Multi-Emitter LED Array for Variable Aircraft Beam Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft exterior lighting systems require multiple fixtures for landing and taxiing lights, which increase space and circuit requirements on the aircraft, and existing systems do not efficiently utilize the low energy and versatility of LEDs to achieve variable beam profiles.
Innovation Solution
A multi-emitter array within a single lighting fixture, where at least one central emitter and one peripheral emitter are connected in parallel and independently operable, allowing for a variable beam profile that can function as both a landing and taxi light, using LEDs or other emitters, with separate switches on a common circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate lighting fixtures are used for landing lights and taxi lights, then each light can be independently controlled to meet specific illumination requirements, but the number of fixtures and circuitry increases, occupying more space on the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single lighting fixture containing multiple independently controllable LED emitters that can produce different beam profiles. By configuring LEDs in different orientations (forward-facing for landing light, lateral-facing for taxi light) within the same fixture, the system achieves multi-functionality, allowing one fixture to replace what traditionally required separate landing and taxi light fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting fixture is segmented into multiple independently controllable LED emitter groups. Each group can be operated separately through individual circuit control, enabling the system to function as landing light, taxi light, or combinations thereof. This segmentation allows functional versatility while maintaining a single physical fixture structure.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional incandescent bulbs or metal halide lamps are used, then sufficient illumination can be achieved, but energy consumption is high and lifespan is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional incandescent or metal halide lighting to LED technology, representing a fundamental parameter change in the light source. LEDs consume significantly less energy to produce equivalent or superior illumination intensity and provide extended operational lifespan, directly addressing the energy consumption and durability requirements of aircraft exterior lighting.
3Device complexity
If a single fixture with multiple emitters is used, then space and circuitry are reduced, but the system must maintain independent control of each emitter to achieve variable beam profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit system is segmented into separate control lines for each LED emitter or emitter group within the fixture. This segmentation enables independent switching and control of each emitter, allowing the pilot to select between landing light mode, taxi light mode, or other beam profile configurations through simple switch operations, despite the integrated multi-emitter design.
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 solution reduces the number of fixtures and circuitry needed, enhances illumination efficiency with low-energy emitters, and extends the lifespan of aircraft exterior lighting, while meeting FAA standards for visibility and glare reduction.
Implementation Method 1
with the advent of Light Emitting Diodes ("LEDs") in the industry
Implementation Method 2
significant luminance may be produced at relatively low energies
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft exterior lighting multi-LED array for variable beam profile enables illumination of landing and taxi lights from a common fixture. An optic enables direction of luminance emitted from at least one central emitter (or cluster of emitters) along steradians illuminated when landing while directing luminance emitted from at least one peripheral emitter (or cluster of emitters) along steradians illuminated when taxiing.