Modular Airfield Light With Removable Baffle Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing airfield lights lack modular designs that can efficiently configure different lighting needs and directions, leading to limitations in indicating boundaries and intended travel directions effectively.

Innovation Solution

The airfield light features a modular design with a heat sink and light modules, a baffle system that allows for the removal of opaque baffle members to create open windows for directional light emission, and a cover that partially reflects light to create a halo effect, enabling customizable light configurations for various lighting needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed baffle configuration is used, then the light emission pattern is stable and predictable, but the airfield light cannot be configured for different lighting needs and directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfigurability for different lighting needsVSAvoidmodular design with removable baffle members

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle is divided into a baffle body and multiple removable baffle members that can be independently configured. Each baffle member can be removed or retained to create different light emission patterns, allowing the same airfield light to serve multiple lighting configurations for different runway and taxiway requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The baffle configuration is made dynamic through removable baffle members that can be adjusted based on operational needs. This allows the light emission pattern to change from a fixed pattern to a customizable pattern, enabling adaptability for different airfield lighting requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light modules are used to meet different lighting needs, then the lighting versatility is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting configuration optionsVSAvoidassembly of multiple light modules

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple light modules are designed with standardized mounting interfaces and configurations, allowing them to be assembled in different arrangements to create various light emission patterns. The modular design enables the same components to serve multiple lighting functions for different airfield applications, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If opaque baffle members are used to control light direction, then light emission control is improved, but the window area for light passage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional light controlVSAvoidwindow open portion area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle members are positioned strategically to block only the specific portions of the window where light control is needed, while leaving other portions open. This localized approach allows directional light control to be achieved without unnecessarily reducing the overall window area, maintaining both control capability and light transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This modular design allows for the creation of airfield lights that can be configured to meet specific lighting requirements, enhancing visibility and direction indication for pilots, thereby improving safety and adaptability along runways and taxiways.

Implementation Method 1

a heat sink and a first light module secured to the heat sink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

heat sink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

A generally opaque baffle member is secured to the baffle body and blocks a closed portion of window to inhibit light emitted from the first light module from passing therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

The cover is configured to reflect a portion of the light emitted from the first and second light assemblies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11292612B2Airfield light

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

An airfield light, components thereof, and associated methods. The airfield light can include a baffle including a baffle body and one or more baffle members secured to the baffle body. The baffle members are configured to cover portions of a baffle window. At least one light source is mounted in association with the baffle and emits light out of the baffle window. The baffle members cover portions of the baffle window for blocking light transmission therethrough. A method of assembling an airfield light includes arranging a baffle to shroud a light assembly and removing a baffle member to permit light from the light assembly to emit through a portion of a baffle window opened by removing the baffle member. A baffle for an airfield light is also disclosed.