Multi-mode Aircraft Navigation Light with Common Optical System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft exterior lighting systems are complex and require multiple, similar navigation lights for different locations, leading to inefficiencies in production, storage, and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode aircraft navigation light with a common optical system and switching circuit that allows for the selection of different light colors, enabling a single unit to replace two previous navigation lights, reducing complexity and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate navigation lights are used for different aircraft locations, then each location can have dedicated lighting functionality, but the overall system complexity increases and production/assembly efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single navigation light unit that can function as both starboard and port navigation lights by incorporating two separate light emitting modules (red and green) within one housing. The control system selectively activates the appropriate module based on the installation location, allowing one universal unit to replace two separate dedicated units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two previously separate navigation light units (starboard and port) into a single integrated unit. The housing contains both red and green light emitting modules along with a shared control system and power supply, merging the functionality of two separate devices into one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate navigation lights are used for different aircraft locations, then each location can have dedicated lighting functionality, but production costs and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single navigation light unit that can function as both starboard and port navigation lights by incorporating two separate light emitting modules (red and green) within one housing. The control system selectively activates the appropriate module based on the installation location, allowing one universal unit to replace two separate dedicated units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate navigation lights are used for different aircraft locations, then each location can have dedicated lighting functionality, but assembly errors and time losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single navigation light unit that can function as both starboard and port navigation lights by incorporating two separate light emitting modules (red and green) within one housing. The control system selectively activates the appropriate module based on the installation location, allowing one universal unit to replace two separate dedicated units.
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 multi-mode aircraft navigation light simplifies the exterior lighting system by allowing a single unit to function as both starboard and port navigation lights, reducing production costs, storage needs, and assembly errors while maintaining compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source (81) of a first color; a second light source (82) of a second color
Implementation Method 2
a common optical system (91), which is arranged over the first light source (81) and the second light source (82) for conditioning light emitted by either one of the first light source (81) and the second light source (82)
Implementation Method 3
a common optical system (91), which is arranged over the first light source (81) and the second light source (82) for conditioning light emitted by either one of the first light source (81) and the second light source (82)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A multi-mode aircraft navigation light (8) includes a first light source (81) of a first color; a second light source (82) of a second color; and a common optical system (91), which is arranged over the first light source (81) and the second light source (82) for conditioning light emitted by either one of the first light source (81) and the second light source (82); and a switching circuit (110) configured to effect power supply to a selected one of the first light source (81) and the second light source (82) depending on a color selection signal, such as on the basis of an orientation indication communicated from an orientation sensor (112) coupled to the switching circuit (110).