What are innovation concept diagrams?
Schematics that show how a new idea would work and where it fits, drawn around the fixed core of the pilot’s signal, so an idea is never mistaken for a finished product.
An innovation concept diagram is a schematic that explains a new or proposed idea: what it senses or controls, what it connects to, and what it is meant to improve. It is drawn before the idea is proven equipment, so it describes a possibility, not a product or a design.
The diagram on this page groups the emerging ideas in this section into six themes. They all sit around one fixed core: the pilot’s standardised signal and the certified safety functions. A good concept diagram keeps that core visible and labels the status of each part, as proven in service, in trial or only proposed, so the reader can tell an idea from an installed fact.
Shows what is being considered and where it fits. Used to explain, discuss and review an idea.
Shows what is built: sizes, positions, cable routes and parts. Used to install, test and maintain.
- State the idea. Say in one line what it is and what it should improve.
- Show where it fits. Draw what it senses or controls and what it connects to.
- Keep the core visible. Show the pilot’s signal and the certified safety functions, with the idea added around or on top.
- Show the data or the signal. Mark what goes in, what comes out and where it is used.
- Label the status. Mark each part as proven in service, in trial or only proposed.
- Review before any trial. Check the idea against the applicable standard and the manufacturer’s data, then trial and approve it before it is relied on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is an innovation concept diagram?
A schematic that shows how a new or proposed idea would work and where it fits in the airfield lighting system, before it exists as proven equipment. It shows the idea and its connections, not a product, a design or a promise.
Q2How is it different from a technical drawing?
A technical or installation drawing shows what is built: sizes, positions, cable routes and parts. A concept diagram shows what is being considered: what it senses or controls, what it connects to and what it is meant to improve. It cannot be used to install or order anything.
Q3What should every concept diagram keep visible?
The fixed core: the pilot’s standardised signal and the certified safety functions, such as certified control, required monitoring and secondary power. The new idea is drawn around or on top of that core, so it is clear that it adds to the required lighting and does not replace it.
Q4How can a reader tell a proven idea from a proposed one?
A good concept diagram labels the status of each part, for example proven in service, in trial or only proposed. If the diagram does not say, treat the idea as proposed and look for the standard, the manufacturer’s data or the trial results behind it.
Q5What happens after a concept diagram?
The idea is reviewed against the applicable standard and the manufacturer’s data, then trialled, and then approved by the airport and the authority before the site’s procedures are updated and it is relied on.
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