Aircraft Vertical Stabilizer Illumination Light Adaptive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft vertical stabilizer illumination lights waste a significant amount of light due to their fixed output, which is not adjusted according to the rotation of the horizontal stabilizer, leading to inefficient illumination and potential interference with other aircraft lights.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive illumination system that adjusts its light output based on image data from a camera or scanner, optimizing the light distribution to ensure efficient illumination of the vertical stabilizer while minimizing waste light, using a stationary LED group and optical system with independently controllable LEDs to achieve different operating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a fixed light output is used to illuminate the vertical stabilizer, then the illuminator covers a large area including the vertical stabilizer, but a large amount of light is wasted by passing the vertical stabilizer without being used for illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light output adaptive rather than fixed. The illuminator adjusts its illumination pattern based on the detected position and orientation of the vertical stabilizer, dynamically optimizing the light distribution to match the target area and minimize waste light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from an image generator (camera) that detects the position and orientation of the vertical stabilizer. This feedback information is used by the controller to adjust the light output parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes illumination efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If the light output is adjusted to match the vertical stabilizer position, then waste light is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to image generation and adaptive control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a multi-functional integrated system where the image generator serves both as a detection device for stabilizer position and as a reference for illumination control. The controller integrates multiple functions (image processing, parameter calculation, light output control) into a single unit, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using the image generator already present on the aircraft (for other purposes) to provide positioning information for the illumination system. The controller automatically processes the image data and adjusts the light output without requiring additional manual intervention or complex external systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the horizontal stabilizer rotates, then the relative position between the illuminator and vertical stabilizer changes, but a fixed light output cannot maintain optimal illumination across different rotation angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously adapting the light output parameters based on the current rotation angle of the horizontal stabilizer. The system transitions from a static fixed pattern to a dynamic adaptive pattern that tracks the stabilizer position, ensuring reliable illumination across all operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameters (direction, intensity distribution, coverage area) based on the detected stabilizer position. By dynamically adjusting these parameters in response to horizontal stabilizer rotation, the system maintains optimal illumination reliability across different flight conditions.
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 system achieves robust and efficient illumination of the vertical stabilizer across various rotation angles, reducing power consumption and extending the light's lifetime by minimizing waste light and ensuring reliable operation without mechanical actuators.
Implementation Method 1
The aircraft vertical stabilizer illumination light (2) comprises a light source in the form of a LED group (4), having a plurality of LEDs (4), and an optical system (6), having at least one optical element, the optical system (6) being associated with the LED group (4) for shaping an output light intensity distribution from the light emitted by the LED group (4).
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An aircraft vertical stabilizer illumination light (2), configured for being arranged in a rotatable horizontal stabilizer (102) of an aircraft (100) and for being oriented towards a vertical stabilizer (104) of the aircraft (100) for illuminating the vertical stabilizer (104), includes a LED group (4), having a plurality of LEDs; an optical system (6), having at least one optical element (8, 9), the optical system (6) being associated with the LED group (4) for shaping a light output from the light emitted by the LED group (4); an image generator (18), arranged within the aircraft vertical stabilizer illumination light (2) for being oriented towards the vertical stabilizer (104), the image generator (18) being configured to provide image data of the vertical stabilizer (104); and a controller (14), coupled to the image generator (18) for receiving the image data; wherein the controller (14) is configured to operate the aircraft vertical stabilizer illumination light (2) in a plurality of operating modes, with different sets of the plurality of LEDs being switched on in the plurality of operating modes and with different light outputs (120, 130, 140, 146) being emitted by the aircraft vertical stabilizer illumination light (2) in the plurality of operating modes, and wherein the controller (14) is configured to select a particular operating mode in response to the image data received.