emission distributions and reflected by the aircraft environment, and configured to output a light detection signal, wherein the control unit (16) is coupled to the photo detector (14) for receiving the light detection signal, is configured to determine a distance to the aircraft environment reflecting the light, and is configured to switch between the at least two subsets of the plurality of LEDs as a response to the distance determined.