LED PAPI Light Assemblies for Airport Runway Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing precision approach path indicator systems (PAPIs) using halogen lamps are costly to operate and maintain, with limited useful life, posing safety concerns due to the need for frequent replacements and disruptions in airport operations.

Innovation Solution

The development of PAPIs utilizing light emitting diodes (LEDs) with mirrored surfaces and collimating optics, which provide cost-effective and reliable approach slope guidance with reduced maintenance, allowing for efficient light projection and minimal disruption to airport operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If halogen lamps are used in PAPIs, then the system can provide approach slope guidance, but the operating cost increases and the lamp life is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelamp lifeVSAvoidoperating cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the light source from halogen lamps to LED modules, transforming the technology to achieve both longer operational life and lower operating costs while maintaining the required performance for approach slope guidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical halogen lamp system with an LED-based optical system, substituting the light generation mechanism to eliminate the contradictions between cost, life, and performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If halogen lamps are used in PAPIs, then the system can provide approach slope guidance, but maintenance cost and operational disruption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces halogen lamps with LED modules that have longer operational lifetimes and lower maintenance requirements, reducing the frequency and impact of maintenance operations while maintaining system reliability for approach slope guidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous operation with minimal disruption by using LED modules that do not require frequent replacement, maintaining uninterrupted approach slope guidance functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If halogen lamps are used in PAPIs, then the system can provide approach slope guidance, but the useful life is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelamp useful lifeVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the light source technology parameter from halogen to LED, fundamentally extending the operational duration and improving reliability for safety-critical approach slope guidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the halogen lamp system with an LED-based system that provides longer-lasting, more reliable light output essential for maintaining safety in approach slope guidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

The LED-based PAPIs offer significant cost savings and increased reliability, ensuring consistent and safe approach slope guidance with reduced maintenance needs and minimal airport disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

each light assembly includes a first and second light source; particularly preferably such light source comprises light emitting diodes (LEDs)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The new PAPIs and light assemblies are relatively straightforward in construction; and meet or exceed substantially all the regulatory requirements and specifications

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollimation: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS7375653B2Precision approach path indicator systems and light assemblies useful in same

Publication Date: 2008.05.20 WEST FORK HLDG

AI summary

Precision approach path indicator systems (PAPIs) effective in providing approach slope guidance for aircraft approaching an airport runway are provided. Such PAPIs include a plurality of light assemblies positioned on or in proximity to an airport runway and structured or configured to be effective in providing approach slope guidance light signals to a pilot of an aircraft approaching a runway. Each light assembly includes a light source comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs), preferably a first array of LEDs and a second array of LEDs.