Low-Profile Anti-Collision Light for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anti collision lighting systems on aircraft increase aerodynamic drag, fuel consumption, and weight, and require expensive materials due to the protrusion of lenses into the airstream, which also makes them vulnerable to damage from debris.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile anti collision lighting system using a lens that protrudes less than 0.5 inches from the aircraft surface, featuring a light source of multiple LEDs connected by a continuous polymer carrier and a lens that directs light outward through an edge, reducing drag and weight while maintaining visibility compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the lens protrudes significantly from the aircraft surface to provide sufficient visibility from low angles, then the light visibility is improved, but the aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional protruding lens designs to a planar integrated lens that lies substantially flush with the aircraft surface. The light guide directs light through its edge in a direction substantially parallel to the aircraft surface, achieving low-angle visibility without vertical protrusion. This dimensional change eliminates the trade-off between visibility and drag by redirecting light propagation from a vertical to a horizontal orientation.
2Illumination intensity
If the lens protrudes significantly from the aircraft surface, then the light visibility is improved, but the weight of the lighting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planar integrated lens design eliminates the need for bulky protruding structures by redistributing the light guiding function across a two-dimensional plane embedded in the aircraft surface. This reduces the volume and mass of lens material required while maintaining effective light distribution for visibility.
3Illumination intensity
If the lens protrudes significantly from the aircraft surface, then the light visibility is improved, but the cost of manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planar integrated lens can be manufactured using standard planar fabrication techniques such as injection molding or lamination, eliminating the need for complex three-dimensional shaping and expensive specialized materials. The flush-mounted design allows for simpler integration with the aircraft skin, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
4Illumination intensity
If the lens protrudes significantly from the aircraft surface, then the light visibility is improved, but the vulnerability to debris damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the light guide substantially flush with the aircraft surface and directing light through its edge, the patent eliminates the protruding portion that would otherwise intercept debris in the airstream. This dimensional reconfiguration protects the light-emitting components from direct exposure to particles, rain, ice, and other airborne contaminants while maintaining effective visibility.
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 decreases aerodynamic drag, fuel consumption, and weight, allowing for less expensive materials and reduced vulnerability to debris, while maintaining compliance with visibility regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a lens configured to direct a majority of the light emitted by the light source outwardly from the light source in directions along the surface
Implementation Method 2
a lens configured to focus the majority of the light emitted from the plurality of LEDs outward through the edge
Data Source
AI summary
A light configured to be coupled to a surface, where the light includes a light source configured to emit light in three dimensions and a lens configured to direct a majority of the light emitted by the light source outwardly from the light source in directions along the surface. The light may be an anti collision light for an aircraft.