Wireless Airfield Lighting Fixture Power via Electromagnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Airfield lighting systems face challenges in servicing and replacing individual light fixtures due to the need to handle high voltage power delivery connections, which can be hazardous and require shutting down the entire system, especially when water ingress causes malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wirelessly powered airfield lighting system with a base can containing a wireless power transmitter and an isolation transformer, allowing the light fixture to receive power wirelessly and eliminating the need for physical connections to the power delivery assembly, thus enabling easy removal and replacement without disrupting the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light fixtures are physically connected to power delivery assembly, then power transmission is reliable, but servicing requires system shutdown and handling high voltage connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. The transmitter in the base can and receiver in the light fixture communicate through electromagnetic fields, eliminating physical contact points and high-voltage wiring that require shutdowns for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the base can and light fixture without direct physical connection. This intermediary allows power transmission while enabling easy fixture removal and replacement without affecting the power delivery assembly or requiring system shutdown.
2Stability of the object's composition
If light fixtures are physically connected to power delivery assembly, then power delivery is stable, but replacement requires disconnecting high voltage connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical electrical connections with wireless electromagnetic power transmission, allowing light fixtures to be quickly swapped without time-consuming disconnection of high-voltage wiring. The electromagnetic coupling maintains stable power delivery throughout the replacement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary wireless coupling between transmitter and receiver, establishing power transmission before physical fixture installation is complete. This allows fixtures to be pre-positioned and quickly activated without lengthy electrical connection procedures.
3Use of energy by moving object
If physical connections are used, then power transmission is efficient, but water ingress through connection points causes malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical electrical connections that create water ingress pathways with wireless electromagnetic power transmission. This eliminates connection points where water could penetrate, while maintaining efficient power transfer through optimized electromagnetic coupling between transmitter and receiver.
4Ease of repair
If wireless power transmission is implemented, then servicing is easier, but requires wireless power transmitter and receiver components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission system into separate transmitter (in base can) and receiver (in light fixture) components. This modular approach simplifies servicing by allowing independent replacement of fixtures without affecting the transmitter or other fixtures, while distributing system complexity across separate functional units.
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
Facilitates the servicing and replacement of individual light fixtures without handling high voltage connections, ensuring safety and minimizing downtime by allowing wireless power transmission to the light fixtures, even in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transmitter disposed in the base can. The wireless power transmitter can wirelessly transmit power
Implementation Method 2
a wireless power receiver disposed in the electronics compartment and that wirelessly receives power from the wireless power transmitter
Implementation Method 3
an isolation transformer disposed inside the base can. The isolation transformer is electrically coupled to and between the wireless power transmitter and a power source
Data Source
AI summary
A wirelessly powered airfield lighting device includes a base can and a wireless power transmitter disposed in the base can. The wireless power transmitter can wirelessly transmit power. The lighting device further includes an isolation transformer disposed inside the base can. The isolation transformer is electrically coupled to and between the wireless power transmitter and a power source. The lighting device also includes a light fixture that includes a base disposed on and sealing the top end of the base can and that includes an electronics compartment. The light fixture further includes a wireless power receiver disposed in the electronics compartment and that wirelessly receives power from the wireless power transmitter. The light fixture also includes a light source that receives power from the wireless power receiver.