Transparent Mesh Deicing for Aircraft Landing Lights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft landing lights, particularly LED-based systems, are susceptible to icing at high altitudes, leading to reduced light output and poor pilot visibility, as existing deicing methods are inefficient and energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft landing light system incorporating a temperature sensor, a deicing control unit, and a nano-metal mesh lens, where the mesh is heated by resistive heating to melt ice, with a microwave resonator sensor monitoring temperature and controlling the electric current to the mesh based on flight status and temperature thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional deicing methods are used on landing lights, then ice removal is achieved, but energy consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by heating the lens before ice formation occurs. The temperature sensor continuously monitors the lens temperature, and the heating element activates when the temperature approaches the freezing point, preventing ice formation rather than removing it after formation. This proactive approach maintains light output consistency while avoiding the higher energy consumption associated with removing established ice deposits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a temperature sensor that continuously monitors the lens temperature and provides real-time data to the control system. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust heating activation and intensity based on actual temperature conditions, ensuring energy-efficient operation while maintaining reliable light output. The feedback mechanism prevents both overheating and insufficient heating, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy consumption.
2Illumination intensity
If heating is applied to prevent ice formation, then visibility is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by maintaining the lens temperature just above the freezing point through controlled heating. This prevents ice formation that would block light output, while the controlled nature of the heating (activated only when needed based on temperature sensors) minimizes energy consumption. The heating is applied proactively to maintain illumination intensity rather than reacting to ice formation that would require more intensive energy input to remove.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through intermittent heating cycles controlled by temperature sensors. Instead of continuous heating, the system periodically activates the heating element based on temperature thresholds, maintaining light output intensity while significantly reducing overall energy consumption. This periodic control ensures the lens remains ice-free during critical periods while avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure during warmer conditions.
3Illumination intensity
If a transparent mesh is used for heating, then light transmission is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of flexible shells and thin films by using a transparent mesh overlay on the lens. This thin film structure allows light to pass through effectively while providing a heating capability. The mesh can be applied as a separate layer to the existing lens, avoiding the need to manufacture entirely new complex lenses and simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the added functional layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining the transparent mesh with the lens structure. The mesh material is specifically designed to be both transparent to visible light and conductive for heating purposes. This composite approach integrates multiple functions (light transmission and resistive heating) into a single manufacturable component, balancing the need for light transmission with manufacturing feasibility.
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 effectively maintains light output and intensity by selectively heating the lens to prevent ice formation, reducing energy consumption and ensuring clear visibility during landing and takeoff operations.
Implementation Method 1
the mesh may be configured to heat the lens by resistive heating
Implementation Method 2
The microwave resonator sensor may be configured to sense a frequency response variation, wherein the frequency response variation may be associated with one of a first temperature within a first predetermined temperature range and a second temperature within a second predetermined temperature range
Implementation Method 3
The nano-metal mesh may be coupled to the lens by an adhesive
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3E
AI summary
Systems and methods for deicing an aircraft landing light may include a metal mesh (212) conductor coupled to a lens (210) of a landing light (202). The systems and methods may include a power supply (418), a temperature sensor (414), a deicing control unit (416), an aircraft light having a lens (210), and a mesh (212) coupled to the lens (210). The temperature sensor (414) may be a microwave resonator sensor configured to sense the temperature of the landing light (202) and send signals to the deicing control unit (416). The signals may be configured to instruct the deicing control unit (416) to either apply an electric current to the mesh (212), or cease applying an electric current to the mesh (212), depending on the landing light temperatures. The deicing control unit (416) may receive landing pulses from a flight control system. The pulses may indicate that the aircraft is landing or has landed.