U.S. patent application number 15/584252 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-17 for lighting array for an aircraft.
The applicant listed for this patent is BOMBARDIER INC.. Invention is credited to Pierre GAGNON, Nicolas LETENDRE.
Application Number | 20170233100 15/584252 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48626156 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170233100 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GAGNON; Pierre ; et
al. |
August 17, 2017 |
LIGHTING ARRAY FOR AN AIRCRAFT
Abstract
A lighting arrangement for an aircraft includes a navigational
lighting group disposed along at least a leading edge of a wing of
the aircraft and a light bar for non-navigational purposes
extending along at least a portion of the leading edge of the wing,
adjacent to the navigational lighting group, the light bar being
disposed outboard of the navigational lighting group, the light bar
being configured to emit non-navigational light along a length
thereof.
Inventors: |
GAGNON; Pierre; (Vaudreuil,
CA) ; LETENDRE; Nicolas; (Longueil, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BOMBARDIER INC. |
Dorval |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
48626156 |
Appl. No.: |
15/584252 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14403906 |
Nov 25, 2014 |
9669944 |
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PCT/US2013/043382 |
May 30, 2013 |
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15584252 |
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61653797 |
May 31, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/470 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64D 47/04 20130101;
B64D 47/06 20130101; B64D 2203/00 20130101; B64D 47/02
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B64D 47/04 20060101
B64D047/04; B64D 47/06 20060101 B64D047/06; G08G 5/06 20060101
G08G005/06 |
Claims
1. A lighting arrangement for an aircraft, comprising: a
navigational lighting group disposed along at least a leading edge
of a wing of the aircraft; and a light bar for non-navigational
purposes extending along at least a portion of the leading edge of
the wing, adjacent to the navigational lighting group, the light
bar being disposed outboard of the navigational lighting group, the
light bar being configured to emit non-navigational light along a
length thereof.
2. The lighting arrangement of claim 1, wherein the light bar
comprises a plurality of light bars disposed parallel to one
another.
3. The lighting arrangement of claim 1, wherein the light bar
comprises a plurality of light bars arranged end-to-end.
4. The lighting arrangement of claim 1, wherein the light bar
comprises a light source selected from a group comprising a light
emitting diode, an organic light emitting diode, a laser, a halogen
light bulb, an incandescent light bulb, an electroluminescent
material, and a gas-filled bulb.
5. The lighting arrangement of claim 4, wherein the light bar
comprises at least one of an active light strip and a passive light
strip.
6. The lighting arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a
controller, wherein the controller is configured to change at least
one of a color of the light, a hue of the light, an intensity of
the light, and a pulsation of the light.
7. An aircraft wing, comprising: a leading edge; a navigational
lighting group positioned along the leading edge; and a light bar
for non-navigational purposes extending along at least a portion of
the leading edge, adjacent to the navigational lighting group, the
light bar being disposed outboard of the navigational lighting
group, the light bar being configured to emit non-navigational
light along a length thereof.
8. The aircraft wing of claim 7, wherein the light bar extends
along at least a portion of a longitudinal surface of the wing.
9. The aircraft wing of claim 8, wherein the light bar extends
along at least a portion of a rear surface of the wing.
10. The aircraft wing of claim 7, wherein the wing comprises a
winglet.
11. The aircraft wing of claim 10, wherein the light bar extends
along at least a portion of a leading edge of the winglet.
12. The aircraft wing of claim 11, wherein the light bar extends
along at least a portion of a longitudinal surface of the
winglet.
13. The aircraft wing of claim 12, wherein the light bar extends
along at least a portion of a rear edge of the winglet.
14. The aircraft wing of claim 7, wherein the light bar comprises a
plurality of light bars disposed parallel to one another.
15. The aircraft wing of claim 7, wherein the light bar comprises a
plurality of light bars arranged end-to-end.
16. The aircraft wing of claim 7, wherein the light bar comprises a
light source selected from a group comprising a light emitting
diode, an organic light emitting diode, a laser, a halogen light
bulb, an incandescent light bulb, an electroluminescent material,
and a gas-filled bulb.
17. The aircraft wing of claim 16, wherein the light bar comprises
at least one of an active light strip and a passive light
strip.
18. The aircraft wing of claim 7, further comprising a controller
configured to change at least one of a color of the
non-navigational light, a hue of the non-navigational light, an
intensity of the non-navigational light, and a pulsation of the
non-navigational light.
19. A lighting arrangement for an aircraft, comprising: a
navigational lighting group disposed along at least a leading edge
of a wing of the aircraft; and a decorative light bar providing
supplemental lighting in addition to the light from the
navigational lighting group, the decorative light bar extending
along at least a portion of an edge of the wing and emitting
non-navigational light along a length thereof.
20. The lighting arrangement of claim 19, wherein the decorative
light bar is positioned adjacent to the navigational lighting
group.
21. The lighting arrangement of claim 20, wherein the decorative
light bar is positioned outboard of the navigational lighting
group.
22. A lighting arrangement for an aircraft, comprising: a
navigational lighting group disposed along at least a leading edge
of a wing of the aircraft; and an accent light bar providing
non-navigational accent lighting along a length thereof, the accent
light bar extending along at least a portion of the leading edge of
the wing and emitting non-navigational light along a length
thereof, wherein a color of the accent lighting provided by the
accent light bar is changeable.
23. The lighting arrangement of claim 22, wherein the accent light
bar is positioned adjacent to the navigational lighting group.
24. The lighting arrangement of claim 23, wherein the accent light
bar is positioned outboard of the navigational lighting group.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/403,906, filed on Nov. 25, 2014, which is a National Stage Entry
into the United States Patent and Trademark Office from
International PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2013/043382, having
an international filing date of May 30, 2013, which relies for
priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/653,797, filed May 31, 2012, the entire contents of all of which
are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention concerns the construction of the wing
of an aircraft. More specifically, the present invention concerns
the construction for the wingtip of an aircraft that includes a
lighting array.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0003] Due to various avionic regulations worldwide, all aircraft
are required to include specific lighting for operation for all
times of the day, including nighttime operation. At a minimum, each
aircraft is required to include three navigation lights. Navigation
lights encompass a white light at the rear of the aircraft, a green
light at the tip of the right wing, and a red light at the tip of
the left wing (consistent with traditional maritime
conventions).
[0004] The red and green lights often are referred to as "right of
way" lights. As noted, by convention, the red light is placed on
the port (or left) side of the aircraft. The green light is
positioned on the starboard (or right) side of the aircraft.
[0005] It is noted that some aircraft include high intensity strobe
lights to provide additional visibility to other pilots. As a
common convention, strobe lights delineate the outermost ends of
the aircraft, such as the wing tips and tail.
[0006] In addition, aircraft typically include one or more white
lights to illuminate what is ahead of the aircraft, much like the
headlights on an automobile. These lights are commonly referred to
as "landing lights."
[0007] Some modern aircraft include what is referred to as a
"winglet" at the tips of the aircraft's wing. A winglet enhances
the aerodynamic properties of the wing to which it is attached.
Where the aircraft's wings are provided with winglets, the
navigation lights typically are positioned at the tip of the wing,
inboard from the winglet.
[0008] While the navigational lights are required for operation of
the aircraft at all times of the day or night, a desire has
developed to provide additional lighting at the aircraft's wing
tips.
[0009] Specifically, when aircraft are taxiing at an airport, there
is always the possibility that the wings of two aircraft might
interfere with one another, especially when the aircraft are
grouped closely together, such as near to a passenger boarding
gate.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,963,293 (hereinafter "the '293 Patent")
describes a system and method of preventing aircraft wingtip ground
incursion. The '293 Patent describes a wingtip illumination (light)
with a pattern source 12, such as a laser, which casts a beam 14
onto an obstruction to "paint" the obstruction with the laser
light. (The '293 Patent at col. 6, lines 5-14.) With light pattern
illuminating the obstruction, such as the wingtip of another
aircraft, the pilot is able to avoid the obstruction.
[0011] Navigation lights using light emitting diodes ("LEDs") also
are known in the art. One example is provided by U.S. Pat. No.
6,244,728 (hereinafter "the '728 Patent"). The '728 Patent
describes a position light 10 including a plurality of LEDs 25.
(The '728 Patent at col. 5,lines 37-52.)
[0012] While the prior art is replete with various implementations
for navigation lights and at least one example of an obstruction
avoidance system (i.e., the '293 Patent), the prior art exhibits a
dearth of other types of aircraft exterior lighting for
aircraft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention addresses one or more deficiencies
associated with aircraft lighting known in the prior art.
[0014] The present invention provides, among other things, an
illuminated strip, which may be incorporated into or applied onto
the tip of an aircraft's wings to provide enhanced visibility for
the wingtip.
[0015] In one contemplated embodiment, a lighting arrangement for
an aircraft includes a navigational lighting group disposed along
at least a leading edge of a wing of the aircraft and a light bar
for non-navigational purposes extending along at least a portion of
the leading edge of the wing, adjacent to the navigational lighting
group, the light bar being disposed outboard of the navigational
lighting group, the light bar being configured to emit
non-navigational light along a length thereof.
[0016] In this embodiment, it is contemplated that the light bar
includes a plurality of light bars disposed parallel to one
another.
[0017] Alternatively, the light bar may include a plurality of
light bars arranged end-to-end.
[0018] Still further, the light bar may include a light source
selected from a group comprising a light emitting diode, an organic
light emitting diode, a laser, a halogen light bulb, an
incandescent light bulb, an electroluminescent material, and a
gas-filled bulb.
[0019] It is contemplated that the light bar may have at least one
of an active light strip and a passive light strip.
[0020] In another embodiment, the lighting arrangement may include
a controller. The controller may be configured to change at least
one of a color of the light, a hue of the light, an intensity of
the light, and a pulsation of the light.
[0021] In an additional embodiment, an aircraft wing includes a
leading edge, a navigational lighting group positioned along the
leading edge, and a light bar for non-navigational purposes
extending along at least a portion of the leading edge, adjacent to
the navigational lighting group, the light bar being disposed
outboard of the navigational lighting group, the light bar being
configured to emit non-navigational light along a length
thereof.
[0022] For the aircraft wing, it is contemplated that the light bar
may extend along at least a portion of a longitudinal surface of
the wing.
[0023] Still further, the light bar may extend along at least a
portion of a rear surface of the wing.
[0024] For the aircraft wing, the wing may include a winglet.
[0025] If so, the light bar may extend along at least a portion of
a leading edge of the winglet.
[0026] Alternatively, the light bar may extend along at least a
portion of a longitudinal surface of the winglet.
[0027] In still another variation, the light bar may extend along
at least a portion of a rear edge of the winglet.
[0028] For the aircraft wing, the light bar is contemplated to
include a plurality of light bars disposed parallel to one
another.
[0029] In another variation, the light bar may include a plurality
of light bars arranged end-to-end.
[0030] For the aircraft wing, the light bar may include a light
source selected from a group comprising a light emitting diode, an
organic light emitting diode, a laser, a halogen light bulb, an
incandescent light bulb, an electroluminescent material, and a
gas-filled bulb.
[0031] Again, with respect to one embodiment of the aircraft wing,
the light bar is contemplated to include at least one of an active
light strip and a passive light strip.
[0032] It is also contemplated that the light bar incorporated into
the aircraft wing may include a controller configured to change at
least one of a color of the non-navigational light, a hue of the
non-navigational light, an intensity of the non-navigational light,
and a pulsation of the non-navigational light.
[0033] In another embodiment, the present invention provides for a
lighting arrangement for an aircraft having a navigational lighting
group disposed along at least a leading edge of a wing of the
aircraft and a decorative light bar providing supplemental lighting
in addition to the light from the navigational lighting group, the
decorative light bar extending along at least a portion of an edge
of the wing and emitting non-navigational light along a length
thereof.
[0034] For the lighting arrangement, the decorative light bar may
be positioned adjacent to the navigational lighting group.
[0035] For the lighting arrangement, the decorative light bar may
be positioned outboard of the navigational lighting group.
[0036] In yet another embodiment, the present invention encompasses
a lighting arrangement for an aircraft having a navigational
lighting group disposed along at least a leading edge of a wing of
the aircraft and an accent light bar providing non-navigational
accent lighting along a length thereof, the accent light bar
extending along at least a portion of the leading edge of the wing
and emitting non-navigational light along a length thereof. A color
of the accent lighting provided by the accent light bar is
changeable.
[0037] With respect to the lighting arrangement, the accent light
bar may be positioned adjacent to the navigational lighting
group.
[0038] Also with respect to the lighting arrangement, the accent
light bar may be positioned outboard of the navigational lighting
group.
[0039] Still further features of the present invention should be
appreciated from the drawings appended hereto and from the
discussion herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] The present invention will now be described in connection
with the drawings appended hereto, in which:
[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an example of a
conventional aircraft wing, showing the position of the navigation
lights adjacent to a winglet at the end of the wing;
[0042] FIG. 2 is a top view of a conventional navigation light
group for a wing;
[0043] FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of the conventional
navigation light group shown in FIG. 2;
[0044] FIG. 4 is a perspective, detail of one embodiment of the
wingtip lighting group of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 5 is a top view of the wingtip lighting group
illustrated in FIG. 4;
[0046] FIG. 6 is a graphical, front view of one contemplated
embodiment of a wingtip lighting group according to the present
invention;
[0047] FIG. 7 is a graphical, top view of another contemplated
embodiment of a wingtip lighting group according to the present
invention;
[0048] FIG. 8 is a front view of a further contemplated embodiment
of a wingtip lighting group according to the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the wingtip lighting group
illustrated in FIG. 8;
[0050] FIG. 10 is a perspective, front view of still another
embodiment of a wingtip lighting group according to the present
invention; and
[0051] FIG. 11 is a perspective, front view of one additional
embodiment of a wingtip lighting group according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION
[0052] The present invention will now be described in connection
with one or more embodiments. Discussion of any one particular
embodiment is intended to be illustrative of the breadth and scope
of the invention. In other words, while attention is focused on
specific embodiments, those embodiments are not intended to be
limiting of the scope of the present invention. To the contrary,
after appreciating the discussion and drawings presented herein,
those skilled in the art will readily appreciate one or more
variations and equivalents of the embodiments described and
illustrated. Those variations and equivalents are intended to be
encompassed by the present invention as though they were described
herein.
[0053] As a point of convention, as should be understood by those
skilled in the art, an aircraft includes a front end and a rear end
that define a longitudinal axis. The wings, which extend outwardly
from the fuselage of the aircraft, define a lateral axis. In the
discussion that follows, therefore, reference to a longitudinal
axis is intended to refer to an axis parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the aircraft. Similarly, reference to a lateral axis is
intended to refer to an axis that is parallel to the lateral axis
of the aircraft.
[0054] As another point of convention, the terms "front," "rear,"
"right," "left," "starboard," and "port" are intended to refer to
directions that are consistent with the direction of travel of a
conventional aircraft. The use of these conventions, however, is
not intended to be limiting of the present invention. To the
contrary, these terms are used merely to facilitate discussion of
the considerable breadth and scope of the present invention.
[0055] Throughout the discussion that follows, the present
invention will be discussed in connection with the wings of an
aircraft. While the discussion of the present invention focuses on
the wings of an aircraft, the present invention should not be
considered as being limited to a "wing." To the contrary, the
present invention may be applied to the tail section (or other
aerodynamic surface) of an aircraft without departing from the
scope of the present invention.
[0056] The present invention encompasses a lighting array that
provides supplemental lighting at the tip of an aircraft's wings.
Before discussing the details of the present invention, however, a
brief overview of the navigational lighting group on a conventional
aircraft wing is first described in connection with FIGS. 1-3.
[0057] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tip of a wing 10 for an
aircraft. The wing 10 includes an airfoil surface 12 and a winglet
14. The airfoil surface 12 is the portion of the wing 10 that
provides lift. The winglet 14 extends upwardly from the end of the
airfoil surface 12. The winglet 14 provides drag reduction for the
aircraft, among other benefits.
[0058] A conventional navigational lighting group 16 is positioned
at the junction between the airfoil surface 12 and the winglet 14.
As illustrated, the position of the navigational lighting group 16
is inboard of the winglet 14. The navigational lighting group 16 is
positioned at or near the tip of the wing 10 such that light
emitted therefrom is projected to the front of the aircraft and
also to the side of the aircraft as required by various
international laws and regulations.
[0059] FIG. 2 is a top view of the conventional navigational
lighting group 16 depicted in FIG. 1. A portion of the airfoil
surface 12 also is shown for context.
[0060] The navigational lighting group 16 occupies a V-shaped notch
in the leading edge 18 of the airfoil 12. The navigational lighting
group 16 is housed within a clear lens 20, which is shaped to
conform to the part of the leading edge 18 of the airfoil surface
12 in which the navigational lighting group 16 is disposed.
[0061] In FIG. 2, the illustrated navigational lighting group 16
includes three light sources, a first light source 22, a second
light source 24, and a third light source 26. The first and third
light sources 22, 26 are right of way lights, such as the red or
green lights for the left or right sides of the aircraft. The
second light source 24 is a strobe light, which emits a white light
as required by international laws and regulations.
[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and third light
sources 22, 26 rely on incandescent bulbs for illumination. The
second light source 24, which is a strobe light that delineates the
tip of the wing 10, may be a xenon gas strobe light.
[0063] As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, the first
light source 22 is provided with a reflector 28 that directs the
light primarily forward of the aircraft. The third light source 26
also includes a reflector 30. However, the reflector 30 for the
third light source 26 directs the emitted light primarily to the
side of the aircraft. As also shown in this view, the lens 20
connects to the airfoil surface 12 via several fasteners 32.
[0064] FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of the conventional
navigational lighting group 16 depicted in FIG. 2. The shape of the
lens 20 is more clearly illustrated in this view as are the first,
second, and third light sources 22, 24, 26.
[0065] FIG. 4 is a perspective, sectional view of a first
embodiment of a navigational lighting array 34 according to the
present invention. As in the prior art example, the illustrated
navigational lighting array 34 is incorporated into the leading
edge 36 of the wing 38, which defines an airfoil surface 40.
[0066] The navigational lighting array 34 includes a navigational
lighting group 42 and a light bar 44. The navigational lighting
group 42 is housed within or behind a lighting group lens 46.
Similarly, the light bar 44 is housed within or behind a light bar
lens 48. The lenses 46, 48 may be made from any suitable material
that permits light transmission therethrough. It is contemplated
that the lenses 46, 48 may be made from a polymeric material, such
as polycarbonate or acrylic. Separately, the lenses 46, 48 may be
made from a glass material. The exact material used for the lenses
46, 48 is not critical to operation of the present invention and,
therefore, is not considered to be limiting of the present
invention.
[0067] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the navigational
lighting group 42 includes a first light source 50, a second light
source 52, and a third light source 54. The first light source 50
and second light source 52 are right of way lights, which may be
red or green depending upon the side of the aircraft where the
navigational lighting group is positioned.
[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the first light source 50 is
contemplated to be an incandescent bulb. When activated, the first
light source 50 is contemplated to provide a pulsating light. As
should be apparent, the first light source 50 need not derive its
illumination from an incandescent bulb. One or more light emitting
diodes ("LEDs"), organic light emitting diodes ("OLEDs"), or other
sources may be used. As should be apparent, any suitable light
source may be employed without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0069] The second light source 52 is positioned adjacent to the
first light source 50. The second light source 52 also is
contemplated to be powered by an incandescent light bulb. When
activated, it is contemplated that the second light source 52 will
provide a constant (i.e., non-pulsating) illumination. As with the
first light source 50, the second light source 52 may generate its
illumination from an incandescent light bulb. It is contemplated
that any suitable, alternative light source may be employed for the
first and second light sources 50, 52 without departing from the
scope of the present invention.
[0070] The third light source 54 is contemplated to be a strobe
light. As in the prior art, it is contemplated that light will be
generated from a xenon flash tube. Of course, the light may be
generated from any other suitable source without departing from the
scope of the present invention.
[0071] With respect to the navigational lighting group 42, it is
noted that the number, placement, and composition of the light
sources 50, 52, 54 is not intended to be limiting of the present
invention. For example, the light sources 50, 52, 54 may be placed
in any order and in any suitable configuration. Moreover, there may
be a larger or a fewer number of light sources 50, 52, 54, as
required by law. As should be apparent to those skilled in the art,
avionics law determines the number, placement, and configuration of
the navigational lights that are required for a particular
aircraft.
[0072] As also illustrated in FIG. 4, a number of wires 56 provide
power and/or various electrical signals to the navigational
lighting group 42. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the
navigational lighting group 42 includes a controller 58, which is
contemplated to control the operation of the first, second, and
third light sources 50, 52, 54. In this embodiment, the controller
58 is provided behind the lighting group lens 46, because this is a
convenient location for access to the controller 58, should
maintenance and/or replacement be necessary. As should be apparent,
however, the controller 58 need not be enclosed behind the lighting
group lens 46. The controller 58 may be positioned elsewhere
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0073] The navigational lighting array 34 also includes a light
strip 60, which is positioned beneath the light strip lens 48. The
light strip 60 is contemplated to be a light pipe that receives
inputted light from a light generator 62.
[0074] As noted above, the lenses 46, 48 may be made from a
polymeric material, such as polycarbonate or acrylic. Separately,
the lenses 46, 48 may be made from a glass material. The exact
material used for the lenses 46, 48 is not critical to operation of
the present invention and, therefore, is not considered to be
limiting of the present invention. It is contemplated that,
regardless of the material employed for the lens 46, 48, the
material will resist degradation over time from adverse
environmental conditions such as erosion, temperature, debris,
ultraviolet light, etc. Erosion refers to the slow degradation of
the lens 46, 48 due to impacts from dust, dirt, and other debris
that may impact the lens 46, 48. With respect to damage from
ultraviolet light, it is understood that some polymeric materials
have a tendency to cloud or become progressively opaque after
extended exposure to sunlight, for example. As should be apparent,
if the lens 46, 48 darkens or clouds, less light will be
transmitted through the lens 46, 48, thereby affecting the
brightness of the light emitted therefrom.
[0075] In addition, while the illustrated embodiment places the
light strip behind a separate lens 46, 48, such an arrangement of
parts is not required to practice the present invention. In one
embodiment, it is contemplated that the light strip 60 may be
incorporated into the lens 46, 48. In still another contemplated
embodiment, the light strip may incorporate a protective layer such
that the light strip 60 may be affixed to the surface of the
winglet 14. Still other variations, as should be apparent to those
skilled in the art, are contemplated to fall within the scope of
the present invention.
[0076] The light strip 60 may be made, for example, from a fiber
optic material. If made from a fiber optic material, it is
contemplated that the light strip 60 may be a single optic fiber
light pipe (i.e., with a large diameter) or may made from a
plurality of individual optic fibers (i.e., with small diameters)
that are stranded together. The surface of the light strip 60 may
be conditioned to increase the transmission of light therefrom. For
example, the surface of the light strip 60 may be etched, engraved,
or otherwise treated to maximize light emission from the sides
thereof.
[0077] Alternatively, the interior of the light strip 60 may be
conditioned to maximize light transmission therefrom. For example,
the interior of the light strip 60 may be laser etched to create
microscopic imperfections so that light will be emitted through the
sides of the light strip 60. As should be apparent, the light strip
60 may be made from any suitable material and may be manufactured
according to any suitable method to create a structure that emits
light along the length thereof.
[0078] As noted above, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the
light strip 60 is connected to a light generator 62. The light
generator 62 is positioned behind the navigational lighting group
42. The light generator 62 houses a light source, such as an
incandescent bulb, halogen bulb, LED, OLED, laser, or the like,
that emits light as an input into the light strip 60. The light may
then be conducted along the light strip 60 for emission through the
light strip lens 48.
[0079] In one contemplated embodiment, the light strip 60 may not
have a separate, dedicated light generator 62. Instead, the light
strip 60 may receive, as input light, light generated by one or
more of the light sources 50, 52, 54. Still other arrangements are
contemplated to fall within the scope of the present invention, as
should be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0080] In a separate embodiment, the light strip 60 need not be a
light conductor that receives and redirects light as a passive
lighting element. Instead, the light strip 60 may be an active
lighting member made of a continuous (or semi-continuous) layer of
light-emitting materials or components. In this embodiment, the
light strip 60 may be made from a strip of an LED material (much
like the display for a television or computer display), an OLED
material, an electroluminescent layer, or the like. In this
embodiment, the light strip 60 may be an essentially continuous,
active, lighted strip. As an "active" lighted strip, it is
contemplated that an electrical signal will be provided to the
light strip 60 to produce light thereby.
[0081] In another contemplated embodiment, the light strip 60 may
constitute a string of individual light sources, such as LEDs or
OLEDs that are connected together in a string. This embodiment also
contemplated that the light strip 60 may be made from a string of
small halogen light bulbs, incandescent light bulbs, or similar
light-emitting sources.
[0082] Still further, the light strip 60 may be made of a
gas-filled tube, such as a neon tube, argon, tube, helium tube, or
the like. In other words, the light strip 60 may be made from one
or more gas discharge lamps or tubes.
[0083] As should be apparent from the foregoing, there are a large
number of possible constructions for the light strip 60 of the
present invention. No one particular embodiment is intended to be
representative or limiting of the present invention.
[0084] From the wide variety of different sources of illumination
that are possible, LEDs, OLEDs, lasers, and electroluminescent
materials are considered to be the types of materials that are most
readily adaptable for use in or with the light strip 60 of the
present invention. LEDs, OLEDs, and lasers, in particular, require
little energy, generate little heat, are able to generate
particularly intense light, and may be constructed to generate
different hues of light for the light strip 60.
[0085] In one contemplated embodiment, it is contemplated that the
light strip 60 may be connected to a controller so that the
hue/color of the light emitted from the light strip 60 is
changeable. There are a number of reasons that this may be
desirable. For example, it may be desirable, when the aircraft is
in flight, for the light strips 60 to emit light consistent with
the right of way lights positioned adjacent thereto. In this
embodiment, when the aircraft is in flight, the light strip 60 on
the left side of the aircraft may be instructed to emit a red light
consistent with the light produced by the adjacent navigational
light group 42. Similarly, the light strip 60 on the right side of
the aircraft may be instructed to produce a green light.
[0086] In a further contemplated embodiment, the light strips 60
may be configured to receive signals to produce a white light when
the aircraft is in flight. In this contemplated embodiment, the
white light may assist other pilots to understand the shape and
orientation of the aircraft.
[0087] Still further, the light strips 60 may receive signals to
emit different colors and/or hues of light. In this embodiment, the
light strips 60 may be configured to display a color or hue of
light that is consistent with the color scheme for a particular
airline or commercial carrier. For example, FedEx.RTM. uses orange
and purple as identifying colors. In the context of the present
invention, the light strip 60 one side of the aircraft may emit an
orange light while the light strip 60 on the other side of the
aircraft may emit a purple light. This may help a pilot to identify
the company associated with an aircraft when in flight or grounded,
if necessary.
[0088] In another contemplated embodiment, where the light strip 60
is constructed to emit light of different colors, it is
contemplated that the light strip 60 may produce one color of light
in flight and another color of light when on the ground. In this
embodiment, the light strip 60 may produce a white light (or a
light consistent with the right of way convention) while the
aircraft is in flight and produce a color of light consistent with
the airline's colors when the aircraft is on the ground (and,
therefore, visible to airline passengers, for example).
[0089] As should be apparent from the foregoing, there are
virtually limitless variations of lighting colors and color
arrangements that may be offered by the light strip 60 of the
present invention.
[0090] In still other variations, the light strip 60 may emit light
of varying intensity. In addition, it is contemplated that the
light strip may produce pulsed light. Still further, the light
strip may be controlled to produce both varying intensity light and
pulsed light.
[0091] With continued reference to FIG. 4, it is noted that the
wing 38 that incorporates the navigational lighting array 34 of the
present invention need not include a winglet 14. To the contrary,
the navigational lighting array 34 of the present invention is
equally applicable to a wing 38 that does not incorporate a winglet
14.
[0092] FIG. 5 is a top view of the end of a wing 38 including the
navigational lighting array 34 of the present invention, as
illustrated in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the wing 38 includes a
winglet 64 attached to the airfoil surface 40. The light strip 60
extends along the leading edge 66 of the wing 38 from a position
adjacent to the navigational lighting group 42. As also
illustrated, the light strip 60 extends to the tip 68 of the
winglet 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the tip 68 of the
winglet 64 includes a stabilizer 70.
[0093] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is
contemplated that the light strip 60 may extend beyond the tip 68
of the winglet 68 to the longitudinal surface 72 defined by the end
74 of the winglet 64. The longitudinal surface 72 also may be
referred to as the tip of the winglet 68. Since the winglet is
disposed at an angle to a horizontal plane, the longitudinal
surface 72 also may be referred to as the top surface of the
winglet 68. For purposes of the present invention, the term
longitudinal surface 72 is intended to encompass any portion of the
wing 38 that extends along a direction consistent with the
longitudinal axis of the aircraft.
[0094] In still another contemplated embodiment, the light strip 60
may extend to the rear of the winglet, along a rear edge 76 of the
winglet 64. In FIG. 5, a distance 78 is identified along the rear
end 76 of the winglet 64. The light strip 60, in this embodiment,
may extend along any portion of the distance 78, as desired.
[0095] In a further embodiment, the light strip 60 may also extend
to a rear edge of the wing 38.
[0096] With reference to the embodiments discussed in connection
with the wing 38, it is noted that the present invention is not
limited to a single light strip 60. To the contrary, the light
strip 60 may be constructed from a plurality of light strips 60
that are arranged, end-to-end, along the leading edge 66, the
longitudinal surface 72, and/or the rear edge 76 of the wing 38, as
desired. In addition, it is noted that the light strip 60 may be
constructed from a plurality of light strips 60 that are arranged
in parallel along one or more of the same edges of the wing 38. In
other words, the present invention should not be understood to be
limited to a single light strip 60, as should be apparent to those
skilled in the art.
[0097] With continued reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, it is noted that
the navigational lighting group 42 is separated from the light bar
44 by a barrier 80. While included in this embodiment as a
demarcating structure between the navigational lighting group 42
and the light bar 44, the barrier is not required to practice the
present invention. It is contemplated that the navigational
lighting group 42 and the light bar 44 will be separate components
of the wing 38 for maintenance and replacement purposes. For
example, if the navigational lighting group 42 needs to be replaced
due to damage, for example, it is considered to be more expedient
to replace the damaged components without having to replace the
entire navigational lighting array 34.
[0098] Also with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, it is noted that the
light strip 60 is positioned near to the leading edge 36 of the
wing 38. It is contemplated that this construction will assist with
maximum visibility of the light strip 60. As should be apparent to
those skilled in the art, however, the light strip 60 need not be
positioned in this location to practice the present invention.
Other positions of the light strip 60 may be employed without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0099] FIG. 6 is a graphical illustration of one contemplated
embodiment of a combined navigational lighting group 82 and light
strip 60 that, together, form the navigational lighting array 34 of
the present invention. In this embodiment, the lighting group 82
includes a plurality of individual LEDs 84 that are arranged in a
side-by-side and stacked fashion. The light strip 60 may be a light
pipe that receives illumination from a light source disposed within
the LED housing 86. As noted, where the light strip 60 is an active
light strip 60, the light strip 60 may receive electrical power
from one or more of the wires 56 that connect to the navigational
lighting array 34 (as illustrated in FIG. 4, for example).
[0100] FIG. 7 is a graphical, top view of a further embodiment of a
navigational lighting array 88 according to the present invention.
Here, the navigational lighting group 90 includes an LED housing 92
with a plurality of LEDs 94 arranged on its surface 96. A first
group 98 of the LEDs 94 is forward-facing so that light emitted
therefrom is directed along the arrows 100 to the front of the
aircraft. A second group 102 of the LEDs 94 is laterally-facing so
that light emitted therefrom is directed consistent with the arrows
104 to the side of the aircraft. The light strip 60 is contemplated
to be a passive light strip 60, which receives inputted light from
a light source 106, which is positioned behind the LED housing
92.
[0101] FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of a navigational
lighting array 108, as it might appear on the front of the wing 38.
The navigational lighting array 108 includes a navigational
lighting group 110 and a light bar 112 consistent with the
discussion of the present invention provided above. As is apparent,
the light bar 112 extends along the leading edge 114 of the winglet
64.
[0102] FIG. 9 is a perspective, top view of the embodiment of the
navigational lighting array 108 that is shown in FIG. 8. As
illustrated, a portion of the light bar 112 extends along part of
the lateral surface 72 of the winglet 64 in this embodiment.
[0103] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of another
embodiment of a navigational lighting array 116 according to the
present invention. Here, the navigational lighting group 118
includes four stepped LED housings 120 disposed adjacent to one
another. Each stepped LED housing 120 includes a U-shaped front
surface 122 and a side surface 124 that include a plurality of LEDs
126 therein. Consistent with the discussion above, the first group
128 of LEDs 126 are disposed on or in the front surface 122 of the
stepped LED housings 120 to provide light forward of the aircraft.
The second group 130 of LEDs 126 is positioned on or in the side
surfaces 124 to direct lighting to the side of the aircraft. In
this embodiment, the light strip 60 may be a passive or an active
light strip 60, consistent with the embodiment discussed above.
[0104] FIG. 11 is a perspective, top view of a further contemplated
embodiment of the navigational lighting array 132 according to the
present invention. This embodiment is consistent with the approach
illustrated in FIG. 10. Here, the stepped LED housings 134 have a
flatter shape and the LEDs 136 are arranged in a slightly different
configuration. The light strip 60 may be passive or active, as
previously discussed.
[0105] As should be apparent from the many embodiments of the
present invention that are discussed herein, the exact shape and
construction of the various features of the navigational lighting
array 34, 88, 108, 116, 132 may be altered while remaining within
the scope of the present invention. Still other variations and
equivalents, as should be apparent to those skilled in the art, may
be implemented without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0106] With respect to the various embodiments of the light bar 44,
112, it is noted that the light bar 44, 112 is contemplated to be
positioned adjacent to the navigational lighting array, outboard of
the navigational lighting array 34, 88, 108, 116, 132. As noted
above, this includes one or more of the leading edge 114 of the
winglet 64, the longitudinal surface 72 of the winglet 64, and the
rear edge 76 of the winglet 64. For wings 38 that exclude a winglet
64, the light bar 44, 112 may extend along the leading edge,
longitudinal surface, and rear edge of the wing 38.
[0107] In an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that the
light bar 44, 112 may be extended to edges of the wing 38 that are
inboard of the navigational lighting array 34, 88, 108, 116, 132
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0108] As noted above, the present invention is described in
connection with one or more embodiments thereof. The embodiments
are intended to be illustrative of the breadth of the present
invention. Focus on any one particular embodiment is not intended
to be limiting thereof. The present invention, therefore, is
intended to encompass variations and equivalents, as would be
appreciated by those skilled in the art.
* * * * *