Aircraft Ceiling Panel Rotation for Light Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling lighting systems in aircraft cabins are difficult to maintain due to the need for high-reach replacement and lack of space for large ceiling panels, making maintenance cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling lighting apparatus with a rotatable ceiling panel that can be suspended from the ceiling structure, allowing maintenance to be performed comfortably from the aisle while avoiding the need for additional space, and featuring an electrical connector positioned near the axis to prevent wire disconnection during rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ceiling light is provided in the support member located at the ceiling, then the lighting function is achieved, but the maintenance work becomes difficult due to high location and lack of space
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling panel is designed to be rotatable about a vertical axis passing through the light source, allowing it to transition between a horizontal installed position and a vertical maintenance position. This dynamic configuration enables the light to be accessed at a convenient height while maintaining its functional integration into the ceiling structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling panel is separated from the support member, allowing independent rotation and positioning. The light source is integrated with the ceiling panel rather than the support member, enabling the panel to be rotated into a maintenance position where the light is accessible at a lower, more convenient height for technicians.
2Ease of repair
If the ceiling panel is removed for light replacement, then the light can be accessed, but additional space is required to place the large ceiling panel
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling panel rotates vertically about a fixed axis rather than being completely removed and placed elsewhere. This rotational movement allows the panel to be positioned in a vertical maintenance orientation where the light is accessible, eliminating the need for additional horizontal storage space while enabling easy light replacement.
3Ease of operation
If the ceiling panel is rotated for maintenance, then the light becomes accessible, but the electrical connector and wires must remain connected
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is specifically positioned at the vertical axis of rotation, where it remains stationary during panel rotation. This localized positioning ensures that the wire connections remain stable and undisturbed while the rest of the ceiling panel rotates into the maintenance position, maintaining both accessibility and connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a ceiling lighting apparatus of an aircraft which can improve maintainability. The ceiling lighting apparatus includes: a ceiling panel 20 that is provided so as to be erected and laid with respect to a ceiling structure 14 that constitutes a ceiling structure of the aircraft with a hinge 15 as a rotation center; and a light30 that is provided in the ceiling panel 20. A mechanic can perform maintenance of the light 30 in a comfortable posture with the ceiling panel 20 rotated to be suspended from a ceiling. Accordingly, the maintainability can be improved.