Modification of the Light Cover - Case Study Example

Project Under this project, there were three ideas that were considered for research. The first two ideas were chosen but later on discarded because of the complications that were associated with them these ideas were modification light and undercarriage pins. The main idea that was conclusively chosen was the one for emergency exit light. A research that was carried out on the three ideas revealed some information that we are going to discuss to find out how they are used and their relevance to the aircraft. Modification of the light cover A light cover is located at the front side center of the wings of the plane, it covers the light which signifies that the plane in motion especially at night. This is necessary so that the other planes flying at night are made aware and thus avoiding the instances of crashes. The light is also used for navigation when the plane is almost landing. The basic modification here was to cover the light with an aluminum alloy that has holes which will be covered by a plastic. Feasibility study: It was realized that a quality work will need to be done which should realize quality results. The success of the idea depends mainly on the cost, its reliability, time and performance. Considering this, the idea was found to have certain weaknesses that would make it not to be considered. The idea of using aluminum allow was okay but when the holes are made in it, other issues would arise. Dirt and water may enter through the holes and damage the light and thus causing a health and safety hazard. The use of aluminum alloy, rivets and plastics will double the cost and thus rendering the project uneconomical. The time factor was also an issue here where by a lot technicalities have to be involved. Fixing the required materials requires a lot of tolerance and time for the project to succeed. Any small mistake that may be made by neglecting a simple step might cause the aircraft to crash and fixing the problem once more will take quite sometime. Undercharging pins Undercharging pins are used in the aircraft to underlock the carriage to ensure maintenance and safety. They can however be used when the aircraft is on the ground. The project idea was to change the color of the pins. A luminous material that has a green color was to be used tm different between the pin and other pins which will not only enhance its appearance but also improve undercarriage safety. Sketches: Feasibility studies In feasibility studies, a research was carried out on the cost of changing the pins and the technicalities that will be involved to ensure that the project succeeds. The project was hence found to have the some limitations that rendered it unworkable. Shinning luminous material will have a diverse affect on the undercarriage. This is basically because the material is radio active and will hence absorb the rays of light and release them when it is dark. This may cause an explosion due to the three supporting condition; air which is all over the place, ignition which could happen any time and fuel which can however be controlled. The availability of the luminous materials in the undercarriage would cause damages to the aircraft and thus being a loss to the industry. Main idea It was through such an analysis that the project found the emergency exit light to be the most reliable. Emergency exit light An emergency exit light is mainly used in the aircraft for safety reasons. This are in cases where the aircraft any experience problems due to engine failure or other such inconveniences. If the aircraft remains dark, passengers may be scared and hence the need of the emergency light, they will help them know when and how to take the next step. There are different types of emergency exit lights which are located at different places in the aircraft, the focus of the project would be for the jet stream 31. Implementation method There are specific procedures that are to be followed in implementing the required design. This design is to ensure that the project provides the needed solution and be effective in terms of convenience, time and cost. First method: flashing rug In this method, a liquid paint material that absorbs which will absorb light during the day and release at night. There will be a rug placed on the vestibule and another cover will protect the liquid paint. The rug will be painted according to the arrows in the diagram with the liquid material. It will then be covered with a transparent material which will provide cover and protection to the painting. This will also facilitate the absorption of light during the day and its release during the night. The second method: light sticks In this method, sticks will be used to connect a circuit with an electrical circuit called the solenoid. The light sticks attached to the aircraft will however not work unless they are broken electrically. When the solenoid is de-energized, the iron rod will come out and break the light sticks. This will turn the lights on until when they run out of energy. Third method: electric exit light This idea involves the use of an electronic component which is a circuit board that has an external power supplier. The chip will be connected to the main power supply by the use of wires. When the main power supply goes off, the light will automatically be turned on by switching over to the battery. This will also serve as a warning to the passengers who will be led to the emergency exit and hence leaving the aircraft immediately. Selecting the appropriate method Even though the idea had already been selected, there were still some problems in selecting the most appropriate method of doing it. This was due to certain weaknesses that were identified in implementing it. Some of the methods that were selected did not have adequate equipments for implementation. Mother methods were faced with the challenge of cost and time. In implementing the most appropriate method, care needs to be taken to ensure that they are safe in terms of health and convenience. The designing plan is to ensure that the standards used are air worthy. The method to be implemented should also be of comparative advantage and also enhance the look of the aircraft. In the first method of using a luminous paint, it was identified that it will have effect on the aircraft due the radio active material that generate heat. The heat would cause health inconveniences to the passengers. Another weakness that was identified with the first method was that, the amount of light absorbed would not be adequate and hence not to supply according to the needs of the aircraft. The rug and the materials used are to be checked before the plane takes off, this process will require heavy materials to do so which will also take time and thus causing unnecessary delays. The second method is convenient considering that the light sticks are safe to use in the aircraft. Block diagram of the requirements: Requirements (specifications): Considering the weaknesses that have been displayed by the methods above, we realize that the project needs certain specifications for it to be effective. These requirements can not be avoided as they are vital for the project to move to the next stage which is planning. The requirements are highlighted below; Type The electronic aspect of the project will be the most prominent because almost all of the work will be electronic. All the equipments used will be electronic and the only mechanical part will be the cover. Location The project will be implemented inside the aircraft specifically at the vestibule as shown in the sketches above. Sizes In selecting the most appropriate sizes, measurements were taken from the aircraft for convenience. The sizes were as below; No Viewing angle Length (mm) Width(mm) 1 Top 200mm 100mm 2 Front 200mm 50mm 3 Side 100mm 50mm Because it has a cubical shape the area will be: A= [2(XY) +2(XZ) +2(YZ)] A= [2(200x100) +2(200x50) + 2(50x100)] = A=80 meters squared Or A= 80 m Material Electronically components include; Strip board Strip boards may be single or double sided to ensure compatibility, high density, flexibility and screening. The advantages of the boards are that they provide a linkage of the top and bottom pads to the holes and thus providing a convenient fitting. The solder forms around the component lead on both surfaces as they flow through the hole and thus enhancing the joint. This provides a reliable and solid connection that is beneficial especially where there is a high degree of vibration. This project will hence provide a reliable connection that will make the tools to work efficiently. Specifications (technical details) Hole spacing : /dia 2·54 x 2·54mm, 1·0mm dia Construction: 1·5mm EPOXY fibre-glass (EP types) or SRBP-paper (HP types) Type Sides Board size Hole layout Connector/board layout RE520HP 1 100 x 160 38 strips x 61 Standard strips RE520EP 1 100 x 160 38 strips x 61 Standard strips RE521HP 1 100 x 160 37 strips x 57 DIN41612 type D-32/ac - strips RE521EP 1 100 x 160 37 strips x 57 DIN41612 typr D-32/ac - strips LED (Light Emitting Diode): Function LEDs gives out signal. Example:       Circuit symbol:    Connecting and soldering LEDs are to be correctly connected at the right place. To enhance the connections, the diagram may be labeled accordingly considering the anode and the cathode; the anode may be named ‘a or +’ while the cathode may be named k or - . The cathode represents the short lead where there may be a slight flat on the body of LEDS that are round. A clear observation inside the LED may show that the cathode is the larger electrode but this does not exactly reflect the truth. There is a possibility of the LED being damaged by the heat during the soldering process but the risk is very minimal and slow. There are also no safety precautions that need to be applied when soldering most LEDS. Relay There is a current that flows through coil of the relay that creates a magnetic field that attracts the lever and changes the switch contacts. Relays are usually consists of two switches which are double throw. This is because the coil current goes on and off and a changeover will enhance the process. The change over switch will be used min times of emergency where by the battery power will automatically turn on when the main supply goes off. The connections on the relay switches are usually labeled as COM, NC and NO. Specifications (technical details) (Ultra miniature high power mains relay) An ultra-miniature relay is capable of switching 10A resistive at 240vac. The relay is fully enclosed and designed for direct printed circuit mounting. Dimensions 22 x 17.4 x 11.6 mm, high excluding pins. Pin length 3mm. Max current 10A DC / 10A AC resistive 10A DC / 3A AC inductive Max voltage 30v DC / 240v AC Life at 120v Ac > 150,000 operations Life at 240v Ac > 75,000 operations Max contact resistance 50 mΩ Operate time 6ms Release time 2ms Coil details Nominal voltage 12v DC Coil resistance 320Ω Operate voltage range 9v to 9.2v Must release voltage > 1.2v Power supply (9v battery) The power supply is vital because it provides the circuit with the voltage that is needed. In this project, a 9volts battery will be used to make the circuit work, so the normal type of the batteries which use (9v) is (pp3). Quality, Safety and Costs The costs that are listed here are from different companies and traders Standards The standards used here are from the international organization system companies that are certified by the government. They have the authority to give approval to airline companies in relation to any part that has been added to the aircraft for improvement or any other purposes. The standards taken for this project are: CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) Locate in U.K (United Kingdom) FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Locate in U.S.A (United State) Read More