Aircraft Lighting Device Adapting Projection to Passenger Body

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aircraft passenger lighting devices require manual adjustment and are limited by fixed projection surfaces, which restrict flexibility and comfort for passengers, especially in varying seat positions.

Innovation Solution

A lighting device with continuous adaptable light projection technology, utilizing first and second sensor units to detect body size and position, and generate touch signals for an operator system, allowing for flexible light projection on any suitable body surface, including hands, without the need for fixed positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment and fixed projection surfaces are used, then device structure is simple, but flexibility and comfort for passengers are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability by using sensor units to continuously detect body size and position, allowing the light projection to automatically adjust and adapt to different passengers and seating positions in real-time, transforming a static fixed projection system into a dynamic adaptable one

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment through automated detection and adaptation mechanisms. The sensor units continuously monitor the passenger's body and automatically adjust the light projection parameters without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself and adapt to changing conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If fixed projection surfaces are used, then manufacturing is simple, but operation convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation convenienceVSAvoidprojection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated optical-detection system. Instead of mechanically moving the light source or adjusting fixed surfaces, the system uses sensor units to detect body position and automatically adjusts the light projection through electronic control, substituting mechanical operations with automated sensing and adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical adjustment is provided, then structure is simple, but continuous adaption to body position is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous adaptionVSAvoidsensor and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback loops where sensor units constantly detect body size and position, transmit this information to a control system, which then continuously adjusts the light projection parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time continuous adaptation to changing body positions and orientations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If manual adjustment is required, then device complexity is low, but productivity and service efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice efficiencyVSAvoidautomated control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects passenger presence, body position, and orientation, then self-adjusts the light projection parameters without requiring passenger intervention. This self-service capability eliminates manual adjustment time and continuously optimizes lighting conditions, significantly improving service efficiency and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances passenger comfort and flexibility by allowing light projection on any body surface, enabling easy operation without changing seat positions, and providing a more intuitive and adaptable interface for interacting with aircraft systems.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensor unit provides size and position information of a suitable body for a continuous adaption of the operation surface on the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Implementation Method 2

a second sensor unit detects generated touch signals corresponding to the position on the operation surface being touched

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTouch detection:

Implementation Method 3

providing a light projection of an operator surface on a suitable body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight projection: Light

Data Source

PatentEP2803530B1Lighting device of an aircraft, system, passenger service unit, method of operating a lighting device
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 ZODIAC AEROTECHNICS
  • EP2803530B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2803530B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~2A
  • EP2803530B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting device (1000) for at least one passenger of an aircraft, comprising: means for providing a light projection of an operator surface on a suitable body (413, 511), wherein the operator surface is adapted for generating touch signals, and the operator surface is performed by a beam forming module (50) for adjusting the light beam geometrical properties and a light forming module for adjusting the light optical properties. According to the invention the light projection is formed as a continuous adaptable light projection, wherein a first sensor unit (20) provides size and position information of the suitable body for a continuous adaption of the operation surface on the body and a second sensor unit (30) detects generated touch signals corresponding to the position on the operation surface being touched, and wherein the generated information and touch signals are transmitted to an operator system (300) for achieving an operating response.