Electroluminescent Sheet for Aircraft Fairing Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for displaying messages on aircraft fairings are not visible in poor visibility conditions such as foggy or rainy weather, or at night, as they rely on self-adhesive films or paint which are not discernible under these conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an electroluminescent sheet fixed to the aircraft fairing with an adhesive film, powered by an internal electricity supply and connected via wires, and protected by a transparent varnish, allowing the message to be visible regardless of visibility conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a self-adhesive film or paint is used to display a message on the aircraft fairing, then the message can be applied to the fairing surface, but the message becomes invisible in poor visibility conditions such as fog, rain, or at night
Solution Approach 1:
The display system transitions from a static paint or film to a dynamic electroluminescent system that can be activated or deactivated based on visibility conditions. The electroluminescent sheet can be turned on during night flights or poor visibility conditions to ensure message visibility, and turned off when not needed, providing adaptive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electroluminescent display operates periodically rather than continuously - it can be activated during specific periods such as night flights, approach and departure phases, or when poor visibility is detected. This periodic activation ensures visibility when needed while minimizing energy consumption and maintaining the simplicity of the overall system.
2Illumination intensity
If an electroluminescent sheet is added to the fairing structure, then message visibility is improved under all conditions, but the fairing thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electroluminescent sheet is implemented as a thin, flexible film that can be conformally applied to the curved surface of the aircraft fairing. This thin-film approach adds minimal thickness while providing the desired luminous display function. The flexible nature of the sheet allows it to adapt to the fairing's curvature without requiring additional structural thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The electroluminescent sheet is nested within the existing fairing structure, positioned between the fairing skin and the protective outer layer. This nested configuration integrates the lighting element into the existing thickness budget of the fairing, avoiding significant increases in overall dimensions while still providing the luminous display function.
3Length of stationary object
If the electroluminescent sheet is left unprotected, then the fairing thickness is minimized, but the sheet is vulnerable to environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The display structure uses a composite construction with the electroluminescent sheet sandwiched between the fairing skin and a transparent protective outer layer. This composite arrangement provides environmental protection against UV radiation, moisture, and mechanical damage while maintaining optical transparency to allow the electroluminescent light to pass through. The protective layer acts as a barrier without significantly increasing thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent protective outer layer serves as an intermediary between the electroluminescent sheet and the harsh external environment. This mediator layer protects the sensitive electroluminescent material from direct exposure to UV rays, moisture, and mechanical stress, while its transparency ensures that the luminous display remains visible. The intermediary layer thus preserves both the durability and the optical function of the system.
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
Enables the message to be clearly visible on the aircraft fairing under all visibility conditions, including low light or adverse weather, by providing a luminous display that can be controlled on or off.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electroluminescent sheet plated on the shroud, means for supplying electricity to the light-emitting sheet
Implementation Method 2
the fixing means of the electroluminescent sheet consists of an adhesive film
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (14) for displaying an LED message on the fairing (16) of an aircraft, characterized in that said device comprises: at least one light-emitting sheet (26) urged against the fairing (16); a means (28) for attaching the light-emitting sheet (26) onto the fairing (16); a means (38) for supplying the light-emitting sheet (26) with electricity; a means for electrically connecting (36a, 36b) the light-emitting sheet (26) to the means (38) for supplying electricity; and a means (42) for controlling the light-emitting sheet (26) in an powered-on state, in which the light-emitting sheet (26) is supplied with electricity and emits light, or in a powered-off state, in which the light-emitting sheet (26) is inoperative.