Aircraft Mirror Assembly with Integrated Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft mirror assemblies are cumbersome to install and maintain due to large, heavy components and require separate illuminators, which occupy additional space, and often lack integrated indicators for essential information.
Innovation Solution
A semi-transparent mirror assembly with an edge light source, light guide, and controllable illumination zones and indicators, where the light guide directs light through the front cover for illumination and indicators can be activated or deactivated independently, reducing component count and installation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If separate illuminators are used to provide illumination for the mirror, then illumination function is achieved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function with the mirror assembly by integrating a light guide and light source directly into the mirror structure. The light guide is positioned behind the mirror surface and works with the mirror's front cover to provide illumination, eliminating the need for separate illuminators and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: reflection (primary mirror function), illumination (through the light guide and light source), and indication (through integrated indicators on the front cover). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system.
2Loss of information
If indicators are provided at separate locations in the cabin, then passenger information is conveyed, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates indicators directly onto the front cover of the mirror assembly. These indicators can display various information such as attendant indicators, Wi-Fi indicators, and no smoking indicators, combining multiple information delivery functions into a single compact location rather than requiring separate indicator installations throughout the cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The front cover serves multiple functions: it provides the reflective surface for the mirror, houses the illumination zones, and contains the indicators for information delivery. This multi-functionality allows the mirror assembly to convey passenger information without requiring additional space-occupying components elsewhere in the cabin.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror assembly includes multiple individual elements, then functionality is enhanced, but ease of cleaning and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional elements (mirror surface, light guide, light source, indicators, and illumination zones) into a single unified mirror assembly structure. The front cover serves as a common housing that combines the reflective surface with integrated illumination and indication features, creating one cohesive unit that is easier to clean and maintain compared to separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The front cover is designed as a multi-functional component that houses the mirror surface, illumination zones, and indicators. This integration means that a single cleaning process can address all visible surfaces, and a single installation procedure can deploy all functional elements together, improving both ease of cleaning and installation while maintaining enhanced functionality.
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 provides a compact, lightweight mirror assembly that simplifies installation and cleaning, integrates illumination and indicators, and reduces space requirements, enhancing usability and passenger information access.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide arranged adjacent to the front cover. The light source is arranged adjacent to an edge of the light guide. The light guide is configured to direct light from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a front cover semi-transparent. in an activated configuration, the light guide is configured to direct light from the light source to the illumination zone such that light is directed through the illumination zone of the front cover
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft mirror assembly includes a light source, a front cover, and a light guide. The front cover is semi-transparent, the light source is arranged adjacent to an edge of the light guide, and the light guide is arranged adjacent to the front cover. In various aspects, the front cover includes an illumination zone, and, in an activated configuration, the light guide is configured to direct light from the light source to the illumination zone such that light is directed through the illumination zone. In certain aspects, the front cover includes an indicator, and, in an activated configuration, the light guide is configured to direct light from the light source to the indicator such that the indicator is activated. In various examples, the aircraft mirror assembly is provided with an aircraft cabin assembly positionable in a cabin of an aircraft.