Helicopter Rotor Blade Tip Illumination via Remote Optical Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Helicopter rotor blades pose safety risks during night landings due to their rotor blades being difficult to illuminate effectively, especially in confined areas, as existing solutions require complex electric wiring or wireless controls, which are prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A helicopter light system utilizing a layer material with luminescent and reflective sections embedded in the rotor blade tips, which can be illuminated by a remote light source, enhancing visibility without the need for electric wiring or wireless controls, and designed to withstand aerodynamic forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is placed in the rotor blade tip with electric wiring, then the rotor blade tip visibility is improved, but the device complexity and reliability deteriorate due to complex wiring subject to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source from the rotor blade tip location and places it on the helicopter body instead. The rotor blade tip is then illuminated by directing light from this external source onto the tip surface, eliminating the need for complex wiring at the blade tip while maintaining visibility improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective layer as an intermediary element on the rotor blade tip surface. This reflective layer receives light from the external light source and redirects it to enhance the visibility of the rotor blade tip, serving as a mediator between the light source and the observation point
2Illumination intensity
If energy harvesting means are placed in the rotor blade tip vicinity, then the rotor blade tip visibility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to wireless controls and synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes energy harvesting means and wireless control systems from the design entirely. Instead, a simple external light source on the helicopter body illuminates the rotor blade tip through optical means, eliminating all electronic control complexity while achieving the visibility goal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic and wireless control systems with a purely optical mechanical solution. Light from an external source is directed onto the rotor blade tip using optical elements, substituting electronic control with optical physics-based illumination
3Illumination intensity
If a light source is placed in the rotor blade tip, then the rotor blade tip visibility is improved, but the aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to disruption of airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source from the rotor blade tip and relocates it to the helicopter body. This removes any physical obstruction or aerodynamic disruption at the blade tip while maintaining the ability to illuminate and enhance visibility of the tip through external lighting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a reflective layer in the form of a thin film or coating applied to the rotor blade tip surface. This thin reflective layer enhances visibility without significantly disrupting the aerodynamic flow over the blade tip, as it maintains the surface continuity while adding optical functionality
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 system increases safety for passengers and pilots by providing enhanced visibility of rotor blade tips, allowing for safer boarding and landing operations without interfering with the helicopter's aerodynamics or navigation lights, and can be configured to meet specific safety requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the layer material comprises at least one light emitting section that emits light after absorption of photons directed onto the layer material by a remote light source
Implementation Method 2
the layer material comprises at least one light reflecting section that reflects light directed onto the layer material by a remote light source
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
In an embodiment, a layer material (10, 30, 40) configured to be arranged on a rotor blade tip of a helicopter (6) comprises at least one light emitting section (11) that emits light after absorption of photons directed onto the layer material by a remote light source (71-74). According to another embodiment, a layer material (20, 30, 40) configured to be arranged on a rotor blade tip of a helicopter (6) comprises at least one light reflecting section (21) that reflects light directed onto the layer material by a remote light source (71-74). A helicopter light system (1) for arranging on a helicopter comprises at least one such layer material (10, 20, 30, 40) which is configured to be arranged on a side of a rotor blade tip (632) of the helicopter facing the helicopter body, and at least one light source (71-74) that is configured to be arranged on the helicopter body and to direct light onto the layer material for emitting and/or reflecting visible light by the at least one layer material during rotation of the rotor blade (63) of the helicopter.