VTOL Landing Light Aid with Segmented Lighting Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aeronautical light systems are not optimized for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) flying objects, lacking the ability to provide visual aids for optimal approach angles and altitudes, and are not suitable for installation in small or narrow spaces, while GPS signals can be unreliable due to ambient waves.
Innovation Solution
An aeronautical light aid system comprising first and second lighting portions and a landing guide, with filters and lenses to provide red and green light cues based on angles, allowing VTOL flying objects to determine optimal approach angles and altitudes visually, and a landing guide to ensure accurate centering on the takeoff and landing port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing PAPI light systems are used for VTOL flying objects, then runway-based aircraft can determine optimal approach angles, but VTOL flying objects cannot receive visual information for vertical landing approach angles
Solution Approach 1:
The PAPI light system is segmented into multiple independent light modules (first lighting portions and second lighting portions) that can be selectively activated. The first lighting portions are buried in the takeoff and landing port while the second lighting portions are provided outside, creating modular units that can be configured for vertical landing geometry rather than runway geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system transitions from a horizontal runway-based configuration to a vertical dimension optimized for VTOL landing. The light sources are arranged at different heights and positions (buried vs. outside the port) to create vertical approach angle indicators rather than horizontal glide slope indicators, adding a vertical spatial dimension to the visual information system.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional aeronautical light systems are installed on runways, then sufficient space is available for lighting facilities, but narrow takeoff and landing ports for VTOL flying objects cannot accommodate such systems
Solution Approach 1:
The first lighting portions are nested within the takeoff and landing port structure itself, buried in the port surface. This allows the light system to utilize the existing port infrastructure and occupy minimal additional space, while still providing the necessary visual indicators for VTOL approach and landing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a combination of fixed (buried first lighting portions) and adjustable (second lighting portions outside the port) components. The adjustable positioning of external light modules allows optimization of light distribution patterns without requiring permanent structural modifications to the port, enabling adaptation to various VTOL aircraft sizes and port configurations.
3Loss of information
If GPS devices are used for VTOL flying objects, then latitude, longitude, and altitude information can be received, but signal distortion occurs due to ambient waves
Solution Approach 1:
The PAPI light system serves as an intermediary visual reference system that complements GPS positioning. Rather than relying solely on electronic GPS signals that can be distorted by ambient waves, the system provides optical visual cues (light color and intensity variations) that the VTOL flying object can use to verify and correct its position and approach angle, creating a redundant information channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses color changes in the light output (typically green and red light variations) to encode position and approach angle information. This visual color-coding system provides intuitive, wave-resistant information that can be detected by the VTOL flying object's optical sensors, offering a reliable alternative to electromagnetic GPS signals that are susceptible to interference.
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 enables safe landing of VTOL flying objects by providing visual cues for optimal approach angles and altitudes, compensating for GPS instability and accommodating small spaces, thus enhancing safety and installation flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a filter disposed in front of the light source and configured to transmit light having a wavelength corresponding to a color code
Implementation Method 2
a lens disposed in front of the filter and configured to allow light obtained through the filtering to transmit in an oblique upward direction
Data Source
AI summary
An aeronautical light aid for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) flying object is provided. The aeronautical light aid includes a plurality of first lighting portions buried in a takeoff and landing port and configured to radiate light in a vertically upward direction, a plurality of second lighting portions provided on an outer side of the takeoff and lighting port and configured to radiate light in an externally upward direction, and a landing guide provided at the center of the takeoff and landing port.