Aircraft Interior Lighting Assembly With Power-Line Infrared Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft surveillance systems face challenges in operating effectively in dark environments without redesigning the interior lighting assembly, as they require infrared lighting devices that are not conveniently controllable.

Innovation Solution

An interior aircraft lighting assembly with a supplementary infrared lighting device controller that taps into the existing power supply network, using electric trigger pulses to activate infrared lighting devices, allowing selective operation without additional power or control lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If infrared lighting devices are added to the aircraft lighting assembly for surveillance in dark environments, then surveillance capability in dark environments is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurveillance capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing power supply network is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its original purpose of powering visible light lighting devices and the new function of controlling infrared lighting devices through trigger pulses. This eliminates the need for separate control lines and reduces system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control function for infrared lighting devices is merged with the existing power supply network. The controller injects trigger pulses onto the same power supply lines that power the visible light devices, combining control and power distribution functions into a single infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If separate control lines are added for infrared lighting devices, then control functionality is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidnumber of control lines

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply network is designed to perform dual functions: delivering power to visible light devices and carrying control trigger pulses for infrared devices. This eliminates the need for separate control lines and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Control signals and power distribution are merged into a single network. The controller superimposes trigger pulses on the power supply lines, allowing both power delivery and control functions to be achieved through the same physical infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If additional power supply lines are installed for infrared lighting devices, then power availability is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The existing power supply network is made multi-functional to simultaneously power visible light devices and provide control signals for infrared devices. This eliminates the need for additional power supply lines and reduces installation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing power supply network serves itself by also providing control functions. The same lines that deliver power are utilized to carry control trigger pulses, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional dedicated control infrastructure.

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

Enables convenient control of infrared lighting devices within the existing aircraft lighting system, providing infrared illumination for surveillance while maintaining visible light functionality, thus enhancing security without significant redesign or cost.

Implementation Method 1

The lighting assembly controller is configured to provide an electric trigger pulse on the power supply network for activating the at least one infrared lighting device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric trigger pulse:

Implementation Method 2

at least one infrared lighting device for emitting infrared light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared light emission: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12420927B2Interior aircraft lighting assembly, aircraft passenger service unit with an interior aircraft lighting assembly, and method of operating an interior aircraft lighting assembly

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 GOODRICH LIGHTING SYST GMBH

AI summary

An interior aircraft lighting assembly comprises: at least one infrared lighting device for emitting infrared light; at least one further lighting device for emitting visible light; a lighting assembly controller for controlling an operation of the at least one infrared lighting device and of the at least one further lighting device; a supplementary infrared lighting device controller; and a power supply network, which is configured for supplying electric power from the lighting assembly controller to the at least one further lighting device. The supplementary infrared lighting device controller is tapped into the power supply network. The lighting assembly controller is configured to provide an electric trigger pulse on the power supply network for activating the at least one infrared lighting device.