Centralized RGB Light Source with Passive Heads for Aircraft Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft lighting systems face performance and lifespan issues due to harsh environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, vibrations, and exposure to weather and electromagnetic interferences, leading to increased failure rates and operational challenges.

Innovation Solution

A centralized RGB light source subsystem protected from harsh conditions, coupled with a plurality of distributed passive light-heads via optical fiber cables, allowing for controlled light distribution and adjustment based on navigation and sensor data to optimize light output and reduce component stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If light source components are distributed across multiple locations on the aircraft exterior, then lighting coverage and visibility are improved, but exposure to harsh environmental conditions increases component failure rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting coverageVSAvoidcomponent failure rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the lighting function into two segments: a centralized protected light source subsystem containing all vulnerable components (LEDs, drivers, controllers) and distributed passive light-emitting elements at various aircraft locations. This segmentation allows the active components to be shielded from environmental harshness while maintaining multiple lighting points for comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Optical fiber cables serve as intermediaries to transmit light from the protected central light source subsystem to the distributed passive light-emitting elements. This intermediary approach allows light delivery to exterior locations without exposing the light-generating components to harsh environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If light source subsystem is protected from harsh environmental conditions, then component lifespan and reliability are improved, but system complexity increases due to centralized architecture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent lifespanVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges all active light-generating components (red LED, green LED, blue LED, drivers, and controller) into a single centralized light source subsystem. This consolidation protects vulnerable components from environmental damage while the passive light-emitting elements remain distributed throughout the aircraft, balancing protection needs with lighting coverage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light transmission elements are used to distribute light from central source, then lighting flexibility and control are improved, but connection points exposed to harsh conditions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting flexibilityVSAvoidexposure to harsh conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses passive light-emitting elements that replicate the light output from the central source without containing active components. These passive elements can be distributed at multiple connection points throughout the aircraft, providing lighting flexibility while minimizing the number of exposed active components that require protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 solution enhances the robustness and longevity of aircraft lighting systems by isolating critical components from harsh environments and optimizing light output according to operational demands, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring consistent visibility and safety.

Implementation Method 1

coupled with a plurality of distributed passive light-heads via optical fiber cables

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS11524795B2Architecture and method for aircraft lighting system using a centrally located red, green, and blue (RGB) light source subsystem and a plurality of distributed passive light-heads

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for an aircraft lighting system (ALS) are provided. The method includes co-locating a central light source subsystem including a blue light generator, red light generator, and green light generator, and a light generating control unit (LGCU) comprising a processor, and distributing a plurality of passive light-heads around an external surface of the aircraft. Each passive light-head of the plurality of passive light-heads is operationally coupled to a first side of a respective light switch of a respective plurality of light switches, the light switch being coupled on a second side to a light emitting output of the central light source subsystem. Controlling and actuating the light generators and the light switches in accordance with a load profile is performed by a light generating control unit (LGCU).