Aircraft Cabin LED Lighting Assembly With Distributed MCU Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft cabin LED lighting systems face challenges with space consumption and wiring complexity due to the need for multiple microprocessors and extensive wiring to control individual LEDs, which increases costs and reduces PCB efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Each LED light is paired with a separate microcontroller, allowing for individual addressability and control, reducing the need for multiple microprocessors and extensive wiring, with microcontrollers storing calibration data and generating PWM signals for color adjustment, and using flexible PCBs and housings for compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single microprocessor controls many individual LEDs, then the system can achieve centralized control, but it consumes considerable PCB area and requires extensive wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the control function into segments by placing a microcontroller unit (MCU) at each LED module rather than using a single centralized microprocessor. This segmentation eliminates the need for extensive wiring between the central controller and individual LEDs, as each module is self-contained and only requires connection to power and data lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional PCB layout with extensive wiring to a distributed three-dimensional architecture where control intelligence is embedded throughout the lighting structure. This dimensional shift allows the system to maintain control functionality while dramatically reducing PCB real estate requirements.
2Ease of operation
If multiple microprocessors are used to control individual LEDs, then each LED can be independently controlled, but the system cost and PCB space consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each LED module uses a universal microcontroller unit that can independently control its associated LEDs while also communicating with neighboring modules. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated microprocessors for each LED, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining individual control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed microcontroller architecture enables each LED module to be self-contained and independently operable. Each module contains its own control intelligence, allowing it to function autonomously while still being part of the overall system, thereby eliminating the need for extensive support components and reducing total device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive wiring is used to connect microprocessor to each LED, then individual addressability is achieved, but the system becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (control, addressing, and communication) into a single integrated data line that runs through the modular structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate wiring to each individual LED, as addressability is achieved through the modular architecture itself rather than through extensive point-to-point wiring.
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
This solution enables efficient, compact, and cost-effective control of multicolor LED lighting systems, allowing for customizable lighting schemes and animations without the need for extensive support components, while also enabling real-time correction using cameras and algorithms.
Implementation Method 1
Each LED light is multicolor (e.g., red, green, blue) and includes multiple LEDs (e.g., one for each color)
Implementation Method 2
The microcontroller controls the intensity of each LED of the LED light according to the pixel data it receives
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
The present disclosure is generally directed to an aircraft cabin LED lighting system and lighting assembly, in which each LED light is paired with and controlled by a separate microcontroller, which is individually addressable. In various embodiments, a lighting control device (e.g., a control panel for flight attendants) transmits pixel data to various lighting assemblies around the cabin. These lighting assemblies include the microcontroller-LED light pairs. Each LED light is multicolor and includes multiple LEDs (e.g., one for each color). The pixel data defines a color scheme and/or animation sequence. Each pixel maps to one of the microcontroller-LED pairs. The microcontroller controls the intensity of each LED of the LED light according to the pixel data it receives.