Combined Wing Scan and Winglet Illumination Light Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of efficient technology for illuminating aircraft winglets, especially in poorly lit conditions, which hampers visibility and integrity inspection during night flights.
Innovation Solution
A combined wing scan and winglet illumination light unit is introduced, utilizing existing wing engine scan lights with additional LEDs and optical structures to create a second illumination region for winglets, ensuring efficient and space-saving illumination without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a separate winglet illumination light unit is installed, then winglet illumination capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the winglet illumination function with the existing wing scan light unit by integrating additional LEDs and optical structures into the same housing. This merging approach provides winglet illumination capability while avoiding the need for a separate light unit, thus reducing device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The light unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both the original wing scan illumination and the additional winglet illumination. By making the light unit universal, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated separate units for each function, reducing overall system complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If additional winglet illumination components are added, then illumination capability is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the additional winglet illumination components (LEDs and optical structures) within the existing light unit housing that already contains the wing scan LEDs. This nesting approach allows integration of multiple functions without proportionally increasing the external dimensions of the light unit.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the winglet illumination components with the existing light unit structure, the patent achieves space-efficient integration where the additional functionality is accommodated within the available internal space of the original housing.
3Illumination intensity
If modern LEDs with high illumination capacity are used, then illumination performance is improved, but integration space requirements decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes modern LEDs with changed parameters (higher illumination capacity per unit volume) to achieve the required illumination performance. This parameter change in the light source technology allows for compact integration within the existing light unit housing volume.
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
This solution provides effective illumination for winglets while maintaining wing and engine scan functionality, ensuring visibility and integrity inspection without increasing power or space requirements, and adhering to aviation regulations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one LED and at least one optical structure for shaping a light emission distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A combined wing scan and winglet illumination light unit is disclosed. The light unit has at least one LED and at least one optical structure for shaping a light emission distribution of the combined wing scan and winglet illumination light unit. The wherein the light emission distribution has a first illumination region for illuminating a wing and a wing engine of an aircraft and a second illumination region for illuminating a wing tip winglet of the aircraft.