Near end-of-life indication for light emitting diode (LED) aircraft navigation light
US8471731B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 7, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D2203/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for determining when a LED-based position light is nearing its end of life by providing to maintenance personnel visible indication that end of life is approaching. An example system includes a controller, a main LED light, an indicator LED light, a first elapsed time counter, a second elapsed time counter, and an oscillator. The first elapsed time counter recognizes when a first time threshold is exceeded, causing the indicator LED light to flash and triggering the second elapsed time counter to start counting. The second elapsed time counter recognizes when a second time threshold is exceeded, disabling both the indicator LED light and the main LED lights, thereby notifying maintenance personnel that the main LED lights have reached their end of life.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.