Aircraft Light Module End Caps for Gap-Free Cabin Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elongated interior aircraft lights often exhibit unpleasant illumination gaps or low illumination regions at the interfaces between neighboring light modules, which affect the evenness of cabin illumination.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a light output boosting lateral end cap with a light re-directing element, such as a protrusion, that redirects lateral light output to form an ancillary forward light output portion, ensuring even illumination across the interfaces between adjacent light modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple light modules are arranged in a row to form an elongated interior aircraft light, then the light can cover a larger area, but illumination gaps appear at the interfaces between neighboring light modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing light output boosting lateral end caps specifically at the lateral end portions of light modules where interfaces occur. These end caps with light re-directing elements are localized features that redirect lateral light output to form ancillary forward light output portions, thereby locally enhancing illumination at interface regions without affecting the entire light module uniformly.
2Ease of operation
If light modules are installed with spacing between them, then installation is easier and modules are more replaceable, but illumination gaps become more pronounced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the light modules with light output boosting lateral end caps and light re-directing elements during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that when modules are installed with spacing for ease of installation and replacement, the ancillary forward light output portions are already in place to fill illumination gaps, maintaining illumination continuity without requiring precise tight fitting.
3Device complexity
If conventional lateral end caps are used, then the light module structure is simple, but lateral light output is wasted and does not contribute to forward illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the blessing in disguise principle by transforming the previously wasted lateral light output into a beneficial ancillary forward light output portion. The light re-directing elements (such as reflective surfaces or refractive structures) capture lateral light that would otherwise be lost and redirect it forward, converting this harmful energy loss into useful illumination that fills gaps at module interfaces and enhances overall light output efficiency.
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 effectively reduces or eliminates illumination gaps by providing additional light to the target surface, ensuring a highly even illumination across the entire area covered by the elongated interior aircraft lights.
Implementation Method 1
a light re-directing element, wherein the light re-directing element is configured to re-direct at least some light of a lateral light output portion to form an ancillary forward light output portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A light module (4) for an elongated interior aircraft light (2) includes: a plurality of light sources (6), forming an array of light sources (6) that extends between a first lateral end portion (40) of the light module (4) and a second lateral end portion of the light module (4); and an elongated light transmissive cover (8) that is arranged over the array of light sources (6), wherein the elongated light transmissive cover (8) allows a forward light output portion (30), emitted by the plurality of light sources (6) towards the elongated light transmissive cover (8), to pass through; wherein, at at least one of the first lateral end portion (40) and the second lateral end portion, a light output boosting lateral end cap (10) is provided, wherein the light output boosting lateral end cap (10) is shaped to mesh with a neighboring lateral end cap (10') of a neighboring light module and wherein the light output boosting lateral end cap (10) has a light re-directing element (12), wherein the light re-directing element (12) is configured to re-direct at least some light of a lateral light output portion (32), emitted by the plurality of light sources (6) and incident on the light output boosting lateral end cap (10), to form an ancillary forward light output portion (34), which passes along a side face (16) of the light output boosting lateral end cap (10).