Naval Running Light Retrofit System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing navigational running light fixtures on U.S. Navy ships require frequent replacement of incandescent lamps due to their short operational life and vulnerability to mechanical shock, and upgrading to LED sources is costly and logistically challenging, as it involves replacing entire fixtures or developing LED lamps that meet strict naval requirements, including providing a heat source.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit system that uses a positioning tube, seal, and stabilizer plate to securely mount and align an LED light within the existing incandescent light fixture, allowing for conversion without replacing the entire fixture, thus maintaining structural integrity and reducing costs and logistical complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire running light fixture is replaced with a new LED fixture, then the operational reliability and lifespan are improved, but the cost and logistical complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the running light system into two independent parts: the existing fixture housing (which remains in place) and the replaceable lamp assembly (which contains the LED module). This segmentation allows the LED upgrade to be performed by simply replacing the lamp assembly rather than the entire fixture, thereby improving reliability while minimizing logistical complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED module is nested within a lamp assembly that fits inside the existing fixture housing. The lamp assembly includes a positioning tube with locating elements that nest into corresponding features in the housing, creating a compact integrated unit that can be installed without modifying the outer fixture structure.
2Reliability
If a custom LED lamp is developed to meet all naval requirements including heat generation, then the functional requirements are satisfied, but the development cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the heat generation function from the LED light source. The LED module can be a standard commercial product that does not need to generate heat, while the existing fixture's incandescent lamp socket and surrounding structure continue to provide the necessary thermal output for de-icing. This segmentation eliminates the need for expensive custom LED development while maintaining functional compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning tube and lamp assembly act as intermediaries between the standard LED module and the naval fixture requirements. The positioning tube provides mechanical support and alignment, while the existing fixture structure provides the thermal environment needed for cold weather operation, allowing off-the-shelf LED components to meet naval specifications without custom development.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the incandescent lamp is replaced with an LED lamp in the existing fixture, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the mechanical shock resistance and EMI compliance become difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The LED module is nested within a protective lamp assembly that includes a positioning tube with locating elements. These locating elements engage with corresponding features in the fixture housing to create a rigid, shock-resistant mechanical connection. The nested structure protects the fragile LED components while maintaining the mechanical robustness required for naval environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different quality requirements to different parts of the system: the LED module itself can be a standard commercial component with basic protection, while the positioning tube and lamp assembly provide the enhanced mechanical shock resistance and EMI shielding needed for naval applications. This localized application of enhanced properties reduces overall system cost while meeting reliability requirements.
4Reliability
If extensive paperwork and equipment removal procedures are followed for fixture replacement, then the regulatory compliance is ensured, but the time and manpower requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the lamp assembly (containing the LED module and positioning tube) from the fixture housing for replacement, rather than removing the entire fixture. This minimal extraction approach maintains regulatory compliance by preserving the approved fixture structure while significantly reducing the paperwork, manpower, and time required for installation compared to complete fixture replacement.
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
Enables the conversion of incandescent running light fixtures to LED sources with reduced manpower, cost, and logistical efforts, allowing for rapid deployment across the entire naval fleet without the need for extensive equipment removal or replacement, and can be done while in port rather than during drydock maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
retrofit system for a navigational running light fixture to replace the existing incandescent light source with an LED light source
Data Source
AI summary
Navigational running light retrofit system comprises a position tube that is inserted into a U.S. Naval specified navigational running light fixture and is further positioned, aligned and sealed using existing elements of the navigational running light fixture being retrofit. The positioning tube, having a generally tubular form, is a receiver for a commercially available LED navigational running light having cylindrical form. LED navigational running light is modified to secure a plate to the top surface of the assembly. This stabilizer plate has a similar diameter to the inner housing of the navigational running light fixture being retrofit, whereby stabilizing the retrofit system assembly when subjected to extreme mechanical shock. The positioning elements of the navigational running light retrofit system cooperate with the elements of the navigational running light fixture being retrofit to align and maintain alignment of the light exiting the fixture at the direction and angle.