Aircraft Light Unit Semi-Transparent Layer Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior aircraft lighting systems, particularly exit signs, face challenges in achieving a uniform light intensity distribution as required by Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), with prior solutions being complex and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A semi-transparent layer with varying transparency regions is applied between the light sources and the exterior of the aircraft light unit, transforming the source-side light intensity distribution into an adjusted distribution that meets the FAR requirements for evenness, allowing for higher power operation of light sources and reduced complexity in production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If prior art approaches employ very complicated optical structures with a large number of light sources to achieve even light intensity distribution, then the light intensity uniformity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates and production becomes too complicated and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a semi-transparent layer with spatially varying transparency properties to different regions of the light distribution path. This layer has higher transparency in regions where light intensity is lower and lower transparency in regions where light intensity is higher, thereby locally adjusting the light distribution to achieve overall uniformity without requiring multiple light sources or complex optical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transparency parameter of the semi-transparent layer across different spatial regions to control light transmission. By varying the transparency parameter from region to region, the system achieves even light intensity distribution while using a single light source, thereby improving reliability and simplifying production
2Illumination intensity
If prior art approaches employ very complicated optical structures with a large number of light sources to achieve even light intensity distribution, then the light intensity uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-transparent layer introduces local quality variation in terms of transparency across different regions, allowing the system to achieve uniform light distribution through a simple optical structure with a single light source rather than through complex multi-source arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The semi-transparent layer acts as an intermediary element between the single light source and the target surface. This intermediary modifies the light distribution by selectively transmitting or blocking light in different regions, thereby achieving uniform illumination without requiring complex optical structures or multiple light sources
3Use of energy by moving object
If light sources are operated at higher power rating to emit more light, then the illumination output is improved, but the light intensity ratio between brightest and least bright portions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-transparent layer applies local quality control by having region-specific transparency values. This allows the system to operate the light source at high power for efficient illumination while the layer locally attenuates light in high-intensity regions and transmits more light in low-intensity regions, thereby maintaining uniform distribution despite high overall intensity
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
The solution achieves a more efficient and reliable light distribution with a lower ratio of maximum to minimum light intensity, reducing the number of light sources needed and enhancing overall efficiency while maintaining a high illumination output.
Implementation Method 1
a semi-transparent layer, disposed between the at least one light source and an outside of the interior aircraft light unit, for transforming the source side light intensity distribution into an adjusted light intensity distribution, wherein the semi-transparent layer has a transparency distribution
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An interior aircraft light unit (2) includes at least one light source (6), in operation emitting light with a source side light intensity distribution (60), the source side light intensity distribution (60) having a first intensity region (61) and a second intensity region (62), with the first intensity region (61) having a higher light intensity than the second intensity region (62), and a semi-transparent layer (8), disposed between the at least one light source (6) and an outside of the interior aircraft light unit (2), for transforming the source side light intensity distribution (60) into an adjusted light intensity distribution, wherein the semi-transparent layer (8) has a transparency distribution having a lower degree of transparency in the first intensity region than in the second intensity region, such that the adjusted light intensity distribution is closer to an even light intensity distribution than the source side light intensity distribution.